Google Ads updates Dating & Companionship Ads policy
Google revised its policy for dating and companionship advertisers, pushing back enforcement and clarifying certification rules for aggregators. Extension. The deadline for certification has been extended from March 4 to April 9. After this date, uncertified advertisers will no longer…
Google Analytics simplifies cost data import
Google streamlined the process for importing cost data into Analytics, reducing mandatory fields and offering more flexible reporting options. The big picture. Marketers can now import cost data with just three core requirements: source, medium, and date, eliminating previous constraints…
Phishing scam targets Microsoft Ad accounts via Google Search
Cybercriminals are exploiting Google Search ads to steal Microsoft advertising account credentials, revealing a sophisticated phishing scheme that has potentially been active for years. The big picture. Attackers created malicious Google ads mimicking Microsoft Advertising’s official platform. The campaign redirects…
Google Merchant Center Next fixes product download frustration
Google resolved a six-month-long headache for online merchants by restoring filtered product download capabilities in Merchant Center Next, bringing the platform’s functionality back in line with its classic version. The context. In digital commerce, precision matters. Merchants often need to:…
Automate SEO analysis with Google Sheets, GSC & ChatGPT API
SEO analysis can be time-consuming, but automating the process helps eliminate repetitive tasks and speeds up important website optimizations. This guide will show you how to build a custom tool using Google Sheets, Google Search Console (GSC), and the ChatGPT…
Google expands Demand Gen ad tools ahead of Video Action Campaigns sunset
Google today announced upcoming updates to its Demand Gen advertising platform. These include new controls over ad placement and enhanced creative tools, while setting a timeline to retire its Video Action Campaigns. The big picture. These changes represent Google’s push…
Google Search launches Ask for me
Google has launched a new Search Labs experiment named “Ask for me.” Ask for me lets you use Google AI to call businesses on your behalf to find out what they charge for a service and also to find out when…
Google search trends every restaurant needs to know in 2025
Google recently gathered influential voices in the food industry to unveil the latest trends shaping restaurant search and digital marketing. From skyrocketing search terms to drone deliveries and the power of YouTube Shorts, here’s everything you need to know from…
How to analyze and fix traffic drops: A 7-step framework
Is your website traffic dropping, leaving you unsure of what went wrong? Every day without action means more lost rankings, leads, and revenue. This article outlines a seven-step framework to help you analyze the causes of your traffic drop and…
Google offers tagging support appointments for advertisers
Google is rolling out one-on-one appointments with technical experts to help advertisers properly implement conversion tracking tags on their websites. Why we care. Accurate conversion tracking is essential for optimizing digital ad campaigns and understanding return on investment (ROI). Google…
Google tests AI-generated backgrounds for Shopping Ads
Google is launching a limited test using AI to automatically generate background images for Shopping Ad product listings. How it works. The AI system will: Generate contextual background scenes for existing product images. Maintain the original product appearance without alterations….
Meta streamlines Advantage+ catalog ad targeting, pushes automated options
Meta is removing the Audience Types option from Advantage+ catalog ads that use the sales objective, pushing advertisers toward its AI-driven targeting tools. This change reflects Meta’s broader strategy of automating ad targeting, betting that its AI can better match…
How marketing leaders are adjusting Google, AI search strategies
A majority of marketing leaders are diversifying and adjusting their strategies due to AI search, the fragmentation of search, and a potential Google breakup, according to a new survey from enterprise SEO platform Botify. Why we care. SEO continuing to…
Search ad spending surged in Q4 2024, with retail media leading: report
The holiday season saw a significant increase in digital ad spending across retail media, paid search, and paid social channels according to the Q4 2024 Digital Marketing Quarterly Trends Report by omnichannel advertising platform for commerce media, Skai. Despite concerns…
Google testing new-look search results in EU
Google is testing a new search results display for a small group of EU users when they search for products, restaurants, flights, and hotels. The test is part of Google’s efforts to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. What’s…
Google reverses stance on Performance Max campaign controls
Google acknowledged that Performance Max (PMax) campaigns can be controlled through API placement exclusions — contradicting months of its own documentation and support guidance, according to new research from ad tech firm Optmyzr. This revelation gives advertisers more programmatic control…
YouTube testing cost-per-hour masthead
YouTube is testing a new advertising offering that lets brands own its most prominent ad space — the Masthead — by the hour, marking a significant shift in how marketers can capture attention. This new Cost-Per-Hour (CPH) Masthead gives advertisers…
Microsoft Performance Max testing LinkedIn targeting, measurement tools
Microsoft Ads will soon roll out four major updates to Performance Max, significantly expanding your ability to target, measure, and optimize your campaigns. These updates will give advertisers more granular control over their automated campaigns while introducing LinkedIn’s professional targeting…
Google updates search quality raters guidelines with a focus on spam
Google has pushed a routine update to its search quality raters guidelines PDF (accessible here). This is a routine update to its guidelines document, where the updates primarily focused on spam. What changed. Google posted the following details in its…
Tools and tips for making internal training videos
As a search marketer, you’re already skilled at creating content that captivates audiences and drives results. But when the audience is your own team and the goal is internal training, the task might feel a bit out of your comfort…
5 key PPC areas to prioritize in 2025
The start of a new year signals more than resolutions – it’s a critical moment for PPC professionals to reset, refocus, and strategically realign. As the digital marketing landscape evolves, success demands a clear-eyed approach to account management, client objectives,…
8 ways to balance what works now with what’s to come
SEO is at a crossroads. As AI reshapes the digital landscape and Google continues to drive less traffic to brands, marketers face a critical challenge: how to balance strategies that deliver results today with innovations that prepare for tomorrow. This…
How to make search and PMax campaigns complement each other
Performance Max (PMax) and search campaigns often trip over each other and make a mess out of your data and the customer journey. But it doesn’t have to be that way. At SMX Next, Brad Geddes, co-founder of Adalysis, dove…
Meta launches ads on Threads
Meta is rolling out ads on its Threads app, targeting a rapidly expanding social media platform with over 300 million monthly active users. This move transforms Threads from a pure social experience into a potential advertising powerhouse, allowing businesses to…
What went wrong and why?
