In B2B PPC lead generation, the goal of most advertising campaigns isn’t to drive sales but leads. These leads eventually turn into sales, but it often takes 12–18 months. There are multiple touchpoints along the journey from initial identification of need to finally signing a contract and there are costs involved in each stage. Understanding…
Website traffic comes from various channels, including search, direct, paid, referral, and social. Search traffic is arguably the most crucial form of traffic since it connects the right audience—with the right search intent at the right funnel stage—to your site via SERPs and helps you answer the questions your customers are asking. It’s also the…
Google announces temporary restrictions on political advertising related to US elections, effective after the last polls close on election day. Details: Pause begins: After polls close on November 5th Affects: All ads relating to US elections, their processes, or outcomes Includes: US Election Ads and broader election-related content Duration: Temporary, with no specified end date…
Google is rolling out changes to how Performance Max and Standard Shopping campaigns compete in ad auctions, starting in October. Key changes: Performance Max will no longer automatically trump Standard Shopping campaigns Highest Ad Rank will now determine which ad serves for overlapping campaigns Brings these campaigns in line with other campaign types’ auction behavior…
YouTube citations grew in Google AI Overviews (AIO) by 310% since August and 200% since September, according to new data from enterprise SEO platform BrightEdge. Why we care. First, this seems to be a clear case of self-preferencing, with Google increasing the visibility of YouTube, a property it owns. Though, at this point, this feels…
Microsoft announced a number of new features for Bing Webmaster Tools including a new recommendations section, 16 months of data (up from six months) and a limited private preview of Copilot. Recommendations Bing Webmaster Tools is “evolving” its Top Insights section and renaming it to “Recommendations.” Microsoft said the new recommendations provide a “more comprehensive…
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) was created to change the digital landscape in Europe. This new EU legislation aims to promote competition, stop monopolistic behavior and ensure that digital markets are fairer and more open. To understand its significance, we first need to explore how Google became a dominant force in the search industry and…
Google is experimenting with new search ad formats in the form of expandable sponsored ads and in-ad search refinements. Details: Expandable search ads: Users can expand or collapse sponsored search ads. Expanded view shows a carousel of search ads. In-ad search refinements: Search refinement options appear within the ad box. Allows users to narrow their…
Google is launching a revamped version of Google Shopping, powered by AI and designed to personalize the online shopping experience. The overhaul will roll out in the U.S. over the coming weeks, offering shoppers enhanced tools for finding products, comparing prices, and even virtually trying on clothes. Key details: AI-enhanced product searches: When users search…
Google is set to update its third-party policy in November 2024, introducing severe consequences for those enabling significant or sustained policy violations. Details: New penalties target third parties that enable significant or sustained policy violations. Consequences may include: Loss of privileges. Removal from Google third-party programs (e.g., Google Partners). Account suspension. Why it matters: The…
Measuring PPC success can be challenging when teams lack clear, actionable metrics. Without the right KPIs, it’s challenging to know whether your paid media campaigns or business initiatives are truly performing. This lack of clarity can lead to misaligned goals, wasted efforts and missed opportunities, leaving teams confused about what is and isn’t working. By…
The way consumers search, discover and purchase products is rapidly changing. Traditional search engines like Google have dominated this process, but the lengthy, multi-step journey often leads to drop-offs and a fragmented experience. Today’s consumers, especially younger ones, want faster, seamless experiences. TikTok and YouTube are capitalizing on this, transforming ecommerce by integrating discovery and…
A big challenge for many SEO professionals is identifying what needs to change to move the needle. This article recaps a topic from my SMX Advanced presentation on determining which URLs you should prioritize for Core Web Vitals. Qualitative vs. quantitative SEO priorities I’m a big fan of quantitative SEO changes impacting thousands of URLs…
Reddit is enhancing its advertising platform with new keyword targeting capabilities, aiming to improve ad relevance and performance for advertisers. The big picture. Reddit is leveraging its community-driven structure to provide contextual advertising opportunities, potentially challenging other social media platforms in the digital ad space. Key features. Keyword Targeting: Places ads within specific conversations, driving…
Google Ads is set to implement a new data retention policy, limiting historical data access to 11 years. As data privacy concerns continues to grow, tech companies may need to adjust their data retention policies. This move by Google aligns with broader industry trends towards more defined data lifecycles. Details. The policy goes into effect…
Adviso is leading the way in the 10th annual Search Engine Land Awards. The Canadian agency is a finalist in five categories in 2024. Two other agencies earning finalist status four times are: NP Digital. Stella Rising. Meanwhile, four agencies earned nominations in three categories of the 2024 Search Engine Land Awards: Amsive. Digital Hitmen….
Businesses will soon need a Google Business Profile (GBP) to continue running Local Service Ads (LSAs) and displaying customer reviews. This change tightens the integration of LSAs and GBPs, with Google positioning the Business Profile as the “source of truth” for ads. Why we care. LSAs are a key tool for businesses looking to capture…
LinkedIn Message Ads are a powerful tool for B2B marketers looking to directly engage with their target audience. This guide will walk you through everything you should know about Message Ads, from their basic definition to advanced implementation strategies. What are LinkedIn Message Ads? Message ads deliver direct messages to your prospects through LinkedIn Messaging,…
TikTok announced new advertising solutions that aim to help brands achieve better business results. The big picture. TikTok is positioning itself as more than just an entertainment platform, emphasizing its role in driving consumer actions and purchases. What’s new. These are the five new solutions TikTok introduced: Smart+: An automated performance advertising tool that optimizes…
For nearly two decades, we have been used to a world dominated by traditional search engines. However, as large language model (LLM) technology has evolved, we are now witnessing the rise of the answer engine. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude and Google’s Gemini (and AI Overviews) are redefining how we approach organic search….
