Google shakes up leadership, Raghavan becomes Chief Technologist
Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced major leadership changes in a memo to staff on Thursday, reshuffling key positions and teams. Key changes: Prabhakar Raghavan moves to Chief Technologist role. Previously led search, ads, and other critical segments. Will provide technical…
Google shakes up ad auction dynamics for holiday shopping
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…
Google Ads API v18 launches with new features for developers
Google announced the release of version 18 of its Google Ads API, introducing several new features and improvements for developers. Key updates: Optimized budget suggestions: New GenerateRecommendations feature for Performance Max and Search campaigns Performance Max insights: New performance_max_placement_view report…
Bing Webmaster Tools gains recommendations, 16 months of data and previews Copilot integration
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…
Google AdMob updates privacy terms as more U.S. state laws take effect
Google is supplementing its existing Data Processing and Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms to align with privacy acts in Iowa, Delaware, New Jersey, Nebraska and New Hampshire coming in January 2025. No action is required from AdMob users who have already…
Google testing expandable product ads carousal
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…
Google cracks down on ad policy violators with harsh new penalties
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…
Everything you need to know
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…
Search Engine Land Awards 2024: Complete finalists list
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…
How TikTok and YouTube’s ecommerce push redefines the search journey
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,…
How to find the ‘best’ Core Web Vitals opportunities
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….
Reddit introduces AI-powered keyword targeting features
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…
Google Ads announces 11-year data retention policy
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…
5 KPIs to measure paid media success and 5 to measure business success
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,…
Google is making a major change to Local Service Ads
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”…
Google Search expands Store ratings to more countries
Google Search is rolling out Store ratings to more countries, the company announced today. Store ratings have been available for US searchers for years, and are now expanding to Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. What are store ratings….
TikTok unveils 5 new advertising tools
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…
How to use Microsoft Clarity for deeper website analytics
Microsoft Clarity is one of the best analytics tools you might not know about. This powerful, free tool enriches your existing analytics and customer profiling, offering deeper insights into user behavior. This article covers what Microsoft Clarity is and how…
Meta introduces generative AI video advertising tools
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…
What you need to know in 2025
Many search engines rely on structured data to enhance user experiences – and this trend will likely intensify in 2025. For this reason, structured data is no longer a “nice-to-have” but an essential part of any SEO strategy. Here’s what…
How to use images and videos in 2025
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,…
Google Lens to add Shopping Ads this year
Shopping ads will appear above and alongside Lens’ visual search results before the end of 2024, Google announced today. What it looks like. Google shared an example showing a search result someone would see when shopping for a green backpack…
New Google Ads process for client account transfers
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…
August 2024 Google core update and a recovery plan
In August, Google rolled out one of its most significant updates of the year. Many SEOs believed it was a partial rollback of the controversial Helpful Content Update – a potential mea culpa from Google. While some sites have benefited…
Microsoft is about to change how Copilot ads appear and trigger
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)…
Is Google using Chrome for mobile-first indexing and user signals?
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…
Advertisers react to Google keeping cookies on Chrome
After years of back and forth between Google and regulatory bodies, the news finally came in yesterday that Google is scrapping plans to kill third-party cookies in Chrome. Unsurprisingly, advertisers had something to say about that. Emotions ranged from lack…
User satisfaction with Google grows in 2024
Americans are more satisfied with Google Search than a year ago, according to the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Search and Social Media Study 2024. Why we care. Many search marketers and news publishers have complained about various aspects…
Google scraps plans to kill third-party cookies in Chrome
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…
Search marketers less happy with their jobs vs. last year
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…
How to build and manage your brand across multiple platforms
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…
Billions of Google redirects to stop working next year
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…
Why single keyword ad groups still matter in 2024
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)…
7 strategies to maximize your AI-powered search market share
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. …
Netflix shifts focus to ad-supported tier as subscriber growth surges
