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Master the game-changing DNA tool

everyone's talking about

And FINALLY identify Your Mystery Matches

using tools to analyze shared matches of matches

Shared Matches of Matches Course Wait List

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Shared Matches of Matches Course.

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Make more DNA discoveries

More confidently

In less time

With less confusion

With this breakthrough tool

What you'll learn in

Shared Matches of Matches: A DNA Grouping Strategy

  • Step-by-step methods for using the Shared Matches of Matches tool available at Ancestry, MyHeritage and 23andMe

  • Progressive instruction that takes you from “right-now” strategies to more advanced ones

  • A process you can follow repeatedly and in different situations to organize your data and focus on the matches that matter most

  • How to use our series of carefully-designed research logs to keep track of everything

  • How to confidently apply the strategies through practice and homework

  • How observing patterns and trends can help you more quickly and precisely define the branch of interest in your match’s family tree, so your genealogy research will be much more efficient

  • Time-saving insights into which matches you should focus your efforts on

  • How this tool can help you break through your brick walls and answer your questions

Shared Matches of Matches: A DNA Grouping Strategy

In a nutshell, you’ll learn an organized process that takes full advantage of the tools for analyzing shared matches of matches. This will help you shortcut the time-consuming “DO GENEALOGY” step to help you identify your missing ancestor faster and more accurately.

How the Course helps you master tools

for analyzing shared matches of matches

  • Engaging video tutorials and companion exercises offer a guided learning experience

  • Short, step-by-step, close-captioned modules help you digest one concept at a time

  • On-demand access lets you set your own pace: start, stop and rewatch whenever you want

  • Practice case study prepares you to use the tool with your own research

  • Expert-led discussion boards, so you can ask questions and discuss what you're learning

  • Professionally-designed workbook (print/fillable PDF) turns your coursework into a handy reference guide

  • Unlimited, indefinite access to the Course: return and refresh your learning anytime

  • FREE occasional updates as the tools for analyzing shared matches of matches may develop over time–we want to keep your learning current

How much is the Shared Matches of Matches Course?

Just $97!

Who are we?

Your DNA Guide

Our sole purpose is to teach and inspire YOU to use DNA to explore your roots. We believe you can do it, and that there is power in making your own DNA discoveries. We’ve been focused on this mission for 10 years, which experience has made us a leading global genetic genealogy education company.

Diahan Southard, Founder and CEO

and a world-renowned genetic genealogy educator

I teach people how to use DNA testing to learn about their families. I believe that discovering your family story is so empowering! Learning it makes you stronger, more rooted, more connected, more confident. You can do it–and I can help you, just as I’ve helped thousands of people around the world. 

What do you mean by "shared matches of matches" tools?

This is a term we are using to collectively describe tools that allow you to see how much DNA your DNA matches are sharing with each other. At AncestryDNA, the tool is called Enhanced shared matches. MyHeritage DNA calls their tool Shared DNA Matches. At FamilyTreeDNA, the tool is called Family Finder-Matrix. At 23andMe, it is called Relatives in Common.

Who is this Course for? How do I know if I’m ready for it?

Anyone at any point in their DNA education can learn something from this course. It helps if you have some experience in using the shared matches tool at your DNA testing company. Those with more advanced DNA experience will appreciate the insights about recognizing patterns and trends.

Even if you have endogamy in your family lines, this course can help you, as we are primarily working with closer matches who are less affected by intermarriage.

What subscriptions or other special requirements are needed?

You will likely experience the greatest success if you have test results to work with at Ancestry.com, since their testing pool is the largest. On the Ancestry platform, you will need to have a subscription and a monthly membership to Pro Tools. If you don’t already have it, purchase one-month’s access while doing the Course. By the time you complete the Course, you’ll have a good idea whether you want to keep using Pro Tools.

You can also use tests at MyHeritage or 23andMe, which have had tools for viewing shared matches of matches for a long time. At MyHeritage, you’ll need access to the advanced DNA tools. If you tested with MyHeritage, you’ll need a subscription that includes the advanced DNA tools. If you uploaded your results from another site, you can purchase access to the advanced DNA tools for $29 per test.

What technical requirements are there?

This course takes place online. To access it, you’ll need a reliable internet connection for streaming the video learning sessions and for additional learning on your own time. 

Why is this an on-demand course rather than a live workshop?

We chose an on-demand course format for a few reasons. This is a foundational DNA skill. You will use these strategies you learn again and again for new research questions. You get to keep access to the Course materials indefinitely, because we want you to be able to come back and review as needed.

Also, some people need more time than others for the concepts to sink in. We want everyone to be able to go at their own pace and stop, start and rewatch the tutorials as often as needed. We don’t want anyone to feel pressure to complete lessons quickly so others can “move on,” which can happen in a live experience.

Here's what our Shared Matches of Matches Course developers have to say about the Course...

"For the first time ever, I finally found a place on the tree for all of my matches!"

Lori Napolitano

SMOMs Course Developer

& Genetic Genealogy Coach

Katie Crichton

SMOMs Course Developer

& Academy Assistant


"Our new Shared Matches of Matches (SMOMs) process helps you identify smaller clusters of matches so you can laser-focus your attention on the most helpful ones. This worked for my mystery match, Mary Smith. Using the SMoMs process, I identified Mary’s parents and grandparents within minutes! That’s what I call a WIN."

Take the Course now–

and soon this game-changing tool will give you

more powerful insights into

how people fit together

on your family tree.

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