New generative AI video creation tools for advertisers on Facebook and Instagram, Meta announced today. The tools are rolling out in Advantage+ creative and will be more widely available to advertisers early next year. Meta rolled out generative AI tools to resize images, change backgrounds and repurpose existing images to create multiple versions of ads in…
Google is rolling out in Product Studio within Google Merchant Center, the ability to use its video generation tool. This is powered by Google’s generative AI tools, to help merchants quickly and efficiently create videos for their product campaigns. U.S. first. This is the first rolling out for U.S.-based merchants. Google wrote, “Video generation in…
Many businesses are finding their digital marketing efforts falling flat despite producing content regularly. The culprit? An outdated approach that neglects the growing importance of visual content in SEO. With tech giants like Google and Apple prioritizing AI-powered visual search, companies that don’t adapt risk losing visibility and relevance. Many enterprises lack the centralized strategies…
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into content creation, it’s easy to feel like the human element of writing might be overshadowed. While AI offers powerful tools that enhance productivity, streamline workflows and even generate content, it’s essential to retain your personal touch to create engaging and authentic material. This article explores how you…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing consumer engagement and transforming the landscape of search, according to James Murray of Microsoft Advertising, who spoke at SMX Advanced. Here are the key points he raised in his presentation, exploring the paradigm shift in search technology and its implications for advertisers and marketers. The expanded search box: A gateway…
Google is introducing a new process – Change Who Pays – for transferring your client accounts to a new agency’s manager account. Details. Google Ads sent an email sent to users about the change: “We’re happy to introduce a new process for transferring client accounts to a different paying manager. You may now initiate this…
Agital delivers marketing services that create measurable impact for its clients, partners, employees, and the industry. With a national presence and offices in Boston, Washington, DC, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, and St Louis, our insights-driven approach to strategy is redefining how marketing services are delivered and aligned with clients’ core business objectives. Agital’s full…
Microsoft Advertising will soon change the way ads in Copilot appear to users, as well as how ads trigger. Advertisers are also about to get two new pilot features. New Copilot ad experience. Copilot ads will appear below Copilot’s (organic) answers in a feature Microsoft is calling “ad voice.” This will include text referencing the…
With third-party cookies on their way out, organizations need to start mapping out what a first-party data strategy looks like for their business. Use this checklist from OneTrust as your roadmap to cultivate trust, ensure compliance, and build stronger, data-driven relationships with your customers. The Marketers First-Party Data Checklist covers seven essential steps: conducting a…
Phase two of Google’s mobile-first indexing – rendering – is Chrome and has been since 2018, according to SEO expert Cindy Krum. In a newly released video presentation, Krum said: “What I believe is happening here is that Google failed to tell us at this time in 2018, when it launched, that what they were using…
Google Search Console performance report filters will now stick to the last setting you left it at. The “Search Console Performance report filters are now sticky,” Google announced on social. There is also a “reset filters” button to quickly clear any of those filters. More details. The Search Console performance reports, including the Search performance…
Google concluded its defense in the Department of Justice’s lawsuit over its advertising technology, making its case for why the DOJ’s claims miss the mark. Even though Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Milgrom provided supportive testimonies, it’s still easy to see that Google’s testimony could have gaps. Here are my favorite ones: 1. “Duty to deal”…
Automated SEO audits from tools like Ahrefs or Semrush are a bane of the SEO industry. While an SEO audit may be useful, it won’t help build your SEO strategies, achieve your KPIs and grow your business. Your entire SEO strategy might become misdirected. Why most SEO audits are inherently flawed There are three big…
Discover how personalization can revolutionize your e-commerce business. Join our Martech webinar, Personalization at Scale: A Blueprint for Global Success and learn from the success of Le Col, a premium cycling apparel brand that saw a 20% increase in average order value and a 10% boost in customer engagement through targeted personalization. Attend this webinar and:…
Relying solely on content and technical SEO is no longer enough to achieve sustainable success, especially for businesses operating in multiple markets. While these elements are crucial, they fail to fully account for the diverse factors influencing a website’s global performance. The complexities of managing SEO across different regions, languages and market conditions add layers…
The Google Ads landscape continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on data usage that complies with strict privacy guidelines. To support advertisers navigating this environment, Google introduced a robust toolset designed to advance their AI-driven marketing strategies. A key part of this transformation is Ads Data Hub (ADH), a platform built on Google Cloud….
In digital marketing, agencies and in-house teams often separate into specialized units like SEO, PPC and content marketing. While this division makes sense internally, it doesn’t align with how customers experience a brand online. Customers don’t think in silos – they interact with a brand’s digital presence holistically. This reality calls for a unified approach…
AI can significantly streamline SEO tasks, freeing time to focus on high-impact strategies. However, with new AI tools constantly emerging, it can be overwhelming to know which ones truly enhance productivity and which may complicate things. From generating unique images to optimizing content, AI platforms like Grok, ChatGPT and Midjourney offer endless possibilities. Below, I’ll…
Let’s face it: Turning raw data into actionable insights can be as cryptic as decoding ancient hieroglyphics, especially for the SEO rookies in your crew. That’s the challenge I addressed in my SMX Advanced 2024 session. Didn’t catch it? No worries. I’m recapping it all in this article series, one juicy nugget at a time….
Are you a search marketer looking to expand your reach and drive even more impactful results? Look no further. Join us for How Search Marketing Turned the Tide for CTV Audience Targeting and learn how your existing search marketing expertise can be a valuable asset on this powerful advertising platform. Connected TV (CTV) has a new feature that…
Google has updated its spam policies documentation as part of a routine refresh while also adding more details around the site reputation abuse policy and expanding and clarifying other areas of its search spam policies and guidelines. Why the change. Google wrote, “We review and refresh our documentation periodically. This update is part of that…
From your account reps to the interface itself, Google gives you plenty of recommendations on managing your ad campaigns. But are all of those good? Should you ignore these recommendations and “hack” Google’s machine learning – or should you follow Google’s advice? Two Google Ads experts – Ben Kruger and Anthony Higman – had an…
Browse the web these days, and you’ll likely run into AI-created content (whether you realize it or not). The line between AI and human-written content continues to blur rapidly, causing confusion and misplaced trust in flawed AI detection tools. But these so-called electronic gatekeepers – meant to separate human-crafted content from its artificial counterparts –…
TikTok is taking a direct shot at Google with the launch of TikTok Search Ads Campaign in the U.S. Advertisers can now target users on its search results page. Previously, ads on TikTok’s search page were more generic. But now brands can tailor their ads to align with specific search behaviors. Why it matters. TikTok…
Many redesigned websites fail to improve SEO, often damaging existing rankings and creating challenges for SEO teams trying to recover lost traffic. This can severely affect business visibility, lead generation and sales. I have been handed many a brand new website and asked to “SEO it” when untold damage has been done and significant time…
Google Ads is rolling out a new Video Enhancement feature for Performance Max (PMax) campaigns. This feature aims to improve video ad performance through automated adjustments. Why we care. The feature is designed to optimize video creatives, but you may not want to give Google this level of control. So, depending on many caveats, it…
A successful Google Ads PPC strategy involves more than just picking a few keywords. It requires a structured plan that aligns with your business goals, optimizes your budget and uses data to boost performance. Whether your audience is solution-aware or problem-aware, understanding the nuances of each stage in the sales funnel and selecting the right…
