The phenomenon involves instances where individuals encounter advertisements in languages different from their expected or preferred language settings within the Google Ads platform, often reported on the Reddit platform. For example, a user based in an English-speaking country might see advertisements in Spanish despite having their Google account and search settings configured for English.
This issue is significant because it directly impacts ad relevance and effectiveness. Irrelevant ads due to language discrepancies can lead to wasted ad spend for advertisers and a frustrating user experience for individuals searching online. Its occurrence highlights potential discrepancies in how Google’s algorithms interpret user language preferences and target advertisements. Historically, such issues have stemmed from a variety of factors, including IP address misidentification, incorrect user settings, or algorithmic errors within the ad targeting system.
The subsequent discussion will delve into the underlying causes, potential solutions, and preventive measures related to misdirected ad language targeting. Topics explored include user account settings, troubleshooting steps, and strategies for advertisers to refine their language targeting parameters.
1. Language Targeting Inaccuracies
Language targeting inaccuracies represent a primary cause behind the occurrences documented on platforms such as Reddit under the banner of “google ads wrong language search term.” When advertisers fail to precisely configure their campaign language settings, advertisements may be displayed to users who do not understand the ad’s language. The causal link is straightforward: imprecise targeting leads to ad impressions on irrelevant audiences, directly contributing to reports of unexpected language displays. For example, if an advertiser intends to reach English speakers but includes overly broad location targeting without proper language restrictions, users browsing in other languages within that region may encounter the ad.
The importance of accurate language targeting within Google Ads is underscored by its direct impact on campaign performance. Erroneous language settings negate the intended messaging, reducing click-through rates and conversion rates. Users encountering ads in unfamiliar languages are less likely to engage, leading to a diminished return on ad spend. Reddit posts often detail instances where users, despite having their Google account settings configured for a specific language, are served ads in a different language. This indicates potential flaws in the interaction between user language preferences and advertiser targeting parameters, necessitating a more granular approach to campaign setup. A real-life case might involve an advertiser targeting “online courses” in the United States, failing to exclude Spanish speakers within that geographical region, leading to wasted impressions on an unintended audience.
In conclusion, language targeting inaccuracies form a critical component of the broader issue documented on Reddit. Addressing this requires advertisers to implement rigorous language targeting strategies, continuously monitor campaign performance across various language demographics, and refine their settings based on data-driven insights. Overcoming these inaccuracies ultimately enhances ad relevance, improves user experience, and ensures efficient allocation of advertising resources, mitigating the problem of “google ads wrong language search term” encounters.
2. User Location Misidentification
User location misidentification contributes significantly to the issues surrounding advertisement language discrepancies, frequently discussed on platforms like Reddit. Erroneous geolocation data can lead to advertisements in languages unintended for the user, despite correct language settings within their Google account. This misidentification stems from various factors, affecting both ad relevance and advertising efficiency.
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IP Address Inaccuracy
IP addresses, used to estimate user locations, can be imprecise. A users IP address might geographically locate them in a different region or even country than their actual location. For example, a user near a border region may be assigned an IP address associated with the neighboring country, resulting in ads in the neighboring country’s language despite the user’s primary language being different. This directly correlates with Reddit reports of seeing ads in languages other than the user’s preferred language. The implication is that advertisers, relying on IP-based geolocation, may inadvertently target the wrong linguistic group, wasting ad spend.
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VPN Usage
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) deliberately mask or alter a user’s IP address. If a user connects through a VPN server located in a different country, their apparent location shifts to the VPN server’s location. Consequently, Google Ads might serve advertisements in the language prevalent in that VPN server’s location, regardless of the user’s actual language preference. On Reddit, users frequently cite VPN usage as a cause for encountering ads in unexpected languages. The result is that users are exposed to irrelevant advertisements, and advertisers are targeting an inaccurate demographic, leading to diminished ad effectiveness.