Hubspot’s SEO strategy is the talk of the SEO and marketing world today. Why? Just look at this image: Organic traffic appears to have declined sharply, dropping from 13.5 million in November to 8.6 million in December, according to Semrush…
Google Analytics 4 rolls out cross-property report copying
Google Analytics 4 now allows copying custom detail reports and explorations across properties, streamlining configuration management and freeing up more time for data analysis. Why we care. This new feature ensures consistency in report configurations across properties, reduces repetitive setup…
Google sunsets Maximum CPV strategy for Video View campaigns
Google Ads will make significant changes to Video View Campaigns starting in April. Google is introducing a Target Cost-Per-View (CPV) bidding strategy and replacing the Maximum CPV option for new campaigns. Existing campaigns using Maximum CPV can continue running, but…
5 ways to get the most from Performance Max in 2025
Since its introduction in 2021, Performance Max has gained traction for its ability to streamline performance marketing, especially for businesses looking to scale efficiently. However, as the PPC platform’s AI capabilities evolved, so did the demand for more transparency, control,…
SMX Advanced is returning to in-person in 2025
© 2025 Search Engine Land is a Trademark of Semrush Inc. Third Door Media operates business-to-business media properties and produces events, including SMX. It is the publisher of Search Engine Land, the leading digital publication covering the latest search engine…
Google Ads revealing low-volume search terms as ‘Private’
“Private search term” reporting in Performance Max campaigns was spotted in Google Ads, highlighting queries with fewer than 50 unique searches over the past 90 days. This change could affect how advertisers can view and analyze search query data in…
Google introduces ‘Source’ column in Performance Max search terms insights
Google rolled out an update to Performance Max campaigns, introducing a new “Source” column in the Search Terms Insights. This enhancement aims to provide advertisers with greater transparency about why their ads are triggered for specific search categories. What’s new:…
Google Ads Search Max – new match type spotted
Google could soon launch a new feature in Google Ads called “Search Max,” designed to deliver smarter, more adaptable ad performance in response to the evolving search landscape. What’s happening: A Search Max option has appeared in the match type…
TikTok advertising: A comprehensive guide
Ever since its launch, TikTok has been a dominant marketing force. Beyond its impressive reach of over 1 billion active users across 154 countries, it has proven itself as an unparalleled platform for engagement and conversion. What makes TikTok particularly…
4 practical ways to use generative AI for ad copywriting
Generative AI is a powerful tool for creating content, including PPC ad copy, but it should be used wisely. It’s not about generating content to copy and paste but assisting in the creative process. We’ve all seen enough AI-generated social…
Why your SEO data might be missing
Google apparently made a significant change to its system in the last 48 hours that is impacting multiple SEO tools. The change appears to have blocked many scrapers and APIs, resulting in a data blackout. Data lags are being reported…
How to benchmark your SEO performance in 2025
With SEO‘s continued volatility, now is the best time to baseline your SEO data and define your strategic SEO roadmap to improve search performance. This article looks at five areas: Understanding SEO benchmarking fundamentals Let’s start with understanding how SEO…
What you need to know
The Supreme Court today unanimously upheld a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations by this Sunday or face an effective ban. This decision could make TikTok unavailable for many U.S. users as soon as…
Global phishing scams target ad buyers via Google Ads
Sophisticated phishing scams are targeting ad industry media buyers through malicious Google Ads links, allowing hackers to infiltrate accounts and exploit funds for fraudulent ad campaigns. Criminal rings worldwide, including groups suspected to be based in Brazil, Asia, and Eastern…
How to find and fix the root cause of low conversions
Picture this: A campaign you manage has been doing well for months. One day, you check on the performance only to see that conversions have dipped. If you work with Google Ads long enough, you’ll inevitably encounter this situation. However,…
11 free Chrome extensions you need for SEO
Chrome extensions are the unsung heroes of SEO, quietly working behind the scenes to make your strategy shine and your effort efficient. From competitor research to auditing your site faster than you can say “meta description,” these tiny tools pack…
How to select a CMS that powers SEO, personalization and growth
As the customer journey grows more complex in 2025, organizations need a best-in-class martech stack to deliver a seamless, data-driven experience across multiple channels. A critical component of this stack is the CMS, which must address key challenges businesses face…
Microsoft Clarity launches Google Ads integration
You can now directly connect campaign performance with user behavior, bridging a critical gap between ad spend and engagement metrics. A new integration of Microsoft Clarity and Google Ads will help you see exactly how paid traffic interacts with your…
Start 2025 strong with data-driven strategies for retail success
© 2025 Search Engine Land is a Trademark of Semrush Inc. Third Door Media operates business-to-business media properties and produces events, including SMX. It is the publisher of Search Engine Land, the leading digital publication covering the latest search engine…
Elon Musk eyes TikTok as Supreme Court decision nears
Tech billionaire Elon Musk could add TikTok to his growing digital empire, which would dramatically reshape the social media landscape and give his AI ambitions a massive data boost. Key details: Chinese officials are reportedly considering X (formerly Twitter) as…
Supreme Court lets $7 billion Meta ad fraud case proceed
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear Meta’s appeal in a massive class action lawsuit that claimed Facebook and Instagram inflated their advertising reach metrics. The decision could expose Meta to billions in damages. It raised questions about the…
Google Ads launches new promo code formats for Promotion Assets
Google Ads expanded its Promotion Assets with new barcode and QR code options, giving advertisers more ways to share promotional offers. These new formats make it easier for customers to redeem online and in-store offers, bridging digital and physical shopping…
Microsoft expands retail media with two major ad offerings
Microsoft Advertising is strengthening its position in the commerce media space with two new products that help retailers monetize their first-party data and enable brands to reach shoppers across multiple retail platforms. Details. The two new products are: Curate for…
YouTube trends report reveals 7 significant shifts
YouTube published two Culture and Trends reports in 2024 instead of just one. That was the first indication that we’re probably not paying enough attention to trends. The first report, published midway through the year, found: “Fans are no longer…
How to maximize paid search success
Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face unique challenges when it comes to PPC advertising. Unlike big brands with massive budgets, SMBs need strategies that make every dollar count. Here’s how to optimize Google Ads campaigns to deliver real results for…
Paid search helps drive record-breaking $241.4 billion holiday season: Report
The 2024 holiday shopping season marked a pivotal shift in consumer behavior, with paid search leading the way for retail sales, according to Adobe. Smartphones became the dominant platform for online purchases while generative AI emerged as a significant shopping…
A new era for image SEO and licensable content
In a landmark move, Getty Images announced its plans to acquire Shutterstock (disclosure: I previously worked as product SEO for the company), uniting two titans of the stock photography and creative assets industry. In SEO, this merger also sets the…
Amazon opens advertising to other retailers
Amazon, the third-largest digital advertising platform behind Alphabet and Meta, is extending its ad technology to other retailers – a move that could significantly reshape the retail media landscape. Amazon’s new Retail Ad Service allows U.S. retailers to implement Amazon’s…
Google search rankings correlate with ChatGPT mentions: study
Google rankings seem to correlate with brand mentions in ChatGPT’s AI-generated answers, according to a new study published by digital marketing agency Seer Interactive. Why we care. Brands want to be discoverable in LLMs. Optimizing for LLMs (a.k.a., generative engine…
Meta gave special content moderation treatment to top advertisers
Meta implemented “guardrails” in 2023 that exempted high-spending advertisers from automatic content moderation, instead routing their content to human reviewers. This system was designed to prevent mistaken penalties against major brands that drive significant revenue, according to internal documents obtained…
Google testing audio version of Google Discover named Daily Listen
Google is rolling out a new Search Labs experiment named the Daily Listen that provides you a 5 minute or less daily overview of the stories and topics you’re interested in. It is like an audio version of your Google…
Google drops ad scheduling for Smart Bidding campaigns?