Generative AI is transforming how consumers discover and engage with content, making it essential for brands to rethink and adapt traditional SEO strategies. Leading this shift is generative engine optimization (GEO) – an evolution of SEO that leverages AI-driven insights to optimize content for visibility and authority across platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google’s AI…
Planning season is one of the busiest times of the year for marketers—and at Shell Mobility, it’s no different. Their team is in full planning mode from March to October. But disconnected spreadsheets and presentations made it hard to keep everything aligned across their 30+ local markets. On Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. PT, Mindy…
Quick question: What exactly does Performance Max maximize? I’ll let you go first. You: “Performance Max maximized my profits.”Me: “No.” You: “Ah, I see. I am tracking revenue, not profit. So Performance Max maximizes my revenue”Me: “Nope.” You: “Uhh, OK, then it must be conversionsMe: “No, again.” You: “What? What else is there? Clicks then?”Me:…
AI has revolutionized the once-tedious PPC ad creation process. While user-friendliness and innovation remain crucial, the end product must boost sales and ROI. By harnessing AI, you can identify real-time market trends, audience profiles and behavior patterns – essential elements for crafting ads that truly connect with viewers. I’ve evaluated over 15 leading AI ad…
Throughout my career, I’ve noticed SEO and PPC teams rarely sync and share data and strategies to support each other. This is a major missed opportunity that limits each channel’s full potential. This article highlights seven practical synergies both your PPC and SEO teams can implement to drive even more revenue for your business. Ultimately,…
Google AI Overviews are triggered 10-20% less for signed-out users. While this percentage varies by industry, it is particularly noteworthy right now for ecommerce queries, which trigger AI Overviews 90% less often for signed-out users. Why we care. We’ve been closely watching the evolution of Google’s AI Overviews because it has the potential to disrupt…
Amazon Ads today unveiled new generative AI features aimed at helping advertisers create more engaging video and image content. The tools include Video generator and live image capabilities, both currently in beta for select U.S. advertisers. Why we care. Time and cost are big challenges when it comes to creating good quality video content for…
Get practical strategies to reduce your cost-per-click by improving targeting, enhancing landing page performance and leveraging AI tools. SearchBot is thinking … Discover actionable insights to optimize your Google Ads campaigns and achieve maximum ROI. This new guide from Instapage offers advice on: Improving Quality Score and ad relevance Targeting the right audience with precision Optimizing…
Google successfully challenged a €1.49 billion ($1.66 billion) antitrust fine imposed by the European Union in 2019. The EU’s General Court annulled the fine, citing the European Commission’s failure to consider all relevant circumstances. Why we care. This ruling marks a significant victory for Google in its ongoing legal battles with EU regulators and highlights…
Google will launch campaign-level negative keywords in Performance Max (PMax) later this year. This will help brands better fine-tune ad targeting on Search. In addition, Demand Gen campaigns are getting omnichannel bidding and increased flexibility. Why we care. It’s finally here! Instead of having to go through a form or ask your Google account manager,…
Meta introduced a suite of new advertising tools and formats ahead of the holiday season, aiming to help businesses capture sales by reaching customers with more personalized and timely messages. These updates, integrated with Meta’s AI-powered Advantage+ shopping campaigns, offer advertisers expanded creative options and enhanced targeting capabilities. Why it matters: The holiday season is…
Over the years, Google Business Profile has become much more complex. After years of helping on the Google Business Profile Help Forum, I’ve answered hundreds and hundreds of questions from business owners who have had questions about GBP. Below are some questions that are frequently asked by users just like you. 1. Can random people…
Google’s August 2024 core update started on Aug. 15, 2024, and completed 19 days later on Sept. 3, 2024. Early on, we saw some signs of life for sites hit by the infamous September 2023 helpful content update. But honestly, most of those sites did not see enough traffic rebound to make a difference. While the August core…
B2B content contains a Catch-22: You need to write for search to justify the expense to produce an evergreen asset that will grow long-term ROI, but… You also need to write for a sophisticated audience to build credibility to ever eventually see said ROI. Most brands skew too far in one direction or the other. …
With its characteristic cheerfulness, ChatGPT will tell you that the digital media landscape is “rapidly evolving.” Google is regularly updating its algorithm, AI is getting smarter by the day and new tools are entering the market faster than fashion trends, which go in and out of style. That can mean opportunities and challenges for us….
“No one answered the phone. Sure, it was after business hours, but that’s still no excuse! One star!” Ever received a review like this on your Google Business Profile – a review so unreasonable that all you can do is hang your head and wonder what’s wrong with certain people? Don’t worry. Every business owner has received…
The same SEO, UX and CRO concepts we use to help users find the correct product on a website apply to retail locations and in-store experiences. These include internal linking, cross-selling and upselling, regional searches and volumes, filtering and trust builders. Using these skills and the information below, you may be able to help retail…
There’s one moment in the process of creating a blog post or news article that every small publisher dreads: “What do I use for my featured image?” Agencies and media companies have creative directors, photographers and artists at their beck and call to create this image for them. But what about the rest of us?…
Some advertisers are reporting issues with Google Ads’ GCLID (Google Click Identifier) offline conversion uploads, starting on Sept. 12. Although uploads are marked as successful, the associated conversion actions are showing zero results. Why we care. Conversion data is the backbone of measuring campaign effectiveness. Without accurate tracking, it’s impossible to assess ROI, optimize bids,…
Explore emerging AI trends and practical applications for enhancing digital asset management. Edna Chavira on September 12, 2024 at 3:01 pm | Reading time: 1 minute SearchBot is thinking … Are you overwhelmed by the constant demand for new content? AI and Digital Asset Management (DAM) can be your secret weapons for keeping up with content demands and delivering…
First Position has been expanded to include all YouTube content through Display & Video 360, offering it at dynamic CPM rates. Previously, this feature was only available on YouTube Select inventory at fixed rates. Now, advertisers can secure prime ad placement at the beginning of a YouTube session across any content, enhancing relevance and impact….
Google is on trial for allegedly abusing its dominance of the $200 billion digital advertising industry. The U.S. Department of Justice claimed that through acquisitions and anticompetitive conduct, Google seized sustained control of the full advertising technology (“adtech”) stack: the tools advertisers and publishers use to buy and sell ads, and the exchange that connects them. In…
Google is experimenting with a new way to make ads more distinguishable in its search results. The update introduces a taller gray background for ads, accompanied by a “Sponsored” label and subtitles like “Promoted products” or “Promoted results.” This is a shift from Google’s current more subtle labelling approach. What it looks like. Here’s a…
The European Union’s highest court has confirmed a record $2.7 billion (€2.4 billion) fine against Google for anti-competitive practices related to its Shopping service. Details. The fine, initially imposed in 2017, was upheld by the EU Court of Justice today. Google was accused of favoring its own price-comparison service in search results, disadvantaging competitors. Google…
Meta is implementing new data restrictions in its Business Tools, which could potentially affect how businesses target ads and measure performance. Why we care. This move reflects Meta’s ongoing commitment to privacy, but could complicate ad targeting and reporting for you. Key changes. Automatic restriction of certain URL parts and custom parameters. Potential pausing of…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the game in many industries and content marketing is no different. As we dive deeper into the digital age, AI’s influence on how we create, share and optimize content is only growing. This article will examine some of the key trends shaping the future of AI in content marketing and…
Paid search isn’t generally at the top of marketers’ minds when they think about audience planning, but it’s a vital part of all campaigns. Though paid search is a “pull” instead of a “push” marketing channel, there are still plenty of audience signals to implement when building and optimizing PPC campaigns. Search is a unique…
Publishers impacted by recent Google algorithm updates might never fully recover to previous traffic levels. That’s one thing that stood out to me in a newly published interview with Google Search Liasion Danny Sullivan, conducted by Barry Schwartz. Ranking improvements possible? Schwartz pointed out examples of websites impacted by recent Google algorithm updates to Sullivan….