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…
Google under investigation in Italy over user consent practices
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…
Microsoft Advertising introduces Performance Max brand lists
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,…
How AI is shaping the future of ecommerce advertising
No matter what products or services your ecommerce business focuses on, elevating the customer experience is the key to unlocking better sales and conversions. In fact, businesses that have placed a strong emphasis on customer experience are not just meeting…
Google Merchant Center Next rollout expands
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…
The Rise of Personalization in E-commerce: 2024 Consumer Insights
Personalization has always been a buzzword in marketing, but not every brand does it the way consumers want. Wunderkind’s 2024 Consumer Insights Report is a survey of over 1,503 consumers across the United States and United Kingdom about several topics…
Apple revamps App Store search layout, emphasizing ads and suggestions
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…
Strategies for earning through loyalty programs
Loyalty programs significantly enhance your company’s financial well-being. Beyond simply rewarding returning customers, a strategically designed loyalty program can unlock multiple revenue streams that greatly benefit your brand. So, how do these programs actually generate income? Let’s delve into the…
Meta adds custom offers to Instagram ad CTAs
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…
Google AI Overviews only show for 7% of queries, a new low
Google’s AI Overviews now appear less than 7% of the time. This is one of 10 noteworthy findings from a new analysis of AI Overviews. This data was shared with Search Engine Land by enterprise SEO platform BrightEdge and its…
How to remove court records from Google: 3 effective strategies
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…
Why Google prefers them and how to adapt
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…
OpenAI is ‘going to build a search product’
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…
LinkedIn’s AI ad tool to launch globally this fall
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…
Amazon’s AI shopping assistant Rufus is live for all U.S. customers
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…
Alphabet won’t acquire HubSpot after all
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…
Hidden Google tool reveals GA4 and Google Ads discrepancies
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…
Target audiences precisely to maximize reach and reduce spend
Imagine a world where your marketing message finds its perfect match. No wasted effort, no aimless casting of a net. Your ideal audience, captivated. This isn’t a dream. It’s Connected TV (CTV) advertising. Picture television’s massive reach, sharpened to a…
Amazon expands Sponsored TV ads to UK, mirroring U.S. success
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…
Link building + technical SEO + CRO = the perfect SEO strategy
SEO has reached a pivotal point. Never before has there been a meaningful update followed by one of the most significant document leaks in SEO history. The SEO industry has been turned on its head. This change has brought both…
Google pauses opioid painkiller policy update
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…
Microsoft Ads releases AI-powered asset recommendation for video and display ads
Microsoft Advertising announced new AI-powered asset recommendations for video ads, with Connected TV ad recommendations coming soon. Why we care. AI-powered ad creation tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing advertisers to scale their creative efforts more efficiently. More specifically, the…
TikTok tightens teen ad targeting and boosts AI transparency
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….
Avoid customer journeys becoming a bad trip – be position-less
Imagine you were entrusted with ensuring a planeload of people lands smoothly and safely. Then on top of that, imagine you are also responsible for their comfort and responding to their every need to make their journey fantastic. As a…
11 of the best free tools every SEO should know about
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…
Google streamlines product data management for merchants
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….
Google launches tool to simplify Enhanced Conversions setup
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…
Google announces new Display & Video 360 features
Google announced several new features coming to Display & Video 360. Key updates: Report files download list: New page in instant reporting for Display & Video 360 and Campaign Manager 360. Allows customers to view status and access downloaded reports….
Google launches Merchant API Beta with new features
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…
Meta’s ad attribution update gives clearer view of conversions
Meta has introduced new attribution settings in its Ads platform, allowing advertisers to distinguish between all conversions and first-time conversions. How it works. Advertisers can now choose between two attribution options: All Conversions: Shows every conversion after an ad view…
Google Ads completes auto-migration of location extensions to assets
Google Ads has finished auto-migrating location extensions to assets for most active accounts, a process announced on July 24, 2023. Why we care. This change expands the ways advertisers can use location information in their ads, potentially improving ad performance…
Nearly 60% of Google searches end without a click in 2024
A majority of Google searches – 58.5% in the U.S. and 59.7% in the EU – result in zero clicks. A zero-click search happens when users end their session or enter a new query without clicking on any results. This data…