Google quietly updated its policies to remove ad scheduling for campaigns using Smart Bidding, raising eyebrows across the paid search community. Ad scheduling lets advertisers control when their ads show, aligning campaigns with business hours or peak performance times. Removing…
Reddit introduces business analytics tools and AMA ads
Reddit today announced two significant product launches: a trends analysis tool for businesses and a new advertising format for its popular Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions. Reddit’s new business-focused offerings come as the platform hits major growth milestones, including its…
Google updates financial products policy for crypto ads
Google will update its cryptocurrency and related products policy this month, refining the rules for advertising crypto-related services in the United Kingdom. As the crypto industry grows, clearer advertising rules aim to protect consumers and ensure compliance with local regulations,…
Instacart expands foodservice advertising
Cut+Dry, a major ecommerce platform for foodservice distributors and manufacturers, is integrating Instacart’s Carrot Ads technology to unlock new advertising revenue streams and connect brands with buyers at the point of sale. Food manufacturers have long faced challenges in influencing…
Google’s Performance Max placement rules create API confusion
A discrepancy emerged between Google’s official stance on API-based placement exclusions and real-world observations, particularly for Performance Max (PMax) campaigns. The contradiction: Google claims API-based placement exclusions don’t work for PMax Multiple advertisers report successful API-based exclusions UI-based exclusions function…
Google Ads plans major AI Push in 2025, reshaping search marketing
Google Ads is preparing for what executives call a “seismic shift” in consumer search behavior, with AI playing a central role in transforming how users discover information and interact with businesses. The transformation represents a bigger change than the mobile…
Google revives Tag Assistant
Google reversed its decision to deprecate the popular Chrome extension, Tag Assistant, after significant user feedback. This move consolidates Tag Assistant Legacy and Tag Assistant Companion into a single, more efficient tool. The fix. Google merged two versions—Tag Assistant Legacy…
Top 10 SEO expert columns of 2024 on Search Engine Land
Since Search Engine Land launched, we have given SEO experts a platform to share their in-depth knowledge and timely insights – with the goal of helping you solve problems, manage challenges and understand the constantly shifting SEO landscape. What follows…
Top 10 PPC expert columns of 2024 on Search Engine Land
Search Engine Land gives PPC experts a platform to share their in-depth knowledge and timely insights – with the goal of helping you solve problems, manage challenges and understand the constantly shifting landscape of paid search, paid social, and display….
Google’s CEO warns ChatGPT may become synonymous to AI the way Google is to Search
Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, and its executive team held a strategy meeting with employees last week on its 2025 outlook and what Google needs to focus on to get there. As you can imagine, much of it was around AI…
Google’s CEO warns ChatGPT may become synonymous to AI the way Google is to Search
Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, and its executive team held a strategy meeting with employees last week on its 2025 outlook and what Google needs to focus on to get there. As you can imagine, much of it was around AI…
4 core updates and 2 spam updates
Google launched seven official and confirmed algorithmic updates in 2024, four core updates and three spam updates. The March 2024 core update was massive, updating several systems within the core algorithm, plus bringing in a few new large spam policies. In 2023,…
OpenAI works to restore access to ChatGPT and other services
OpenAI has confirmed it is working to restore access to a number of its services including its popular ChatGPT service, its APIs and Sora. OpenAI said it has found the cause for the issue and have started recovery. Some of…
Top 10 PPC news of the year 2024 on Search Engine Land
The world of digital marketing in 2024 has been nothing short of transformative, with Google once again taking center stage in many of the year’s biggest developments. From the ongoing debates about third-party cookies to advancements in Google Analytics and…
Google ads rolls out Brand Report for enhanced advertiser insights
Google Ads introduced Brand Report, a new dashboard tool that gives advertisers consolidated insights into reach and frequency across campaigns. The tool simplifies how brand advertisers track campaign performance by providing deduplicated metrics in one place, rather than scattered across…
Google December 2024 spam update done rolling out
Google’s June 2024 spam update rollout is now complete. The spam update started on December 19, 2024, about seven days ago, finishing on December 26, 2024. This was the third spam update of the 2024 year and started a day after Google completed the December…
Top 15 SEO stories of 2024
Another year in SEO has flown by. While 2023 may have been the wildest year in SEO ever, 2024 was not far behind – with perhaps two of the biggest stories in the history of SEO. Note: This article doesn’t…
Google expands AI organized search results to restaurants
Google has expanded its AI-organized search results for local queries on restaurants. As a reminder, Google announced AI-organized search results back at Google I/O in May, then officially began rolling them out in October for recipes and meal inspiration on…
Google tightens ad policies to align with Search spam rules
Starting December, Google will expand its “Abusing the ad network” policy to explicitly disapprove ads pointing to destinations penalized for violating Google Search spam policies. The details: Ads directing users to websites subjected to manual actions under Google Search’s Spam…
broad match auto-toggle raises concerns
When moving from non-conversion to conversion-based bidding, Google appears to automatically enable broad match on campaigns. This affects existing exact and phrase match keywords, converting them to broad match without user confirmation. Why we care. Advertisers switching to conversion-based bidding…
Distilling what truly impacts rankings
Keeping up with new developments in the SEO industry can be daunting. With increasingly frequent Google algorithm updates, rumored insider leaks, and the latest large language model (LLM) breakthroughs, there’s hardly any time to pause and reflect on what these…
A deep dive analysis of 62 queries
The emergence of ChatGPT search has led to many questions about the quality of the overall results compared to Google. This is a difficult question to answer, and in today’s article, I will provide some insights into how to do…