Brand visibility measures how well a brand is known and how often potential customers encounter it across various channels, such as search engines, social media, advertising, public relations or word-of-mouth. High brand visibility means that a brand is easily recognizable, leading to increased awareness, customer trust and, eventually, higher sales. The recent Google search leaak…
AI winter is a term that describes funding cuts in research and development of artificial intelligence systems. This usually follows after a period of overhype and under-delivery in the expectations of AI systems capabilities. Does this sound like today’s AI? Over the past few months, we’ve observed several key generative AI systems failing to meet the…
YouTube rolled out a new “website visits” goal in YouTube Studio’s promotions feature. This goal allows creators to drive traffic directly to their websites while growing their channel’s audience and video views. Why we care. This update makes it easier for you to turn video views into website visits, helping to promote products or services…
Google Ads will phase out the option to use enhanced cost-per-click (eCPC) for new Search and Display campaigns starting in October. Key dates: October: eCPC option removed for new campaigns. March 2025: All remaining eCPC campaigns transitioned to Manual CPC. Why we care. ECPC is the most light touch of automated bid strategies, so it…
Google Ads will automatically opt new accounts out of serving ads on parked domains, starting in October. A parked domain is basically a placeholder web address. It’s been registered, but typically it has little or no content and sometimes shows ads. Why we care. This update allows advertisers to avoid wasting budget on low-value ad…
Google Ads will enforce stricter rules starting in November under its Circumventing Systems policy, specifically targeting advertisers in the Gambling and Games sector. Advertisers with a Gambling and Games certification must undergo recertification if their business has significantly changed since their original certification. Why we care. This update means that any significant changes to an…
Google will launch a new consolidated resource on Oct. 3, called “Masthead format requirements.” This new page will streamline all requirements for masthead ads across YouTube and Google TV, providing a centralized reference point for advertisers. Why we care. While the specific requirements for YouTube masthead ads remain unchanged, this move to consolidate guidelines into…
Google is testing a new display and user interface for forum content within its search results. “We’re testing a new display for forum content when it appears in search results, allowing people to quickly view top comments and related discussions to help them find useful information and dig deeper,” a Google spokesperson told us. What…
Google Ads launched advanced “Performance Planner” plans, now including tailored strategies for YouTube campaigns, with a focus on Demand Gen for both Action and Awareness goals. Why we care. These new plans allow advertisers to better align their full marketing strategy with campaign goals, offering customizable options for budget, ad format, buying method, and campaign…
Google’s August 2024 core update is now done rolling out, a Google spokesperson told us. It started on August 15, 2024 and completed 19 days later on September 3, 2024. This update caused a lot of ranking movement and changes to the overall Google Search results. As we said before, this update is not just a normal…
AI is transforming how businesses approach their digital marketing budgeting and forecasting processes. Companies can develop robust forecasting and budgeting models that focus on data-driven decisions. This approach enables customized strategies that align with specific business goals and can be adjusted based on organizational needs and channels. AI is a key driver for transformation. Up…
For two years, my team ran 54 Google Ads experiments in one lead gen (non-ecommerce) account, testing various features, including: This article delves into those tests, explaining the rationale behind them, the outcomes achieved and the implications for your own Google Ads accounts. TL;DR We ran 54 experiments over two years covering a range of…
Welcome to the first installment of our article series on artificial intelligence (AI) for marketing beginners. This aims to demystify AI, providing foundational knowledge and practical insights on how AI can help your marketing efforts. This introductory article explores AI and why it’s significant and highlights key milestones. I’ll also share actionable steps you can…
We all love to take a little time away from the grind during the slow season (which for many of us is right now), but smart PPC marketers are also using the time to get in the prime position when the tide is higher. In retail, that will fire up in October (probably earlier than…
Google Search finally supports the AVIF file format in Google Search, Google Images and all locations Google Search shows images such as Google Discover, Google News and so forth. “We’re happy to announce that AVIF is now a supported file type in Google Search, for Google Images as well as any place that uses images in Google…
Google rolled out a significant update to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), allowing users to compare their performance with other businesses in their industry. Why we care: This new feature will provide valuable context for advertisers trying to understand their performance relative to their peers, potentially informing strategic decisions and goal-setting. How it works. Users can…
A new chapter in Google’s antitrust troubles opened yesterday with Yelp filing a lawsuit alleging that Google’s monopoly in search has allowed it to illegally dominate the local search and local search advertising markets. Yelp will argue that Google harms consumers by promoting its own inferior local search product over other local search providers, stifling…
Google Ads added a new Categories tab under the Products section. It appears to pull from the google_product_category attribute. Why we care: These ecommerce insights may give you a clearer view of performance metrics, demand trends and actionable recommendations to drive more clicks and sales. How it works: Performance insights: Understand what’s driving success in…
Google is rolling out two new features to help you navigate the evolving digital privacy landscape and strengthen first-party data strategies. Why we care. Despite Google deciding to roll back on its plans to remove third-party cookies, with privacy regulations still in place, first-party data has become crucial. These tools is intended to help you…
Google’s legal troubles appeared to worsen yesterday as the judge of the adtech antitrust trial delivered sharp criticism of the tech giant, signaling possible consequences for its business practices. What happened: During the pre-trial motion hearings, Judge Leonie Brinkema sharply criticized Google for its handling of privileged information, labeling the company’s actions as “absolutely inappropriate…
Google Ads now allows advertisers to create remarketing lists based on viewers of specific YouTube creator videos, unlocking new possibilities for targeted campaigns. Previously, advertisers could only create remarketing lists based on viewers’ interactions with their own linked YouTube channels. This update opens up new opportunities for targeting based on creator content. Why we care….
Google Ads users no longer have access to Auction Insights fields in new data sources within Looker Studio. Existing data sources will lose this access on Sept. 23. Why we care. Auction Insights provides critical competitive data, helping advertisers understand their performance relative to competitors in the same auctions. The removal of these fields from…
ChatGPT has many applications for content and SEO. This article will discuss what to keep in mind when creating ChatGPT prompts for SEO and share an extensive list of SEO-focused prompts to use in your day-to-day work. ChatGPT prompt engineering strategy Before getting into specifics, it is helpful to have a general approach to ChatGPT…
Google’s favoritism of certain types of websites – or itself, in the form of search features and AI Overviews – are the biggest threats facing SEO consultants, according to a new survey from Aleyda Solis. SEO threats in 2024. Google updates that favor certain types of sites (e.g., user-generated content, big brands) in the search…
SEO can seem overwhelming, with so much information and numerous tools available. In less experienced hands, the masses of recommendations from these tools can often waste a lot of time while delivering little in the way of results. Fortunately, Google Search Console (GSC) offers accurate diagnostic information about your website, including rankings and traffic. This…
Google rolled out version 202408 of its Ad Manager API, introducing new capabilities for advertisers and publishers. Why we care. The update enhances contextual targeting options and provides new tools for managing and analyzing ad supply chains, potentially improving ad relevance and transparency. Key features: Contextual targeting: Advertisers can now use ContentLabelTargeting and VerticalTargeting for…
Google is launching a beta program that allows advertisers to activate Microsoft automated bidding within Search Ads 360 bid strategies. Why we care. Enterprise advertisers can now optimize their campaigns across multiple search engines more effectively, potentially increasing conversions by 5%. How it works: Microsoft automated bidding optimizes bids at the auction level in real-time….