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Mobile Network Localization Errors
Mobile network triangulation, used to determine a device’s location, is not always accurate. Errors in this process can lead to misidentification of a user’s location, particularly in densely populated areas or areas with weak network signals. For instance, a user located in an English-speaking area might be incorrectly located in a nearby area with a significant population of another language speakers, leading to incorrect ad targeting. This contributes to the reported instances on Reddit where users are served ads in languages that do not correspond with their actual location or language preference.
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Browser Location Permissions
Users can grant or deny websites and services permission to access their precise location through their web browsers. If a user has not granted location permission, Google Ads relies on less precise methods, such as IP address, to estimate their location. This imprecision can result in location misidentification. A user might be located in a specific region of a city, but due to lack of precise location data, they are targeted as being in a broader, linguistically diverse area. This contributes to the problem highlighted on Reddit, where users feel their language preferences are ignored due to inaccurate location targeting.
These facets underscore how user location misidentification, stemming from IP address inaccuracies, VPN usage, mobile network localization errors, and browser location permissions, directly contributes to the issues reported on Reddit concerning ads displayed in unintended languages. Resolving these problems requires a multifaceted approach, involving improved geolocation technologies, more precise ad targeting settings, and increased user awareness of location-based advertising practices. Accurate user location is vital for ensuring relevant advertising experiences and avoiding wasted advertising resources.
3. Algorithmic Interpretation Errors
Algorithmic interpretation errors constitute a crucial factor in the instances of mismatched ad language targeting, frequently discussed under the “google ads wrong language search term reddit” topic. These errors arise from the complex algorithms that determine ad relevance and placement, leading to advertisements displayed in languages inconsistent with user expectations. These errors impact both the user experience and the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
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Keyword Ambiguity
Algorithms can misinterpret the intended language of keywords, particularly those with similar spellings across different languages. For example, the word “course” exists in both English and French, with different meanings. An algorithm failing to differentiate between the intended language based on context may trigger ads in unintended languages. This ambiguity contributes to the reports on Reddit, where users searching in one language are shown ads relevant to the same keyword in another language. This necessitates improved context analysis in keyword interpretation.
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User Signal Misinterpretation
Google’s algorithms analyze various user signals to determine language preferences, including search history, browsing behavior, and language settings. However, these signals can be misinterpreted. For example, a user occasionally visiting websites in another language might be incorrectly identified as bilingual or interested in that language, leading to ads being shown in that language. Reddit users often highlight situations where sporadic foreign language website visits result in a deluge of ads in that language, despite their primary language preference. This points to a need for more sophisticated signal analysis and weighting.
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Contextual Targeting Flaws
Contextual targeting involves displaying ads based on the content of the webpage the user is viewing. However, algorithms can misinterpret the dominant language or context of a page. For instance, a webpage primarily in English might contain a small section in another language, leading the algorithm to incorrectly classify the page as multilingual and serve ads in the secondary language. This is relevant to “google ads wrong language search term reddit” because users may encounter these ads while browsing seemingly relevant content. Improved language detection and contextual analysis are required to mitigate these issues.
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Translation Tool Interference
Algorithms might inadvertently consider the presence of browser-based translation tools as an indication of multilingual proficiency. If a user frequently translates websites from one language to another, the algorithm could erroneously assume that the user is comfortable with both languages and serve ads in the translated language. This is a common complaint on Reddit, where users employing translation tools are then bombarded with ads in the original language of the translated content. The issue underscores the need for algorithms to differentiate between active language preference and mere translation activity.
These facets illustrate how algorithmic interpretation errors contribute to the “google ads wrong language search term reddit” phenomenon. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach, including refining keyword analysis, improving user signal interpretation, enhancing contextual targeting accuracy, and accounting for the impact of translation tools. Continuous monitoring and refinement of these algorithmic processes are crucial for ensuring accurate and relevant ad targeting.