Google tightens disclosure rules for synthetic content in political ads
Google updated its Political content policy, requiring advertisers to disclose election ads containing synthetic or digitally altered content. Why we care. This policy update aims to increase transparency and combat misinformation in political advertising, particularly as AI-generated content becomes more…
Microsoft Advertising launches Property Center and expands Lodging Campaigns
Microsoft Advertising introduced Property Center, an evolution of Hotel Center, and made Lodging Campaigns globally available. Why they matter. These new features aim to help property owners and managers attract more customers and increase bookings with simplified campaign management and…
Google expands conversion tracking for Merchant Center
Google Merchant Center will soon track conversion events beyond those attributed to clicks on Shopping free listings, including conversions from Search web results and other sources. Why it matters. This change aims to provide merchants with more comprehensive performance data…
8 SEO concepts explained in business terms
Businesses can easily neglect the optimization of organic traffic. This happens because stakeholders often don’t understand how it works or its impact on company goals. Continue reading and learn how to translate SEO concepts into business terms so you can…
Google Colab for SEO: How to get started
Google Colab has been around since 2017 but has gained more popularity recently from SEO professionals sharing code samples. SEOs love Colab because, unlike GitHub, you can actually run the code directly on the platform. What is Google Colab? Google…
Menu items, busier businesses may be Google local ranking signals
Google Search might be looking at the items in your menu within your Google Business Profile and how busy your establishment is during popular times as local ranking factors and signals. That’s according to a report by Claudia Tomina. Tomina…
Google expands Product Studio to new markets, adds features
Google is rolling out its AI-powered Product Studio to merchants in the UK, India, and Japan, while introducing new features to streamline product image creation. Why it matters. This expansion gives more e-commerce businesses access to free tools for creating…
Apple expands 30% fee on Facebook and Instagram ads globally
Apple is set to extend its 30% fee on Facebook and Instagram ad purchases made through iOS devices to advertisers worldwide, starting July 1. Why we care. This move could significantly impact digital advertising costs and strategies for businesses of…
Microsoft AI CEO: Web content is ‘freeware’
Microsoft’s AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman believes most web content is “freeware’ that can be used for training AI models. The only exception: websites that explicitly opt out. Freeware is any form of copyrighted software that can be freely downloaded, installed…
A guide to Google Ads for regulated and sensitive categories
PPC advertising can be challenging, especially when your product or service falls into a sensitive or difficult category. Whether you’re promoting pharmaceuticals, financial services, adult content or other regulated industries, advertising – especially on Google Ads – requires a balance…
Google June 2024 spam update done rolling out
Google’s June 2024 spam update rollout is now complete. The spam update started June 20, 2024, about 7 days ago. This update was a general and broad spam update, it was not a link spam update and did not automate the site…
Google Chrome mobile adds local places to Chrome Actions
Google Chrome for Android has added new local places features to Chrome Actions, that will allow Chrome users to quickly call, get directions and read reviews from a local business directly from the Chrome search bar. What Google said. Google…
Google testing AI Overviews with link cards at the top
Google is testing moving the link cards from the bottom of the AI Overviews to the top, making those links much more visible and much more likely to be clicked on by a searcher. Currently, these link cards were below…
Google tightens AdSense consent rules for Switzerland users
Google is updating its consent management requirements for AdSense for Search, AdSense for Domains, and Programmable Search Engine in Switzerland. Key points: Effective July 31. Applies to ads served to users in Switzerland, in addition to the EEA and UK….
New tROAS Insight Box for shopping campaigns in Google Ads
Google has introduced a new tROAS (target Return on Ad Spend) Insight Box for Performance Max and Standard Shopping campaigns, offering advertisers enhanced visibility into campaign performance. Why it matters. This update provides ecommerce advertisers with a clearer understanding of…
Yelp adds 8 searchable accessibility business attributes
Yelp today introduced eight new business attributes that you can add to your page to help people with disabilities discover your local business. The new attributes. Yelp added the following: Mobility accessibility attributes: Accessible parking near entrance ADA-compliant main entrance…
Google rolls out new shopping tools ahead of summer sales
Google is launching enhanced shopping features to help consumers navigate the upcoming summer sales season, responding to increased interest in online deals. What’s new: Updated deals destination: – Shows freshest deals from across retailers in a carousel – Organizes promotions…
Google streamlining YouTube, Display ad content controls
Google is consolidating its content suitability levers for advertisers across YouTube and the Display Network starting in September. What’s changing: Several content label exclusions will be removed for YouTube ads (DL-G, DL-PG, DL-T, DL-MA, “not yet labeled”) but remain for…