In the world of Amazon advertising, every dollar counts. The right strategies can turn your ad spend into a powerful engine that fuels growth, drives sales and amplifies your brand visibility. Even so, without careful planning and constant optimization, a hard-earned budget can easily slip away on ineffective campaigns, irrelevant clicks and poorly targeted ads. …
Great content is essential, but technical SEO is the foundation that supports it. Even the best content will struggle to succeed if your website can’t be crawled, has rendering issues or suffers from poor indexing. Without a solid technical base, getting to Page 1, earning a link in an AI Overview or driving organic traffic…
AI search engine Perplexity is expected to launch ads in Q4 in “15 key categories.” Ad categories. Here are some categories where Perplexity ads will appear: Arts and entertainment. Finance. Food and beverage Health. Technology. Video ads. Advertisers will be able to run video ads on mobile (at the top of related questions) or desktop…
Are you tired of your email campaigns falling short? It’s time to level up your game! Join us for our upcoming webinar, Mastering Email Campaign Execution, where we’ll dive deep into the strategies and technologies that can help you achieve outstanding results. In this webinar, our panel will discuss: The critical role of execution in…
Google is updating its advertising policies for financial products, specifically focusing on cryptocurrencies. The new rules will take effect on Sept. 20. Why it matters: The new policy clarifies Google’s stance on cryptocurrency-related ads in Switzerland, aiming to ensure that only compliant and licensed entities can promote their services. What’s new: Crypto exchanges and wallets:…
Google sales representatives allegedly advised advertisers to target teenage users on YouTube, seemingly in violation of the platform’s own policies prohibiting the targeting of minors. Key details: Google reps reportedly told several ad buyers to target the “unknown” category of YouTube users, which likely includes teens. This activity goes beyond the previously reported agreement between…
Google has rolled out a revised version of its official form for advertisers to request changes, in a move to improve the efficiency of Performance Max campaign management. The updated form now includes several key enhancements. Faster implementation notification. The form now displays a new notification informing advertisers that requesting changes through a standard or…
News publishers have been working harder than ever to squeeze search traffic out of Google. Just when editors start to feel confident that they’ve perfected a winning SEO formula, the game changes. From supposedly “helpful” algorithm updates to site reputation policies enforced by manual actions to the lurking threat of AI Overviews, the pressure is…
Ensuring your website and digital content are accessible is an often-overlooked brand strategy. However, a perfect web-accessibility implementation doesn’t need to be perfect from the start. Join us for “Achieve Near-Perfect Accessibility,” and discover how to balance ideal web accessibility standards with practical implementation. In this webinar, industry experts will guide proven strategies and tactics…
Google Ads experienced a significant system glitch affecting its Shopping product serving late last month. This error resulted in advertisers’ products being displayed in other merchants’ ad accounts, potentially exposing sensitive business data to competitors. The incident has left many advertisers frustrated not only by the technical failure but also by Google’s inadequate communication in…
Google Ads officially eliminated the audience recommendations feature from the Insights tab, a move that removes automated suggestions for targeting specific audiences. Why we care. The removal of audience recommendations from Google Ads’ Insights tab forces advertisers to take a more hands-on approach to audience targeting. Impact on advertisers. Advertisers will need to manually identify…
Google’s continuous scroll feature allowed users to seamlessly glide through search results without the cumbersome need to click “Next.” Akin to adding more real estate to a Monopoly board, this function served as a potential game-changer for digital marketers and SEO professionals. However, Google’s continuous scroll presented new challenges for online reputation management (ORM) firms….
Google’s commitment to delivering the best search results to its users has led to the development of advanced algorithms to determine the websites that dominate the SERP for any given query. At the core of these efforts is a focus on user satisfaction as a key measure of a website’s quality and relevance. By prioritizing…
YouTube is increasing the duration of ad breaks on Connected TV (CTV) platforms to provide longer uninterrupted viewing sessions. The move follows successful testing that showed 79% of viewers prefer grouped video ads over shorter, dispersed slots. Key points: YouTube expanding longer ad breaks for Connected TV (CTV) experiences. Aim: Provide longer uninterrupted viewing blocks….
Is your marketing automation platform keeping pace? The tools that once drove your success might now be holding you back. Edna Chavira on August 16, 2024 at 1:48 pm | Reading time: 1 minute SearchBot is thinking … Many businesses found early success with marketing automation platforms. But as marketing needs evolve, a question arises: Is it time…
A new study reveals the promise and limitations of interactive TV advertising. The key findings: 36% stronger unaided brand recall vs. standard video ads 95% of viewers prefer adding products to cart over immediate purchase Higher CPMs: 10-15% above industry standards Why it matters. As CTV ad spend is projected to reach $33 billion by…
Meta announced updates to its ad system, focusing on better attribution and optimization. Key changes: New “Conversion Value Rules” for customized audience targeting. Opt-in setting to optimize for incremental conversions. Optimize for and report on profit and predicted lifetime value. Direct CRM integration for enhanced data insights. Why we care. These tools aim to give…
Two large publishers – Dotdash Meredith and Ziff Davis – say Google AI Overviews haven’t significantly impacted their traffic. What Dotdash Meredith is saying. Here’s what the IAC (owner of Dotash) wrote its Q2 2024 shareholder letter: “Google began to roll out AI Overviews in mid-May, the impact on our traffic has been negligible. Referrals from…
Google announced the upcoming sunset of Google Ads API version 15, urging developers to migrate to newer versions to maintain uninterrupted API access. Why we care. Failure to upgrade could result in API requests failing, potentially disrupting advertising operations for businesses. Key details: Sunset date: Sept. 25. All v15 API requests will fail after this…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a final rule aimed at cracking down on deceptive practices in online reviews and testimonials. Why we care. Fake reviews can mislead consumers, waste time and money, and unfairly disadvantage honest advertisers. This rule gives the FTC more power to enforce against violators and deter AI-generated fake reviews….