4. Campaign Setup Configuration
Campaign setup configuration directly influences the occurrence of language-related ad display discrepancies, often reported on Reddit under the phrase “google ads wrong language search term reddit”. Inadequate or incorrect configuration of language targeting options within the Google Ads platform is a primary causal factor. The platform provides granular controls for specifying the languages to which ads should be served. Failure to utilize these controls effectively, or misunderstanding their impact, results in ads being displayed to users whose preferred language does not align with the ad’s language. For instance, an advertiser creating a campaign targeting “running shoes” in the United States, without specifically designating English as the target language, may inadvertently serve ads to Spanish speakers within that geographic region, thereby generating a mismatch and contributing to reports of inappropriate language ad displays.
The importance of precise campaign setup stems from its direct impact on ad relevance and campaign efficiency. Ads displayed in the wrong language are unlikely to generate clicks or conversions, leading to wasted ad spend. Proper configuration involves selecting the appropriate languages in the campaign settings, ensuring that the geographic targeting aligns with the linguistic demographics, and continuously monitoring ad performance across different language segments. The practical application of this understanding requires advertisers to meticulously review and adjust their campaign settings, analyzing data to identify potential language targeting errors and optimizing their campaigns accordingly. For example, analyzing a campaign’s performance data might reveal a significant number of impressions being served to users whose detected language is different from the intended target language, prompting the advertiser to refine their language targeting parameters.
In summary, campaign setup configuration serves as a critical determinant in preventing the display of ads in unintended languages. Inadequate attention to language targeting settings within Google Ads contributes directly to the issues reported under “google ads wrong language search term reddit”. Addressing this requires a thorough understanding of the available configuration options, continuous monitoring of campaign performance, and a proactive approach to optimizing language targeting based on data-driven insights. Overcoming these challenges enhances ad relevance, improves campaign efficiency, and ensures that advertisements are effectively reaching the intended audience.
5. Reddit User Reports
Reddit user reports are integral to understanding the scope and nature of the “google ads wrong language search term reddit” phenomenon. These reports provide anecdotal evidence of instances where individuals encounter advertisements in languages that do not align with their presumed language settings or geographic location. They act as an early warning system, highlighting potential systemic issues within the Google Ads platform or specific advertiser campaigns. For example, multiple users reporting similar experiencessuch as seeing Spanish ads despite their Google account being set to English and residing in an English-speaking countrysuggests a broader problem than isolated incidents. The collective feedback on Reddit serves to amplify awareness of these issues and creates pressure on Google to investigate and address them. Without these user reports, identifying patterns and understanding the frequency of such occurrences would be significantly more challenging.
These reports often offer detailed descriptions of the context in which the incorrect language ads appear, including the user’s search queries, browsing history, and account settings. This contextual information helps to identify potential root causes, such as keyword ambiguity, location targeting errors, or algorithmic misinterpretations. Moreover, Reddit threads dedicated to this topic often serve as troubleshooting forums, where users share potential solutions, workarounds, and strategies for mitigating the problem. For example, users might suggest adjusting language preferences in their Google account, using VPNs to mask their location, or reporting the issue directly to Google. This collaborative problem-solving contributes to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving the issue and facilitates the development of effective mitigation strategies.
In conclusion, Reddit user reports play a crucial role in documenting, analyzing, and addressing the “google ads wrong language search term reddit” problem. These reports provide valuable insights into the frequency, context, and potential causes of language-related ad display discrepancies. They also foster a community-driven approach to problem-solving, enabling users to share solutions and advocate for improvements in the Google Ads platform. The aggregation of these reports serves as a vital resource for both users and advertisers seeking to understand and mitigate the issues associated with inaccurate language targeting in online advertising.
6. Ad Relevance Degradation
Ad relevance degradation, a decrease in the pertinence and usefulness of advertisements to users, is directly linked to the issues described under “google ads wrong language search term reddit”. When individuals encounter advertisements in languages different from their preferred language or expected language settings, the relevance of those ads diminishes significantly, affecting both user experience and advertising effectiveness. The misalignment between ad language and user language expectation forms the foundation for this degradation.