3 YouTube Ad formats you need to reach and engage viewers in 2025
YouTube has become a critical platform for brands to reach their audience. Understanding YouTube’s three key ad formats – in-stream, in-feed, and Shorts – is essential to creating campaigns that entertain, educate, and inspire without wasting marketing dollars. But why…
Google December 2024 core update was more volatile than last
Google’s December 2024 core update started December 12, 2024 and completed about 6 days later on December 18, 2024. As a reminder, every core update that Google confirms means that the ranking changes from the core update should be visible enough…
Google files its proposed remedies in DOJ’s monopoly case
Google was required to file its proposed remedies over the antitrust lawsuit with the Department of Justice. Google was clear in its blog post that it disagrees with the DOJ but it has to legally file these, “the legal process…
Amazon SEO: A comprehensive guide
Amazon’s search engine operates unlike any other, prioritizing conversions over clicks. To succeed, sellers and marketers must master the nuances of Amazon SEO – where indexing, sales performance, and strategic advertising come together to drive visibility and sales. This guide…
Evolving digital PR for 2025
Digital PR is entering a new era. As social platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram become search engines in their own right, traditional strategies focused on backlinks and news coverage are no longer enough. In 2025, success will depend on…
Why 5-star reviews are disappearing
Google reviews are powerful. They’re essential for building trust, attracting customers, and boosting local SEO. But what happens to your local visibility and online reputation when these valuable reviews suddenly vanish? We’ve recently noticed a concerning trend: A significant number…
LinkedIn debuts Companies Hub to boost B2B marketing intelligence
LinkedIn unveiled the Companies Hub within Campaign Manager, enhancing its Company Engagement Report to give B2B marketers deeper insights into how companies engage with their brand. Key features: Plan: Build audiences based on engagement insights before launching campaigns. Activate: Target…
Google rolls out Brand Guidelines for Performance Max
Google Ads will require new Performance Max (PMax) campaigns to link business name and logo assets at the campaign level, starting Jan. 30. This marks a significant shift in how brand representation is managed. Key changes: Brand guidelines feature: This…
Google December 2024 core update rollout is now complete
The fourth, and I suspect, last core update of the 2024 year, the December 2024 core update, is now done rolling out and complete. It started on December 12, 2024 and completed about 6 days later on December 18, 2024….
Bing Image Creator is now directly in Bing search and faster
Bing Image Creator is now using a newer model to create images, has more ways to create images, allows you to share your images and has a fresh new design. These new updates will start to roll out today across…
Bing Search gets faster, more accurate and efficient through SLM models and TensorRT-LLM
The Bing Search team shared how it helped make Bing Search and Bing’s Deep Search faster, more accurate and more cost-effective by transitioning to SLM models and the integration of TensorRT-LLM. Bing wrote, “to improve efficiency, we trained SLM models…
LinkedIn tests personal post boost option
LinkedIn is experimenting with a new feature that allows individual users to pay for increased post visibility, expanding beyond existing business page boost options. Key details. The feature is testing with limited U.S. Premium Business subscribers. Boost options will be…
1% market share predicted by 2025
Could ChatGPT search have a 1% share of the search market by sometime next year? Yes, according to new internal data that enterprise SEO platform shared today with Search Engine Land. “For the first time we can see a trajectory…
Exploit reveals how and why Google ranks content
An exploit discovered by Mark Williams-Cook has revealed more than 2,000 properties Google uses to classify queries and websites, as well as specific classifications such as consensus scoring and query types. Why we care. The findings of this exploit give…
Top 4 PPC tactics to try in 2025
Predicting the trends in PPC for 2025 is exciting but often tricky to act on. To make it easier, I’ve gathered four underutilized yet impactful action items to boost your campaigns in the year ahead. Let’s dive into the top…
Google Lens is having a serving issue
Google has confirmed a serving issue with the Google Lens search service. “There’s an ongoing issue with serving Google Lens results that’s affecting all users,” Google posted. What is the issue. It seems Google is unable to properly and fully…
How Gen Z is redefining discovery on TikTok, Pinterest, and beyond
When a Gen Z foodie wants the best sushi spot in town, they’re more likely to scroll TikTok than search on Google. In an era where short-form videos, influencer recommendations, and visual inspiration dominate, traditional search engines are no longer…
Google Performance Max negative keyword exclusions now in beta
Google is rolling out a beta feature allowing advertisers to add negative keyword exclusions at the campaign level for Performance Max. But availability seems slow so far, according to advertisers we’ve spoken with. Why it matters: Advertisers have long requested…
A comprehensive guide to quality assessment signals
For years, SEO practitioners have wrestled with the puzzling concept of E-E-A-T – experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness – often simplified to vague advice like “build your brand.” However, behind this public-facing narrative is a sophisticated web of signals that…
Google December 2024 core update rolling out now
Google released the December 2024 core update today. Yes, this new core update is happening a week after the last core update completed. The update will take about two weeks to roll out, Google said. Core updates happen multiple times…
Microsoft revamps advertising tracking, consent features
Microsoft is rolling out significant updates to its advertising platform, focusing on household attribution and regulatory compliance. Household attribution: Tracks ad engagement across devices in the same household Helps advertisers: Match cross-device ad interactions – Match ads served on one…
Top tips to maximize customer loyalty [Webinar]
As we close out the year, customer retention is more critical than ever for Shopify merchants preparing to make Q1 2025 their strongest quarter yet. In this on-demand webinar, you’ll get proven strategies to help you fuel long-term profitability and sustainable…
Google Ads adds video asset option