We’ll look back at 2024 as the year AI made its way into the martech stack. Generative AI, in particular, quickly appeared in a wide range of martech applications. In fact, as the martech landscape grew to more than 14,000 new applications in 2024, 77% of the 3,068 new tools introduced this year are based on generative…
The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly considering forcing parent company Alphabet to shed at least one of its units. Among the possibilities being explored following a judge’s ruling that Google violated antitrust laws, according to Bloomberg: Chrome, Google’s web browser. This one seems highly unlikely – web browsers aren’t exactly a lucrative business model. Android, Google’s operating…
Google announced a grace period for its planned phase-out of commission-based bidding in Hotel Ads campaigns. The new deadline is Feb. 20, 2025 Why we care. This extension gives hotel advertisers more time to adapt and carefully plan and implement new bidding strategies to ensure uninterrupted campaign performance. Key details: Existing Hotel ads campaigns using…
Facebook advertising continues to offer strong ROI for businesses in 2024, with some key metrics improving year-over-year according to a report released by Wordstream. Why it matters. As Google faces antitrust scrutiny and rising ad costs, Facebook is maintaining relatively stable pricing and performance for advertisers. By the numbers: Average click-through rate for lead campaigns:…
Creating high-quality, helpful content that drives search traffic is more important than ever. There’s nothing worse than pouring your heart and soul into a wonderful guide or blog post that nobody ever sees or churning out pieces with little value that disappoint or alienate your potential audience. Standing out from the crowd requires a delicate…
Economic demands require marketers to do more with less. Today, small teams meet this demand by adopting AI to produce a greater output. Without AI, teams risk not meeting their goals due to limited resources. Likewise, advancements in PPC have changed how teams think about technology’s impact. Methods of targeting, designing creative and structuring campaigns…
When training new technical SEOs, I find they struggle to identify action items from tools like Google Search Console and site crawlers (e.g., Screaming Frog, Lumar, OnCrawl). I presented on this topic at SMX Advanced 2024. For those who missed it, I’m recapping the presentation as a mini-series here on Search Engine Land. Commonly used…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every facet of PPC advertising, from creative assets to audience targeting, reporting and ongoing optimization. With the rise of LLMs as an alternative to traditional search, we’re also witnessing huge disruption to Google’s search business. This article explores the latest trends, tools and strategies to help you navigate the evolving…
Google announced the general availability of the Structured Data Files (SDF) QA format for Display & Video 360, enhancing bulk review capabilities for advertisers. Why we care. This update simplifies the process of reviewing resource settings in bulk, making campaign management more efficient for advertisers using Display & Video 360. Key details: The SDF QA…
TikTok is now integrating Amazon shopping directly into its platform, allowing users to make purchases without leaving the app. Why it matters. Advertisers having access to TikTok’s massive, highly engaged user base could be a game changer and reduced friction between discovery and purchase could boost conversion rates. How it works: Amazon product recommendations will…
Unlock new possibilities for efficiency and impact. Edna Chavira on August 9, 2024 at 11:45 am | Reading time: 1 minute SearchBot is thinking … Are you tired of content creation bottlenecks and struggling to keep up with audience demands? It’s time to revolutionize your approach. Join Deloitte Digital and Adobe for Start Your Content [R]evolution:…
Google announced the release of v17_1 of the Google Ads API, introducing several new features and updates for developers and advertisers. Key Updates: ShareablePreviewService.GenerateShareablePreviews(): Generates shareable ad preview URLs for enabled and paused asset groups, with expiration dates included. AdGroupAdService.RemoveAutomaticallyCreatedAssets(): Allows removal of automatically created assets linked to Responsive Search Ads. New ASSET_GROUP change status…
Design thinking is an iterative, user-centric approach to product and software development focusing on the person behind the problem. In enterprise SEO, design thinking seamlessly integrates SEO features into the core site experience. By focusing on people as the central element in addressing both problems and solutions, design thinking leads to future-proof SEO. Integrating this…
Google is rolling out a new feature for Local Services Ads (LSA) that automatically selects profile photos to display in advertisements. Why we care. This update aims to increase ad engagement and potentially improve ad rankings for local service providers. How it works: Google will choose photos from advertisers’ LSA profiles based on their likelihood…
Google introduced new ad budget features for Local Service Ads, including the ability to set a maximum monthly ad spend limit for certain accounts. Why we care. This update gives advertisers more control over their spending, potentially preventing unexpected budget overruns. Key features: Immediate effect upon setting Automatic campaign stoppage when limit is reached Monthly…
Yesterday the ruling passed that Google is a monopoly after the 10 week trial that occurred last year. Here are the key reactions from search advertisers: Google’s Appeal and the Future Legal Battle Julie Bacchini, president and founder, Neptune Moon, underscores that while the court ruling declaring Google a monopoly is significant, the real impact…
Google largely resolved a significant reporting issue that affected its advertising platform, with some competitive metrics still pending restoration. Why we care. The glitch exposed some advertisers to data from other Google Merchant Center accounts, raising privacy concerns and disrupting normal reporting services. Timeline of events: July 30: Issue begins, and is reported by several…
The digital world moves fast. What drives results today may not be effective tomorrow. To stay ahead, businesses must ensure their content is dynamic, engaging, and impactful. To address this challenge, Adobe, REVOLT, and Protiviti Digital will be presenting “Embrace the Future of Content Management with a CMS Makeover,” on Thursday, August 8. This live…
Google is phasing out an older version of its Structured Data Files (SDF) format used in Display & Video 360, its enterprise-level advertising platform. Why we care. This change affects advertisers and partners using SDF v6, requiring them to migrate to newer versions to maintain uninterrupted service. Key details: SDF v6 will be deprecated on…
Enterprise SEO will always be a unique challenge for those who are in the field and doing the work. Most enterprises make changes more slowly than the SEO landscape evolves. This will be even more true in 2024, given how rapidly AI and tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot are building a presence in how…
Reddit will continue blocking Microsoft and other search engines and AI models from crawling its content using robots.txt – unless they strike a content licensing deal. That’s what Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said in a new interview. Why Reddit is blocking search engines. Noting it’s been “a real pain in the ass to block these companies,”…
Building lasting relationships with SEO clients is essential for sustained business success. Retaining clients is far more cost-effective than continually acquiring new ones. However, many businesses overlook the importance of client retention. It can be really difficult in an industry like SEO where the client isn’t easily able to physically see the work that has…
Google is implementing jurisdiction-specific surcharges for ads served in certain countries, impacting advertisers globally. Why we care. These new fees, such as the Canada DST Fee, will increase advertising costs for businesses targeting audiences in affected jurisdictions, regardless of the advertiser’s location. By the numbers: 2.5% Canada DST Fee starting Oct. 1. Surcharges apply to…
I don’t exaggerate when I say I use many local SEO tools every day. From Chrome extensions to rank trackers to Google products, I rely on the data and insights these tools provide to help guide my clients’ SEO strategies. However, I would be lost without a few tools in particular. I want to share…
Google Ads is rolling out a new data privacy feature, giving advertisers more control over user consent management. Why we care. As privacy concerns grow, and with cookies not going anywhere (for now at least) this update allows for more granular control over how personal data is handled in advertising campaigns, which aligns with Google’s…
Google Ads is experiencing a significant outage affecting multiple reporting tools and product management features. Why we care. This outage is impacting advertisers’ ability to manage campaigns and access critical performance data. Details: Down: Report Editor, Dashboards, Saved Reports in web interface. Affected: Products, Product Groups, Listing Groups pages across web, API, and Google Ads…
Digital advertising spend increased across retail media, paid search, and paid social in Q2 2024, despite rising ad prices, according to new data from Skai. By the numbers: Retail media spend grew 21% year-over-year. Paid search spend increased 6% YoY. Paid social spend rose 13% YoY. The big picture. Higher ad prices drove most of…
Google announced a number of image-related Search features today, including updates to how Google Search handles deepfakes and expanding the About this image feature to Circle to Search and Google Lens. Deepfakes in Google Search Google has updated Google Search around deepfakes in two ways; (1) updated its ranking system to help ensure deepfake content…
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a powerful tool for analyzing website and app traffic, offering valuable insights into user behavior and campaign performance. This article explores how SEO professionals can leverage GA4’s features to refine their strategies, from linking with Google Search Console to analyzing organic traffic and setting up custom events. We’ll examine specific…
Google is experimenting with new ad placements in search results, but the frequency remains low. Here’s what you need to know: By the numbers. As shared by Mordy Oberstein, head of SEO brand at Wix: 0.31% of desktop SERPs have ads mixed into organic results 0.01% of mobile SERPs have ads mixed into organic results…
Google is rolling out new features to boost creative results and transparency in its advertising platforms, particularly for Performance Max campaigns. Why it matters. These updates aim to help advertisers create more effective ads, understand their performance better, and ensure brand safety across Google’s ad network. Key updates: New reporting tools: Conversion metrics in asset-level…
Is your marketing team overwhelmed and underperforming? It’s time to harness the power of automation. This free guide from Act-On provides a step-by-step blueprint to transform your marketing efforts. Learn how to: Streamline your workflow: Reduce manual tasks and focus on high-impact activities. Personalize your messaging: Deliver targeted content to the right audience at the…
Google is rolling out a new feature that bridges the gap between Google Merchant Center and Google Ads, enhancing the ad creation process for e-commerce businesses. Why we care. This integration allows advertisers to leverage their existing product images directly within Google Ads’ AI image editor, streamlining the creation of high-quality visual assets for campaigns….
