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5 effective ways to leverage your first-party data with Customer Match on Google ads

Written by Jessica Linder | January 29, 2025

The Customer Match list is a powerful tool on Google ads that allows you to use your first-party data and create customized campaigns that target or exclude specific audiences. Here are five key ways to maximize the potential of your customer list: 

1. Increase bids for existing customers

If your goal is to enhance customer lifetime value, one effective strategy is to integrate your customer match list into your existing campaigns and target these customers more effectively by adjusting your bids to prioritize them. Actively engaging with your customers will encourage their return, helping you maximize the potential of your existing audience.  

2. Enhance Smart Bidding with better signals

Google Ads’ Smart Bidding algorithms can be improved with high-quality customer data. By uploading your customer list, you provide Google with additional signals that help it fine-tune bidding strategies and potentially achieve better outcomes.

3. Re-engage customers with targeted campaigns

Customer Match is an excellent tool for re-engaging your audience. Use it to remind your past customers about promotions, new products, or exclusive offers. Custom-tailored campaigns can bring previous customers back and boost conversion rates. This approach is particularly beneficial if your company offers specific cross-selling promotions or loyalty programs. 

4. Exclude audiences to refine campaign focus

The opposite of the last point on re-engaging existing customers, the customer match list can also be used to help streamline your targeting by excluding certain audiences. If your goal is to reach only new clients and you want to avoid targeting existing customers in your campaigns, you can use audience exclusions to remove them from specific ad groups or campaigns. This way, you ensure that your budget is focused on reaching fresh prospects. 

5. Target new users with Similar Audiences

If you have a solid customer base, you can use Google’s Similar Audiences feature to expand your reach. By targeting people who resemble your current customers, you can drive awareness and attract potential customers who are likely to convert. This tactic is particularly useful for businesses that rely on specific niche audiences or B2B sales. 

Harness the power of first-party data 

By effectively utilizing your first-party data you can develop campaigns that are not only more targeted but also significantly more efficient. First-party data provides valuable insights into your audience's behaviors, preferences, and demographics, enabling you to tailor your marketing efforts to their specific needs.