Google Ads users are spotting a new “Video” option in the Assets section, marking a potential shift in how advertisers manage and integrate video content. Why we care. This update could signal Google’s plans to expand video’s role in search…
Topic clustering for SEO: 5 mistakes to avoid
Topic clustering is my preferred approach for building topic authority in SEO. Even without the benefits of keeping content organized and easy to expand, it encourages SEOs to prioritize user intent and relevance over just focusing on ranking for specific…
Start 2025 with smarter, more impactful email marketing
Organizations face a balancing act: empowering teams to create impactful campaigns while maintaining brand consistency. Marketing teams struggle with inconsistent branding across channels, cumbersome list management and segmentation, or limited control over campaign creation. Add to that the challenge of identifying…
Google Search has delayed indexing issues
Google is currently having delayed indexing issues within Google Search. Google said this is affecting a “small number of sites.” What Google wrote. Google posted the issue on its search status dashboard saying: “Google is investigating reports about delayed indexing…
Google details shopping annotations and badges for ads and free listings
Google released a detailed help page outlining the various annotations and badges available for Shopping ads and free listings. These features provide additional product information to improve visibility and performance. Why we care. Annotations and badges, such as “Free and…
Google November 2024 core update rollout is now complete
Google’s November 2024 core update is now done rolling out, a Google spokesperson told us. It started on November 11, 2024 and completed about 24 days later on December 5, 2024. This update was a typical core update where Google updates its core ranking…
Perplexity expands publisher ad revenue sharing program
Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine, is broadening its publisher program. It added outlets like Los Angeles Times, Adweek and The Independent. Participating publishers will share ad revenue and access performance metrics, with notable absences including The New York Times and…
A guide to creating short-form videos
Video content is everywhere, but SEO-savvy short-form videos are rare. Thanks to platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, these bite-sized videos, typically 15 seconds to two minutes long, strive to capture attention quickly and drive engagement. Creating video…
What you need to know in 2025
Crawl budget is a common source of concern and confusion in SEO. This guide will explain everything you need to know about crawl budget and how it may impact your technical SEO efforts in 2025. Why would search bots limit…
Google adds FAQs on site reputation abuse policy
Google has updated its latest blog post, the one about expanding its site reputation abuse policy, with several frequently asked questions. The questions can be found over here and they cover what is third-party content, questions about freelancers, affiliate content,…
Search will profoundly change in 2025
Buckle up, again? Google Search will continue to change profoundly in 2025, according to Alphabet/Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who was interviewed during the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit. Google Search in 2025. Typically elusive on substance and details, here’s…
How AI is radically reshaping marketing budgets
Artificial intelligence is heavily disrupting marketing teams, particularly in medium to large companies. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 40% of traditional marketing spend is under incredible pressure to be reallocated – if it hasn’t already. Join The 40% Shift:…
Easier consent management comes to Google Tag UI
Google rolled out integrated Consent Management Platform (CMP) setup in Google Tag UI, streamlining consent management across Google Ads, Google Analytics, Campaign Manager 360, and Google Tag Manager. Why we care. This update simplifies compliance with privacy regulations, saving time…
Google Analytics enhances remarketing with Customer Match integration
Google launched Customer Match for Google Analytics audiences. This new feature will help you expand reach and improve your remarketing campaigns. By integrating first-party customer data into the remarketing process, Google aims to improve the alignment of campaigns with user…
How to improve PPC lead quality for B2B campaigns
Lead generation has three undeniable truths: It’s easy to drive leads. It’s hard to drive quality leads. If you deliver poor ones, your sales team won’t be happy. Nearly every lead gen brand that approaches my agency struggles with driving…
From cookies to universal consent and preferences
In an age where data privacy laws are rapidly evolving, businesses are in search of more than just the standard cookie banner solution. They need a comprehensive approach to navigate this intricate landscape and build stronger, trust-based relationships with their…
15% of Google searches are driven by only 148 terms
A mere 148 keywords account for 15% of all Google searches. That’s just one of many striking insights from a new analysis of nearly 332 million queries for more than 320,000 unique query terms released today by Rand Fishkin of…
How to become an industry thought leader by building content pillars
Establishing yourself as an authority in your niche can be a game-changer for growing your business. By positioning your website as a trusted source of information, you’ll attract more visitors and significantly boost your conversion rates. The more high-quality content…
OpenAI has no immediate plans for ChatGPT advertising
Don’t expect advertising anytime soon in OpenAI products, including ChatGPT and ChatGPT search. Although it’s possible OpenAI will add ads in the future to its AI search engine, nothing is imminent. What OpenAI is saying. According to OpenAI’s Chief Financial…
Google faces £7 Billion UK class action over search monopoly
Google is staring down a £7 billion ($8.8 billion) class action lawsuit in the UK, accusing the tech giant of abusing its search dominance to harm consumers and stifle competition. The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruled Friday that the…
Google Search Console recommendations now fully live
Google has fully rolled out its recommendations section within Google Search Console. Google launched it as an experimental feature back in August and has now fully rolled out the feature to all profiles within Google Search Console. What is new….
Google Ads Creative Studio to sunset in Q1 2025
Google will sunset Ads Creative Studio by the end of March 2025, shifting its focus to new growth areas and enhancing partnerships with creative agencies to deliver tailored campaigns at scale. Why we care. If you rely on Ads Creative…
Does it deserve the fanfare?