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Diminished Click-Through Rates
Click-through rates (CTR) serve as a key indicator of ad relevance. When ads are displayed in unintended languages, users are less likely to click on them. For instance, an English-speaking user encountering a Spanish advertisement is unlikely to engage with the ad, regardless of the product or service advertised. This leads to a decline in CTR, signaling a degradation in ad relevance. In the context of “google ads wrong language search term reddit,” reports often detail instances where users immediately dismiss ads due to unfamiliar languages, impacting ad performance metrics and signaling diminished relevance.
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Reduced Conversion Rates
Conversion rates, the percentage of users who complete a desired action after clicking on an ad, are also negatively impacted by language discrepancies. Even if a user clicks on an ad in a different language out of curiosity, the likelihood of them completing a purchase or filling out a form decreases significantly. For example, a user who clicks on an ad for “software” in German, despite not speaking German fluently, is unlikely to navigate the website and complete a purchase. This reduction in conversion rates directly reflects ad relevance degradation. User testimonials on Reddit echo this, noting that language barriers impede the ability to understand the offer and complete transactions.
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Increased Bounce Rates
Bounce rates, the percentage of users who leave a website after viewing only one page, can increase due to language mismatches. When users click on an ad expecting content in their preferred language and are instead directed to a page in a different language, they are likely to leave the site immediately. This increase in bounce rates indicates that the ad failed to deliver on its promise and did not provide a relevant experience. The direct connection to “google ads wrong language search term reddit” is that the ad is immediately deemed irrelevant, leading to a high bounce rate and poor engagement. It creates a negative impression.
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Lower Quality Scores
Quality Score is a metric used by Google Ads to assess the overall quality and relevance of ads and keywords. Ads with low relevance, reflected in poor CTRs, low conversion rates, and high bounce rates, receive lower Quality Scores. This, in turn, affects ad ranking and cost per click (CPC). If an ad consistently displays in the wrong language, leading to poor performance, its Quality Score will decrease, resulting in lower visibility and higher advertising costs. The “google ads wrong language search term reddit” discussion often includes concerns about advertisers being penalized due to these inaccuracies, leading to degraded ad performance and increased costs because of irrelevant ads being shown.
These facets demonstrate the tangible ways in which ad relevance degrades when language targeting is inaccurate. The diminished CTRs, reduced conversion rates, increased bounce rates, and lower Quality Scores all contribute to a less effective and more costly advertising campaign. Ultimately, addressing the issue of “google ads wrong language search term reddit” is essential for maintaining ad relevance, optimizing campaign performance, and ensuring a positive user experience.
7. Advertiser Cost Implications
Advertiser cost implications form a significant component of the challenges associated with the “google ads wrong language search term reddit” phenomenon. The inefficient targeting and wasted ad spend that result from language-related discrepancies directly impact advertisers’ bottom lines, underscoring the importance of precise campaign configuration and ongoing performance monitoring.
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Wasted Ad Spend on Irrelevant Impressions
Incorrect language targeting leads to ad impressions being served to users who do not understand the ad’s language. These impressions, while incurring costs to the advertiser, are unlikely to generate clicks or conversions. For example, an advertiser targeting “luxury watches” might inadvertently serve ads to Spanish speakers in the United States if language targeting is not properly configured. These impressions, while potentially numerous, represent wasted ad spend as the target audience is unlikely to engage with the ad. The cost implications are direct: advertisers pay for impressions that have minimal to no value. This wastage exacerbates the issues discussed on Reddit, as it highlights a fundamental inefficiency within the ad targeting system.
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Reduced Click-Through Rates (CTR) and Increased Cost Per Click (CPC)
When ads are shown to users who do not understand the language, the click-through rate (CTR) decreases. As CTR declines, Google Ads may increase the cost per click (CPC) to compensate for the ad’s lower relevance. The result is a double-edged sword: advertisers are paying more for each click while simultaneously experiencing fewer clicks. For instance, if an ad campaign for “car insurance” is displaying ads in French to users who primarily speak English, the CTR will likely be low. This can lead to Google Ads increasing the CPC to encourage more clicks, despite the ad’s inherent irrelevance to the user. This scenario aligns directly with the concerns raised on Reddit regarding the financial repercussions of language targeting errors.