Amazon Ads in 2024: Maximizing Sponsored Brands campaigns
Amazon’s Sponsored Brands have always been a central component in showcasing brands and capturing customer attention on the platform. Today, many exciting new features are available to revolutionize your advertising strategy. This article tackles the latest updates on this Amazon…
5 ways to align PPC campaigns with business objectives
One of the greatest failings of a PPC specialist is being unable to take a step back and see the big picture. You can get lost in the weeds of account management and focus too much on vanity metrics, bidding…
How to create shareable, link-worthy content in the AI era
In 2023, Google’s Gary Illyes stated that links are no longer the third most important Google ranking factor. Was he lying? A recent study by Internet Marketing Ninjas showed that over 96% of websites in the Top 10 search results…
Google ties in Local Services Ads advertisers to Maps app
Google is rolling out Local Services Ads on its Maps app, starting with iOS, to help advertisers generate more leads directly from the navigation platform. Why it matters. This expansion brings local business ads to a highly-intent user base actively…
What you need to know
Google is discontinuing Universal Analytics, its legacy web analytics platform. This is the final shift in the transition to Google Analytics 4 (GA4). Why it matters. Businesses that relied on Universal Analytics for website measurement and data analysis need to…
Google Search bug with indexing over the past several hours
Google seems to have a bug where it has not indexed new content across both large and smaller publishers over the past several hours. The issue seemed to have started at about 5 p.m. ET, when Google Search was not…
Google AI Overviews showing less often, with less Reddit
Google appears to have pulled back further on AI Overviews following well-earned criticism about its AI-generated answers giving users incorrect, misleading and dangerous answers. Let’s dive into new findings from two separate SEO platforms: SEOClarity looked at 2,700 keywords. SERanking…
Meta unveils AI chatbots and business messaging tools
Meta introduced a slew of new AI and business tools aimed at driving performance and engagement for brands. The big unveils. AI Chatbots on Messenger Built with Meta’s latest large language model LLaMa 3, the chatbots can converse with customers…
How white label link building services work in 2024
White-label link building can transform your SEO strategy. It allows you to focus on other crucial parts of your digital marketing or an SEO agency. How? You simply outsource your link building to a professional team while keeping full control. …
Google’s Display & Video 360 API gets two new updates
Google added new capabilities to its Display & Video 360 API – including advertiser-level keyword management and an optimization objective field for insertion orders. The additions. Here’s what’s Rolling out as part of the June update: Advertiser keyword targeting: Advertisers…
14 proven strategies to enhance your website’s SEO
Stop worrying about ranking fluctuations with every Google update. Learn how to build a resilient SEO strategy that thrives amidst algorithm shifts. This in-depth guide equips you with 14 powerful strategies to optimize your website. You’ll learn how to: Enhance…
Reddit unveils new Conversation Ads
Reddit announced a major revision to its conversation page ads, including a new placement within discussion threads. Trying to position itself as a leader in contextual advertising, Reddit is emphasizing the power of authentic conversations in an AI-dominated digital landscape….
Google’s $2.3 million check secures bench trial in adtech antitrust case
Google has successfully maneuvered to have its adtech antitrust case heard by a judge rather than a jury, potentially reducing unpredictability in the high-stakes lawsuit. Driving the news. Google submitted a $2.3 million cashier’s check to cover potential damages, effectively…
Google streamlines product listings via website crawl
Google is making it easier for merchants to pull in product listings from their sites through automated “website crawl” feeds in Merchant Center. How it works. Google uses structured data markup on merchant websites to automatically extract up-to-date product information…
Google Ads phasing out card payments
Google is notifying some advertisers that they must transition away from paying for Google Ads via credit or debit card by July 31 or face account suspension. The big picture. The move is part of Google’s effort to steer high-spend…
Pinterest launches AI ad tools
Pinterest is rolling out new AI-powered ad tools and measurement partnerships to drive better performance and brand safety for advertisers. The big picture. Pinterest is investing heavily in generative AI capabilities for more engaging, personalized ad formats and automating campaign…
Google Analytics fixes paid search attribution
Google is rolling out an update to attribution models in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to more accurately credit paid search campaigns for driving conversions. Why it matters. The change addresses an issue where conversions that should be attributed to paid…
YouTube embeds ads into videos to beat ad blockers
YouTube is testing serving ads directly embedded into video streams – the latest move in its war on ad-blockers. Why it matters. The “server-side ad injection” approach bakes ads into the core video file itself, making them indistinguishable from content…
10 search marketing takeaways from digital marketing leader Aaron Levy at SMX Advanced
SMX Advanced Day 2 kicked off with Aaron Levy reminding us about the complex nature of search marketing and the need to focus on customers in our strategy. Here are some highlights of his keynote talk, which included a look…
Google’s auto-pause for idle keywords: overreach or overdue?