After much anticipation, ChatGPT has finally entered search. And it’s bringing a new approach to how we find information online. The new ChatGPT search promises to offer timely, relevant answers, provide live updates, deliver visuals like weather and stock prices…
How to monitor brand visibility across AI search channels
Tracking organic search performance is about to get comically frustrating. Google has been rolling out a series of AI-enhanced search results over the past 18 months: SEO professionals are battling to determine the extent to which they are stealing visibility…
How to be visible in generative AI search results
A new buzzword is making waves in the tech world, and it goes by several names: large language model optimization (LLMO), generative engine optimization (GEO) or generative AI optimization (GAIO). At its core, GEO is about optimizing how generative AI…
Google’s adtech monopoly faces historic antitrust test
The U.S. Justice Department and eight states wrapped up closing arguments on Monday in a landmark antitrust case accusing Google of monopolizing the ad technology market. The outcome could reshape the tech giant’s business model and set a precedent for…
How to do an SEO projection
Companies are increasingly requesting SEO projections. It’s a reasonable request. SEO efforts often require significant resources and companies want to know what kind of return they can expect. However, accurately predicting future organic growth is never straightforward. Countless variables can…
Google Ads outage disrupts campaigns
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed. New on Search Engine Land About the author Anu Adegbola has been Paid Media Editor of Search Engine Land since 2024. She covers paid search, paid social, retail media, video and…
Google reshapes in-store shopping with AI-powered comparisons
Google is introducing new shopping features that transform how consumers discover and compare products both in-store and online. Key features: Google Lens now provides in-store product price comparisons. Google Maps enables local product inventory searches. Expanded buy now, pay later…
8 strategic steps for setting and overseeing your SEO budget
Are you struggling with your SEO budget? You aren’t alone. Many businesses either overspend or underspend – and the results are subpar. Because SEO is a long-term investment, it can be difficult to determine the budget you’ll need and how…
Building a PPC roadmap for new brands: 10 questions to ask
Once brands decide to start a PPC program, they often want to get moving immediately. However, there are a few things they either haven’t thought of or need a reality check before they’re truly ready to spend money wisely. When…
What it means for SEO and how to prepare
Google is making a groundbreaking move into uncharted SEO territory: introducing an AI Sales Assistant directly in search results. Imagine this – a virtual sales clerk embedded in the SERPs, guiding users with product comparisons, highlighting features like Teflon vs….
11 essential SEO elements you should be tracking
By now, you may have encountered SEO dashboards, such as those from Screaming Frog, which sync with Looker Studio. Perhaps you use an enterprise tool to track your technical SEO in the cloud. That’s all fine, but how helpful is…
Google’s site reputation abuse policy is a band-aid for a bullet wound
Google’s updated site reputation abuse policy attempts to tackle a growing issue in search: large, authoritative sites exploiting their domain strength to rank for content they don’t own or create. While the policy is a step in the right direction,…
DOJ’s push to sell Google Chrome sparks industry debate over web’s future
Following its antitrust victory, the U.S. Department of Justice is aiming to fundamentally reshape Google’s digital dominance by forcing the company to sell Chrome and restructure its market approach. Catch up quick. The key proposals: Divest Chrome browser. End Apple…
How to craft an international SEO approach that balances tech, translation and trust
Often, guides and recommendations for international SEO strategy only center around the technical aspects of your website – URL structure, hreflang configuration and the like. But while these pieces are important, it’s equally as important to build trust with your…
Google outlines 2025 ads API roadmap
Google released its tentative 2025 schedule for Google Ads API updates, outlining five major releases planned throughout the year. By the numbers: 3 major versions (V19, V20, V21) 2 minor updates (V19_1, V20_1) 12-month sunset window for each version Key…
How to leverage Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads for better audience targeting
Audiences and targeting are the foundation of a successful PPC campaign, and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) makes it easier than ever to segment your users effectively. Before diving in, ensure that: Your GA4 and Google Ads accounts are connected. Personalized…
DOJ plans to push for Chrome sale after Google antitrust victory
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing aggressive remedies in the wake of its antitrust victory against Google, including a potential forced sale of the Chrome browser, Bloomberg reports. Why we care. Chrome dominates the global browser market, and…
How to create article outlines with AI based on Google’s Top 10
The world of SEO has gotten increasingly nuanced. If you’re here, you know that merely writing an article and buying links to it hasn’t worked in a long while. When I’m working on my own articles or with authors, I…
Perplexity launches AI-powered Shopping Search
Perplexity is entering the ecommerce world with a new shopping feature for its U.S. paid customers. This move challenges big tech companies like Google and Amazon in search and shopping. The AI-powered search engine is introducing: Visual product cards with…
The future of SEO content is video – here’s why
SEO content often drives traffic but not conversions. The solution? A video-first approach that nurtures leads, builds trust and aligns with a real funnel. This article explains why video content outperforms blogs and how to make it work for you….
Google Gemini app now available for iPhone users
Google published a standalone Gemini app for iPhone users on iOS, which can be accessed over here in the Apple App Store. This is already available for Android devices and within the current Google app on iOS, or on the…
The SEO career crisis is coming: Are you ready?
#opentowork – it’s the hashtag I keep seeing on LinkedIn from SEO professionals. Attached to this hashtag is a long post about the SEO being shocked and asking for help finding work. Why? SEOs are being made redundant by agencies….
Everything you need to know
A fast website isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a crucial part of staying competitive online. This guide covers everything you need to know to boost your page speed and user satisfaction for improved search visibility. The high cost of slow…
Google to halt political ads in EU over new regulations
Google will stop serving political ads in the European Union by October 2025 due to new Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) regulatory hurdles, the company announced. Driving the news. Google implemented strict rules for EU political ads in…
Meta aligns platforms with ‘Views’ as primary content metric
Meta is standardizing its performance metrics across platforms, making “views” the central way to measure content performance on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. What’s new: Views everywhere: The metric will apply to all content types – videos, photos, text posts and…
How to combat rising CPCs and optimize your Google Ads ROI
Inflation continues to weigh heavily on consumers and businesses alike. Retailers nationwide face squeezed profit margins due to rising wages and material costs. Businesses must invest in advertising to stay competitive, yet these expenses are also climbing. Over the past…
13 hard-hitting truths you need to hear
SEO is far from dead – it’s simply changed beyond recognition. To stay relevant, SEOs must adapt to these shifts, expand their skillsets and embrace new technologies. This article outlines 13 hard-hitting truths about modern SEO, revealing the realities every…
Google Maps adds products nearby for product searches
Google Maps now will show you products from nearby stores if you search Google Maps for product related queries. Google wrote, “Now, you can search in Google Maps for items like pickleball rackets, board games, ice cream makers and more…
YouTube unveils new tools to help brands tap into creator content & Shorts ads
YouTube is rolling out new features aimed at making its platform more advertiser-friendly. Key initiatives include: Format buying controls to customize ad placements, like running a campaign exclusively on Shorts New Shorts-specific ad formats like interactive “stickers” and animated image…
Google boosts curation capabilities for Ad Agencies
Google is rolling out new curation tools within Google Ad Manager to help media agencies more easily discover and activate the best publisher inventory and audiences for their advertising campaigns. Key details: The new “curation” capability allows agencies to build…
Which drives more Amazon sales?