Imagine a world where your marketing efforts go beyond short-term gains. A world where you can predict customer behavior, personalize experiences, and foster long-lasting loyalty. This world is within reach by harnessing the power of Customer Lifetime Value (CLV). Join Unlocking Customer Lifetime Value: Data Strategies and Technologies where our experts explore how to transform your marketing…
The strongest paid search strategy builds on your brand’s unique value. Here, you control the customer experience and messaging, driving traffic that converts from search, via Google Ads. Your brand terms, message and unique selling points are yours to leverage – and in paid search, they should be your safe haven. But with fierce competition,…
It doesn’t take a lot of sentences to cover the number of disruptions in search marketing in the season (or era?) that we’re in. Right now, Google is rapidly changing organic and paid search, causing excitement and confusion. New AI Overviews, leaked information and potential OpenAI search engines are creating distractions in our careers. Additionally,…
Unlike big proactive PR campaigns, where working with professionals can prevent you from wasting a huge amount of time and money, reactive digital PR is usually something that you can bootstrap with a bit of time and effort. As long as you follow a few basic rules, you can earn yourself a handful of foundational…
Reddit has launched Lead Generation Ads in public beta, available globally for advertisers working directly with the platform. Why we care. Reddit’s new ad format allows advertisers to collect user information directly on the platform, potentially improving lead quality and campaign performance for businesses across various industries. Key features: Mobile-optimized design with auto-populating email fields….
Some so-called digital marketing experts have said “blogs are dead,” especially in big business. This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially with changes in search like AI Overviews and the endless flow of trust customers now require. Blogs build trust gradually, contrary to what shady marketers claim. Results aren’t instant. It’s a long-term strategy…
OpenAI today announced SearchGPT, its long-awaited search product. SearchGPT is a “temporary prototype” and limited to just 10,000 users and publishers at launch. OpenAI plans to integrate the “best” parts of the new search features directly within ChatGPT in the future. How SearchGPT works. SearchGPT responds to queries using its AI models plus information pulled…
Reddit has updated its robots.txt file, preventing Bing and many other search engines from crawling the site. “Bing stopped crawling Reddit after they implemented their updated robots.txt file on July 1, which prohibits all crawling of their site,” a Microsoft representative told Search Engine Land. What happened. On July 1, 2024, Reddit updated its robots.txt…
Google announced that ads were coming to AI Overviews at Google Marketing Live in May. We’re still waiting, but ads in AI Overviews are coming “soon,” Philipp Schindler, Alphabet’s senior vice president, chief business officer, confirmed during last night’s Alphabet Q2 earnings call. Soon. What can advertisers expect and when? Here’s what Schindler said: “And…
Comparing your website’s organic search performance to the latest industry benchmarks is the best way to contextualize YTD organic search traffic data, adapt SEO and content strategies to maximize results, and set more informed KPIs. Join Steven van Vessum, Director of Organic Marketing at Conductor, and Shannon Vize, Sr. Content Marketing Manager at Conductor, as…
Google is rolling out a new notification in select Google Ads accounts, offering personalized support for implementing enhanced conversions. Why we care. Despite Google’s decision to stall removing cookies from Chrome, advertisers still need new ways to measure and optimize their campaigns. Enhanced conversions provide a privacy-focused solution to maintain accurate conversion tracking. Details. The…
Google is reversing course and won’t phase out third-party cookies in Chrome as previously planned, instead opting for a new approach that gives users more control, the company announced today. Why we care. This decision marks a significant shift in Google’s privacy strategy and will come as a relief to many in the advertising industry…
Conversion rate (CVR) is one of the top performance drivers when it comes to PPC campaigns. This article outlines key factors that can influence PPC conversion rates so you can squeeze as much revenue from your paid campaigns as possible. Optimizing for PPC conversion rates A common conversion rate optimization (CRO) methodology involves three steps:…
Italian competition watchdog AGCM launched an investigation into Google’s user consent practices for ad profiling. Why it matters. This probe highlights growing scrutiny of Google and the data practices of Big Tech in Europe, especially under new regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Details: The investigation focuses on how Google obtains consent to link…
Up to 94% of customers say that a negative review or social media comment has convinced them to avoid a company, according to an InMoment study. But it’s actually much worse than that today. Negative reviews only used to impact the person finding them. With AI taking over more and more platforms being used, all…
Google’s URL shortener service will stop serving completely on August 25, 2025, which will result in billions of redirected URLs to stop working after that date. Google stopped allowing us to make new redirects with this service back in March 2019, the service initially launched in 2009. “Starting August 23, 2024, goo.gl links will start…
Interview 10 Google Ads experts and nine of them will tell you that themed ad groups (a.k.a. Hagakure) are the best way to build search campaigns. I’m the 10th. I’ve been publicly standing up for single keyword ad groups (SKAGs) for some time now – though I’ll admit it is a controversial take. Most recently,…
Netflix is phasing out its cheapest ad-free plan in Canada and the UK, with plans to do the same in the U.S. and France. Driving the news. Netflix added 8 million global subscribers in Q2, with its ad-supported plan gaining significant traction. The budget-friendly tier now accounts for over 45% of new signups in markets…
In this new age of AI-driven search, it’s essential to move away from siloed marketing strategies and realign to future-proof your position in the SERP. This article outlines seven key focus areas for maximizing your brand’s presence in AI-driven search. The evolving AI-powered search landscape and the rise of zero-click results Up to 59% of…
Microsoft Ads is rolling out a new feature called “brand lists” for Performance Max (PMax) campaigns. It promises more control over your brand image and ad visibility. Brand lists allow advertisers to exclude their ads from appearing alongside specific brands, potentially improving ad relevance and return on ad spend (ROAS). How it works. Advertisers can…
Search marketers are less satisfied with their jobs than they were a year ago, according to a new Search Engine Land survey. Why we care. Search marketing continues to be a rewarding career. However, any job comes with a variety of challenges and responsibilities that were beyond the scope of the 2024 Search Engine Land…
Google is now expanding the rollout of Merchant Center Next to all merchant accounts, following its announcement at Google Marketing Live 2023. Merchant Center Next (GMC Next) brings a revamped interface and new features to Google’s ecommerce platform, potentially streamlining operations for online retailers. Key points: New users and many existing ones already have access….