A short while after Google announced it would pause low-activity keywords, the Optmyzr team ran a study and got reactions from paid search experts to figure out how marketers may be affected, what shifts (if any) it would cause in…
The path to personalization: A roadmap for marketers by Edna Chavira
Did you know? 82% of consumers say personalization drives their brand choice. Where is your organization on the journey to delivering personalized experiences to its customers? Join us for an insightful webinar with John Nash, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer…
13 SEO takeaways from Google’s Elizabeth Tucker at SMX Advanced
SMX Advanced opened with a bang today as Search Engine Land’s Barry Schwartz interviewed Elizabeth Tucker, director, product management, Google Search. Here are some highlights of the wide-ranging keynote interview, which included discussion on creating helpful content, the biggest Google…
Google Ads rolls out new design to all markets on Aug. 30
Google Ads is finalizing the rollout of its new design to all markets starting Aug. 30, retiring the old interface for desktop users. The big picture. First launched in 2023, the new Google Ads design overhauls how the product is…
Google Ads launches Brand Recommendations powered by AI
Google is launching a new set of AI-powered “Brand Recommendations” within the Recommendations page of Google Ads, the company announced today. The big picture. The tailored Brand Recommendations span awareness and consideration campaigns with cost-per-thousand (CPM) and cost-per-view (CPV) bidding….
How to protect deep work time and retain focus as an SEO
For any SEO professional, staying focused and productive can be a challenge. With constant algorithm updates, changing trends and a barrage of emails and notifications, it can feel like you’re always playing catch-up. That’s where deep work sessions come in….
AI-generated content: The dangers of overreliance
If you’re chasing trends right now to try and spike your traffic – and by that, I mean choosing the tactic of the week, like using generative AI or large language models (LLMs) without investigating their viability or whether they…
Google Ads API v17 released with new features, changes
Google announces the v17 release of the Google Ads API, bringing several new features and changes that advertisers and developers need to be aware of. Why we care. The updated version of Google Ads offers a range of new tools…
Google launches Accelerate with Google resource hub for advertisers
Google launched a new marketing resource hub called Accelerate with Google as part of a “Summer of AI Essentials” program aimed at helping advertisers supercharge their campaigns with AI tools. What’s happening. Accelerate with Google will serve as a central…
96% of sites in Google’s top 10 positions have 1,000+ links from unique domains
Can you rank in the top 10 of Google with very few links? Not according to a new analysis published today by Internet Marketing Ninjas. It found that: Over 96% of websites ranking in the top 10 of Google had…
Google sued by publishers over alleged pirate textbook promotion
Major educational publishers — Cengage, Macmillan Learning, McGraw Hill and Elsevier — have filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing it of promoting pirated copies of their textbooks. Why it matters. This case could reshape how tech giants handle copyright infringement…
Google must face $17 billion UK ad tech lawsuit
A UK court has ruled that Google must face a £13.6 billion ($17 billion) lawsuit alleging it wields too much power over the online advertising market. Why we care. The case could have far-reaching implications for the digital ad industry….
LinkedIn expands video ads, AI tools to help B2B marketers
LinkedIn is rolling out new features to help B2B marketers build their brands and engage with its community of 1 billion professionals. The Wire Program. The first initiative is the addition of in-stream video ads alongside publisher content. A LinkedIn…
12 big takeaways for link builders and digital PRs
Lots of insights and opinions have already been shared about last week’s leak of Google’s Content API Warehouse documentation, including the fantastic write-ups from: But what can link builders and digital PRs learn from the documents? Since news of the…
Google won’t index sites that do not work on mobile devices after July 5
We thought Google’s mobile-first indexing initiative, which started in 2016, was completed last October. But it won’t really be fully done until after July 5. “The small set of sites we’ve still been crawling with desktop Googlebot will be crawled with mobile…
Instagram tests unskippable video ads in main feed
Instagram is experimenting with a new ad format that prevents users from scrolling until they view a video ad in their main feed. Why it matters. The move could significantly boost ad exposure for brands but risks alienating users who…
4 key SEO lessons to avoid site launch disasters
Site launches are arguably one of the most risky SEO endeavors. You can go from pure SEO bliss to catastrophe at the flip of a switch. I’m sure any experienced SEO you ask could tell you a site launch horror…
How to tailor your PPC strategies for success
One size certainly does not fit all in PPC advertising. The strategies that drive success in ecommerce often differ from those required for effective lead generation. Lead generation through PPC is more challenging than ecommerce. There are more obstacles and…
Google to honor new privacy laws and user opt-outs
Google is rolling out changes to comply with new state privacy laws and user opt-out preferences across its ads and analytics products in 2024. The big picture. Google is adjusting its practices as Florida, Texas, Oregon, Montana and Colorado enact…
Brave launches Search Ads
Brave Search now offers Search Ads on a managed service basis. Brave Search Ads. Here’s what Brave announced: Ads are sold on a cost-per-click basis. Rates are negotiated on a fixed basis before paid campaigns launch. Eligible brands can get…
LinkedIn shrinks link previews for organic posts
LinkedIn has reduced the size of link preview images for organic posts, while maintaining larger preview images for sponsored content. Why it matters. The change aims to encourage more native posting on LinkedIn and could prompt more users and brands…
Google News and Discover not loading for many searchers
Google is having some technical difficulties this morning with its news engine. Google News, the news tab in Google Search, Google Discover, Google Trends and other Google services that use news publications, are currently not returning results for many searchers….