The Amazon marketplace makes it easier than ever to scale an ecommerce business. While long-term sales growth can come from optimizing listings and expanding keyword targeting, sellers have two primary short-term levers: This article explores how changes to these factors…
Google November 2024 core update rolling out now
Google released the November 2024 core update today. The update will take about two weeks to roll out, Google said. Core updates happen multiple times per year. Core updates can have significant, broad changes to Google’s search algorithms and systems,…
GEO for Perplexity and ChatGPT
About 65% of organizations now use generative AI, or almost double the number seen in a similar study last year, a McKinsey survey found. This shift suggests that to remain visible, businesses and content creators must consider how to rank…
YouTube expands shorts monetization, adds new analytics features
YouTube is rolling out creator-initiated brand partnerships for Shorts and introducing enhanced Data Story cards for better performance tracking. Key updates: Creators with 4,000+ subscribers can now pitch their Shorts content directly to brands New Data Story feature provides 24-hour…
What it means for SEO and attribution
Back in August 2024, some site owners started to notice that a parameter called srsltid= being appended to their organic listings. The srsltid= parameter is nothing new. Barry Schwartz reported it here in February 2022 when Google started appending it to Google…
Google sunsets Local Services Ads mobile app, shifts focus to web platform
Google will discontinue the Local Services Ads mobile app Jan. 6, making the website the sole interface for creating and managing these local advertising campaigns. Key details: Existing app users can continue using it until the shutdown date. After Jan….
Google shifts Demand Gen audience categorization to ‘signals’
Google categorized Demand Gen campaign audiences as “signals” rather than strict targeting parameters, a change spotted by industry analysts but not formally announced by the company. What it means: Audiences and age targeting now serve as “signals” rather than hard…
Google to unpause political election ads Nov. 11
Google will unpause its ban on political and election ads in the US that it set into place after the polls closed on Nov. 5. Google will lift the temporary restrictions on ads relating to the US elections on Monday,…
How to leverage cosine similarity for ecommerce SEO
Traditional SEO tactics alone aren’t enough to keep ecommerce sites competitive in today’s AI-driven search landscape. To improve search visibility and connect with relevant queries, ecommerce brands can leverage cosine similarity – a mathematical concept that helps search engines understand…
TikTok ban faces uncertain future under Trump’s return
President-elect Trump reversed his 2020 stance on banning TikTok, telling supporters to “vote for Trump” if they want to “save TikTok in America.” State of play: Why we care. With 170 million U.S. users, TikTok’s fate hangs in balance as…
How a Google breakup could change the PPC industry
Google’s adtech antitrust trial raises critical questions about the future of paid search, with a potential company breakup on the line. With search engines dominating nearly 90% of the global search market, PPC advertisers and marketers face an uncertain future. Established strategies…
Google rolls out brand customization for Performance Max campaigns
Google is rolling out brand guidelines settings for Performance Max campaigns, first announced in May, allowing advertisers to customize elements like business names, logos, colors and fonts. How it works. Advertisers can tailor ad creative to better align with their…
ChatGPT Search makes Microsoft Bing an SEO priority
The search landscape just got a little shakeup and it’s time to talk about an old friend (or maybe that cousin you rarely check on): Microsoft Bing. With ChatGPT Search tapping into Bing’s index, ignoring it might mean missing a…
Get more out of your webinars and virtual events
Learn how you can seamlessly integrate lead nurturing, personalized follow-ups, and social media to create a successful and scaleable on-demand strategy. Edna Chavira on November 5, 2024 at 4:58 pm | Reading time: 1 minute SearchBot is thinking … Virtual events…
Google Ads Optimization Score now reveals specific competitor impacts
Google’s Optimization Score, which provides recommendations to improve ad performance, has been updated to highlight the specific competitive pressures impacting impression share. Why we care. This new feature gives you a clearer view of how major competitors like Amazon are…
Google AdMob launches new controls for high-engagement mobile ads
AdMob is rolling out a new app-level setting that controls high-engagement ads in interstitial and rewarded formats, launching in the coming weeks. Why it matters. App developers will soon have more control over how engaging ads appear in their apps,…
AI Overviews and the road ahead
The SEO landscape is changing fast, and many of the tactics we rely on today are becoming obsolete. To keep driving organic traffic and real value, we need to rethink our approach. New developments – like Google’s AI Overviews, rolled…
ChatGPT search officially launches
Some ChatGPT users can now search the web with ChatGPT search, OpenAI announced today. ChatGPT has been able to search the web for several months, but today’s update is part of OpenAI’s larger push into AI search. OpenAI’s ChatGPT search…
How to pick the right Google Business Profile categories
Categories on your Google Business Profile (GBP) are among the top factors for local search rankings. It’s essential to choose the right primary and secondary categories to ensure your business appears in relevant searches. If you’re unsure how to select…
Google updates crawl budget docs for large sites with differing mobile and desktop pages and links
Google added a new best practice in its crawl budget documentation to say it is best practice to ensure all links are present on the mobile version, as it is on your desktop version, if your page. If you do…
Google fixes supplemental feed limitation in Merchant Center Next
Google Merchant Center Next resolved a previous limitation that prevented users from working with pre-prepared supplemental feeds in Google Sheets. Merchants can now use existing Google Sheets for supplemental feeds, eliminating the previous requirement to create sheets from scratch or…
Everything you need to know in 2025
Meta descriptions are crucial in shaping how search engines and users perceive your content. While meta descriptions don’t directly impact search rankings, they can significantly influence user engagement, click-through rates (CTR) and, ultimately, a site’s SEO performance. Meta descriptions are…
Google adds segmentation to Performance Max Asset Groups
Select Google Ads accounts can now access a new “segment” option for Performance (PMax) Asset Group performance, offering a long-awaited layer of granularity to campaign insights. This has been a highly requested feature for years, and Google has now delivered,…
4 of the best technical SEO tools
If you’re looking to level up your SEO efforts, having the right tools is essential. This article explores four of the best technical SEO tools today: Screaming Frog. Ahrefs. URL Profiler. GTMetrix. Each tool offers unique capabilities to help optimize…