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Lower Quality Scores and Decreased Ad Ranking
Quality Score, a metric used by Google Ads to assess the relevance and quality of ads and keywords, is negatively impacted by language targeting errors. Low CTR, high bounce rates, and poor landing page experience all contribute to a lower Quality Score. An ad with a low Quality Score will rank lower in search results and may be displayed less frequently, thereby reducing visibility and potential customer reach. This reduction in ad ranking can force advertisers to increase their bids to maintain visibility, further increasing their advertising costs. Examples shared on Reddit often describe scenarios where advertisers, unaware of language targeting errors, see their Quality Scores plummet and subsequently experience higher CPCs and lower ad rankings, adversely affecting their overall campaign performance.
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Increased Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)
Cost Per Acquisition (CPA), the cost of acquiring a single customer, is a critical metric for measuring the return on investment (ROI) of advertising campaigns. When ads are displayed in the wrong language, the likelihood of acquiring a customer decreases significantly. This reduced conversion rate drives up the CPA, making the advertising campaign less profitable. For example, an advertiser targeting “online education” who inadvertently displays ads in a language other than the user’s primary language will likely see a lower conversion rate and a higher CPA. The financial implications are clear: the advertiser spends more money to acquire each customer due to the language-related targeting error. This inefficiency directly contradicts the goals of effective advertising and underscores the importance of addressing the issues reported under “google ads wrong language search term reddit”.
The aforementioned facets highlight the significant advertiser cost implications associated with the “google ads wrong language search term reddit” problem. The wasted ad spend, reduced CTRs, lower Quality Scores, and increased CPAs all contribute to a less efficient and more costly advertising campaign. Addressing these issues requires meticulous campaign configuration, continuous performance monitoring, and a proactive approach to optimizing language targeting based on data-driven insights. Mitigating these challenges is crucial for maximizing advertising ROI and ensuring effective communication with the intended audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding instances where Google Ads display in unintended languages, a recurring topic on Reddit. The following provides clarity on the issue and potential solutions.
Question 1: What are the primary reasons for Google Ads appearing in the wrong language?
Google Ads appearing in unintended languages can stem from several factors. These include imprecise language targeting within the Google Ads campaign settings, algorithmic misinterpretations of user language preferences, inaccurate geolocation data, and the use of VPNs that mask the user’s true location. Keyword ambiguity can also contribute if keywords have different meanings across languages.
Question 2: How can users adjust their Google account settings to prevent this?
Users can modify their Google account language preferences to align with their preferred language. Access the Google account settings, navigate to the “Language” section, and ensure the desired language is set as the primary language. Additionally, verify the accuracy of the location settings, as this data influences ad targeting. Clearing browser cache and cookies may also remove conflicting data.
Question 3: What steps can advertisers take to improve their language targeting?
Advertisers should meticulously configure the language targeting options within their Google Ads campaigns. This includes selecting the appropriate languages in the campaign settings and aligning geographic targeting with linguistic demographics. Regular monitoring of campaign performance across different language segments is essential to identify and correct any language-related errors. Utilizing location exclusion techniques is also beneficial.
Question 4: How does Google determine a user’s language preference for ad targeting?
Google employs various signals to determine a user’s language preference, including the user’s Google account settings, search history, browsing behavior, and location data. However, algorithmic misinterpretations can occur if these signals are ambiguous or conflicting. VPN usage can also obscure the user’s actual location and language.
Question 5: What impact does this issue have on advertising costs?
Incorrect language targeting leads to wasted ad spend, reduced click-through rates, and potentially lower Quality Scores. Advertisers may pay for impressions served to users who do not understand the ad’s language, resulting in a diminished return on investment. Addressing language targeting errors is crucial for optimizing campaign efficiency and reducing advertising costs.
Question 6: How effective is reporting ads in the wrong language?
Reporting ads displayed in the wrong language provides valuable feedback to Google, enabling them to refine their ad targeting algorithms and address potential errors. User reports contribute to a more accurate and relevant advertising ecosystem. While reporting individual ads may not yield immediate results, the aggregate data assists in improving overall ad targeting accuracy.