Men earn an average of 36% more than women in search marketing in 2024, according to a new Search Engine Land survey. While there is less of a gender pay gap disparity in senior positions, there is still a disparity. Additionally, women were more likely to have changed jobs or received promotions more recently than…
Apple updated the App Store’s Search tab, removing the Discover section and placing suggested apps, including ads, more prominently below the search bar. Why it matters. Advertisers will now have their apps showing at the top of the Search tab potentially increasing their ad exposure as well as leading to higher click-through rates for app…
Search marketers earn between $85,000 to nearly $200,000 in annual compensation (salary and bonuses), on average, according to a new Search Engine Land survey. Why we care. Although the last year has been challenging for a variety of reasons (Google, the economy, the rise of generative AI, etc.) it continues to be a good time…
Meta is rolling out a new feature allowing advertisers to showcase custom offers directly on Instagram ad call-to-action (CTA) buttons. Key features: Dynamic sourcing of offer details from the ad’s website URL. Predictive display of the offer most likely to convert. Support for up to 20 offers per ad, with Meta predicting which one is…
Meta rolled out a new feature for advertisers using its Conversions API, offering insights into event data transmission. Why we care. This tool provides advertisers with a clearer picture of how their data is being captured and sent to Meta, potentially improving ad targeting and performance measurement. The details: The “Event Coverage” feature shows the…
Alphabet’s rumored deal to acquire HubSpot is shelved, sources told Bloomberg (subscription required). Alphabet reportedly walked away from the deal weeks ago, according to Reuters. “Parties didn’t get to due-diligence stage in deal talks,” Bloomberg reported. Early rumors about the talks seemed to solidify at the end of May, when CNBC’s David Faber reported the…
Legal issues can drag on for ages. That’s the simple, unfortunate truth. Worse, once a legal matter is filed in court, the case is highly likely to become visible on the web. Hundreds of websites now aggregate public court records and publish them for the world to see. The issue I commonly come across for…
If you own a niche site, there’s a pretty good chance that you saw something like this happen between late 2023 and today. This is Semrush’s report for one of my own niche sites. There’s not much to brag about these days on my site, but in 2022, there was. Google loved it. I ranked…
OpenAI didn’t launch its heavily rumored search product earlier this year, but it’s coming. This was confirmed in a new interview with The Atlantic’s CEO Nicholas Thompson. The quote. ChatGPT search could become “an important way that people navigate the internet,” so it would be “better for us to be in it than to not…
Amazon rolled out its AI-powered shopping assistant, Rufus, to all U.S. customers in its mobile app. Why it matters. This move signals Amazon’s push into AI-assisted shopping, potentially transforming how consumers interact with ecommerce platforms. How it works. Rufus uses a specialized large language model (LLM) trained on Amazon’s product catalog, customer reviews and web…
LinkedIn is preparing to roll out Accelerate, its AI-driven campaign tool, to all advertisers globally by early fall. Why we care. By embracing Accelerate, advertisers can potentially improve their LinkedIn campaign performance while reducing time and resource investment, making it a tool worth exploring for B2B marketers. By the numbers: Cuts campaign creation time from…
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) contains a concealed report that allows users to compare conversions exported to Google Ads and explains discrepancies between the platforms. Why we care. This hidden feature provides advertisers with a valuable tool to reconcile differences in conversion data, potentially improving campaign accuracy and performance. How to access: Start with your standard…
Google now lets you set your shipping and return policies and details directly in Google Search Console. Google said that when you do this in Search Console it takes precedence over configuration on your website, including product-level merchant listing markup. If you’re an online merchant, you can use Google Search Console to view, add, and…
Amazon is rolling out its Sponsored TV ads in the UK, currently in beta, following a successful launch in the U.S. market. Why we care. This move opens new advertising opportunities for brands on popular streaming platforms like Freevee and Twitch, leveraging Amazon’s extensive data for targeted ad delivery. The details. Available to sellers in…
Internal linking is one of the most under-utilized arrows in the quiver of a site owner. Although inbound link building gets all the press, it’s the correct use of internal linking that can really move a site algorithmically when done strategically. Google has been vocal about the importance of Internal linking for years. Google’s John…
Google indefinitely paused its planned Healthcare and medicines policy update that would have allowed certified advertisers to discuss opioid painkillers without promoting or selling them. Why we care. This reversal affects advertisers in healthcare, public policy and addiction treatment sectors who were preparing for new advertising possibilities. Key details: The original update was set for…
There’s a new search strategy in town! Generative engine optimization (GEO), the younger sibling of search engine optimization (SEO), has arrived at the station. There’s a good chance you’re already familiar – if you head to Google and ask it a question, you’ll likely see an AI-generated blurb at the top of your search results. …
TikTok implemented new restrictions on ads targeting teens and introduced AI disclosure requirements for advertisers. Why we care. These changes aim to protect younger users and increase overall ad transparency, potentially impacting how advertisers reach and engage with TikTok’s audience. Key changes. U.S. advertisers can now only target teens using broad options like location, language…
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free gift from Google to SEO professionals that tells you how your website is performing. With data-packed amenities, SEOs can scavenge through GSC to locate stashes of hidden nuggets like clicks and impressions from search queries, Core Web Vitals and whatever other surprises lay within your website. Custom regex…
Google released advanced data source management in Merchant Center Next, alongside a new add-on for enhanced product data control. There are also new help articles to explain how to use them. Key features: Attribute rules: Automatically fix common data errors. Supplemental data sources: Enhance primary product data with additional details. Why it matters. These updates…
Google rolled out a Chrome extension designed to help advertisers troubleshoot their Enhanced Conversions setup called EC Assist. Why we care. Enhanced Conversions are crucial for improving Google Ads performance, but setting them up correctly can be a challenge. How it works: Advertisers install the EC Assist Chrome extension They run a test conversion on…
Working in SEO requires various tools for research and analysis. We need to understand website performance, market trends, user behavior, competitor activity and the effort needed to achieve our goals. While premium tools offer many useful features, several free tools can significantly enhance your SEO efforts. If you are a freelancer just starting out or…
Google released the Merchant API Beta, a redesigned version of the Content API for Shopping, with new features and improved architecture Key features: Modular design with isolated sub-API updates. New sub-APIs including Data Sources, Notifications, Products, Inventory, and more. Improved alignment with Google’s API improvement proposals. Why we care. This new API version could significantly…