How content is critical to a winning ecommerce strategy
Online success hinges on making it fast and easy for users to find what they’re looking for. Shifting channels, evolving consumer expectations, and technologies like AI require teams to be more dynamic than ever. Every customer experience requires extensive planning, with content…
Google’s Auction Insights: Bridging the visibility gap
How much of your spend is being allocated to search terms hidden under Google’s “other” category, versus those in your reports? Adthena analyzed accounts from various locations and discovered that, on average, 51% of spend is associated with search terms…
18 creative ways to cut your cost-per-click
With Google processing 5.9 million searches every minute, optimizing your ad spend has never been more important. Instapage’s Guide to Cost-Effective Google Advertising reveals proven strategies to lower your cost-per-click while maintaining campaign effectiveness Inside, you’ll discover: How Google’s new…
Your audience isn’t who you think — AI knows better
Only 36% of respondents to a recent Plus Company-Statista survey of 350 marketing leaders revealed they were very happy with using their existing tools to measure the impact of their creative content. Marketers relied on traditional tools like brand tracking,…
Google tests new AI tool for large advertisers
Google started pitching advertisers on “Search Bidding Exploration,” an AI-powered tool that identifies valuable but low-traffic search queries. This new AI-powered feature in beta aims to help advertisers find untapped traffic opportunities in search campaigns. How it works. The tool…
6 outdated AI marketing trends you should retire in 2025
Much like an old engine that’s past its prime, some AI marketing strategies are sputtering as technology speeds ahead. What once seemed like cutting-edge solutions have now lost their edge. Let’s take a look at which artificial intelligence trends have…
How to deal with SEO emergencies
I’m a strong proponent of a healthy work-life balance. When I have the capacity to switch off from work, I’m a more diligent SEO (and nicer human). That’s why I’m cautioning us to be careful about what we deem an…
How to develop PPC testing strategies
Best practices in PPC advertising are helpful. But every account is unique and requires its own strategies for success. The key to optimizing your campaigns lies in systematic testing. This article will guide you through the essential PPC testing strategies…
Using data to deliver tailored ad experiences
Basic personalization techniques in PPC advertising no longer capture and hold customer attention. Generic ads miss the mark, leaving brands with lower engagement and higher ad spend wastage. To truly connect with modern consumers, brands need to go beyond standard…
How to level up your keyword strategy
The SEO community has been constantly reminded to prioritize the user in recent years. One way we’ve embraced this for our clients is by going beyond basic keyword research to deeply analyze customer sophistication and intent. This approach isn’t just…
5 SEO trends for 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, the SEO landscape is already shifting, with even bigger changes on the horizon for next year. With potential access to Google’s data, competitors could shake up the search landscape, requiring SEOs to rethink…
How to set goals for your SEO team
Setting clear goals is essential to measuring success in SEO. Goals become even more powerful when aligned with a well-defined strategy that informs the tactics used to achieve them. This article explores setting goals for the people and teams driving…
YouTube adds channel-level ad category blocking controls
YouTube is introducing channel-level ad blocking controls, moving this functionality from AdSense directly into the YouTube platform. How it works: Creators can access ad blocking controls via YouTube Studio on desktop. Feature available to channels with watch page monetization enabled….
Google Performance Max gets new AI-powered video creation, asset testing
Google has announced major updates to its advertising tools, including the integration of its advanced Imagen 3 AI model to help with creative optimizations and new Performance Max capabilities. Key updates: Imagen 3 integration for AI-powered image generation. Sharable ad…
Use AI to supercharge your ABM campaigns
As we head into 2025, the intersection of Account-Based Marketing (ABM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) creates opportunities for marketers to drive personalized, data-driven campaigns that deliver better results. In this webinar, experts from Demandbase explore three game-changing uses that leverage…
How to prepare when nobody’s prepared
Welcome to the age of personalization: A time where customers are simultaneously expecting you to know everything about them before they land on your site, while still being extremely cautious about how their data is being collected and stored. Marketers…
A guide for new users and potential upgraders
Marketing automation platforms (MAPs) are essential for improving efficiency, personalizing customer experiences, and maximizing ROI. With the market expected to grow to $13.48 billion by 2028, businesses of all sizes are recognizing the importance of these tools. Whether you’re a…
Google Ads unveils Page-specific Assets for Performance Max
You can now input a list of specific webpages, which Google Ads will use to generate customized assets like images and videos. These assets are automatically optimized to match the content of the specified pages, potentially leading to more effective…
Google expands Travel Feeds in Search Ads
Google is making Travel Feeds available to all hotel advertisers in Search Ads. This will let you showcase details like prices, dates, ratings and images. Google is also experimenting with expanding this format to include things to do, car rentals,…
The ultimate guide to HTTP headers for SEO
When it comes to optimizing your website for search engines, every detail matters — including the HTTP headers. But what exactly are HTTP headers, and why should you care? HTTP headers allow the browser and the server to exchange important…
Google’s Local Services Ads feature raises cost concerns
A “Request Competitive Quotes” button in Google Local Services Ads is causing uncertainty among advertisers about potential hidden costs. How it works: Users click the “Request Competitive Quotes” button. They select multiple businesses for quotes. Users enter a message and…
How to analyze PPC performance metrics
When it comes to PPC, success depends on more than just launching campaigns — it’s about understanding and analyzing the right performance metrics. By knowing which data points to focus on and how to interpret them, you can make informed…
How to optimize PPC customer acquisition cost for B2B
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…
Google to pause US election ads after polls close on November 5th
Google announces temporary restrictions on political advertising related to U.S. elections, effective after the last polls close on Election Day. Details: Pause begins: After polls close on Nov. 5, 2024. Affects: All ads relating to U.S. elections, their processes, or…
Search traffic benchmarks report for 2024
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…