In summary, Google Ads appearing in unintended languages stems from a complex interplay of factors, including campaign configuration, algorithmic interpretation, and user settings. Addressing this requires a multifaceted approach involving precise language targeting, user awareness, and continuous monitoring of ad performance.
The subsequent section will explore practical troubleshooting tips for users encountering this issue.
Troubleshooting Tips
The following offers guidance for resolving instances where Google Ads appear in an unintended language, an issue frequently discussed on Reddit. These tips are designed to provide actionable steps for both users and advertisers.
Tip 1: Verify Google Account Language Settings: Confirm the language preferences within the Google account. Access account settings and navigate to the “Language” section. Ensure the desired language is set as the primary language. Inconsistencies between account settings and actual language usage can trigger ad display errors. For example, a Google account set to Spanish, used primarily for English browsing, might receive Spanish ads. This step ensures the baseline setting is correct.
Tip 2: Review Browser Language Preferences: Check the language settings within the web browser. Most browsers allow users to specify their preferred languages for web content. Ensure the preferred language aligns with the desired ad language. A mismatch between browser and Google account language settings can create conflicts. Discrepancies here can confuse ad-serving algorithms.
Tip 3: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Browser cache and cookies can store outdated or incorrect language data, leading to ad display errors. Clearing this data removes potentially conflicting information and allows the ad-serving algorithms to refresh user language preferences. It mitigates potential contamination of language settings from prior browsing sessions.
Tip 4: Disable VPN or Proxy Servers Temporarily: VPNs and proxy servers mask the user’s true location, potentially leading to ad targeting based on the server’s location rather than the user’s actual location. Disabling these services temporarily can help determine if the location masking is contributing to the language mismatch. This ensures geolocation data aligns with the user’s physical location.
Tip 5: Examine Google Ads Personalization Settings: Google Ads offers personalization settings that influence ad targeting. Review these settings and ensure they accurately reflect language preferences and interests. Incorrectly configured personalization settings can lead to irrelevant ad displays. These should be validated for correctness.
Tip 6: For Advertisers: Refine Language Targeting Parameters: Advertisers should meticulously configure language targeting options within Google Ads campaigns. The campaign settings should include specifically targeted language demographics. Analyzing reports detailing served language impressions versus click through rate helps to detect misalignment, enabling refinement of campaign settings. Consider location exclusions where appropriate, and regularly evaluate the interaction between geography and linguistic patterns.
Tip 7: Report Irrelevant Ads: Utilize the reporting features within Google Ads to flag ads displayed in the wrong language. This provides direct feedback to Google, assisting in the refinement of ad targeting algorithms. Although not a comprehensive fix, this feedback contributes towards the resolution of broader issues with language interpretation.
Implementing these steps can help mitigate instances of Google Ads appearing in unintended languages, leading to a more relevant and effective ad experience. Precise configuration and monitoring remain essential for maintaining accuracy in ad targeting.
The following section concludes the discussion.
Conclusion
The multifaceted analysis has explored the phenomenon of “google ads wrong language search term reddit,” dissecting its various causal factors. The examination has illuminated issues ranging from campaign setup configuration errors and algorithmic interpretation flaws to user location misidentification and inherent limitations within keyword analysis. User reports on platforms such as Reddit provide critical evidence of the scope and impact of these issues, highlighting the need for consistent improvement and vigilance.
Effective mitigation requires a concerted effort from both users and advertisers, emphasizing accurate account settings, precise campaign configuration, and continuous monitoring of ad performance. Further refinement of ad targeting algorithms and increased user awareness of available controls remain essential. Addressing the challenges associated with mismatched ad language is crucial for ensuring relevant advertising experiences, optimizing advertising spend, and fostering a more effective online ecosystem. The continued vigilance of users and advertisers alike is paramount for maintaining accuracy and relevance in ad targeting, thereby minimizing the occurrence of these discrepancies in the future.