Google explains how it is improving its AI Overviews
Google responded to the bad press surrounding its recently rolled out AI Overviews in a new blog post by its new head of Search, Liz Reid. Google explained how AI Overviews work, where the weird AI Overviews came from, the…
Google adds opt-in for Video Enhancements for ads
Google is allowing more advertisers to opt into new “video enhancements” for video ad campaigns. These aim to improve performance by automatically creating additional video formats from advertisers’ original assets. Why we care. With more video consumption happening on mobile…
Google Search Console reporting error for product snippets
Google has confirmed a “logging error” that affected the product snippets reporting within the Google Search Console performance report. The issue occurred between May 15, 2024 until May 27, 2024 and resulted in an increase in clicks and impressions for…
PayPal launching ad network fueled by user purchase data
PayPal is building an advertising business that will leverage the troves of data it collects on consumer purchases and spending habits. What’s happening? The digital payments giant plans to create an ad network that allows merchants and brands to target…
Google Business Profile chat and call history going away
Google will be shutting down the Google Business Profile chat and call history feature on July 31, 2024. Google will stop allowing new chats to be initiated starting on July 15, 2024 and then will totally disable the chat and…
HUGE Google Search document leak reveals inner workings of ranking algorithm
A trove of leaked Google documents has given us an unprecedented look inside Google Search and revealed some of the most important elements Google uses to rank content. What happened. Thousands of documents, which appear to come from Google’s internal…
Google Analytics GA4 shows real-time users in the last 5 minutes
Google has upgraded its Google Analytics, GA4, real time reports to show users in last 5 minutes. It previously showed users in last 30 minutes and now it shows both users in last 5 minutes and users in last 30…
AI-powered ‘Performance+’ ads offer 30-90% lower CPAs
Amazon recently launched a new automated ad product called Performance+. Using a black box approach, it employs machine learning to optimize campaigns based on predicted conversion rates. The big picture. Performance+ marks Amazon’s entry into the AI-driven ad automation space,…
Your guide to Google Analytics 4 attribution
Conversion is usually preceded by several interactions with a website or an app. Attribution determines the role of each touchpoint in driving conversions and assigns credit for sales to interactions in conversion paths. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand attribution in…
How important are backlinks in 2024?
SEO today is more complex and challenging than at any other point. Once upon a time, not too long ago, links were the most important thing in SEO. But is that still true? This article will examine the significance of…
Improving content quality at scale with AI
I’ve learned through experience to be cautious when using the words “content” and “scale” close to each other in SEO because it’s usually coded-speak for creating content in large volumes, primarily for search engines. We’ve seen time and time again…
Google testing blue visit button for search result snippets
Google is testing a large blue visit button under some of the search results in the mobile search interface. The button says “visit” and takes you to the website listed in the search results. What it looks like. Here is…
Google AI Overviews under fire for giving dangerous and wrong answers
Google looks stupid right now. And AI Overviews are to blame. Google’s AI Overviews have given incorrect, misleading and even dangerous answers. The fact that Google includes a disclaimer at the bottom of every answer (“Generative AI is experimental”) should…
TikTok debuts AI-powered ad automation tools
TikTok unveiled a suite of new AI and automation tools for advertisers at its TikTok World event, aiming to make it easier for brands to create effective ads at scale on the viral video platform. The big picture. TikTok is…
New for 2024! Compare 16 top SEO platforms
With over 60% of all website traffic originating from organic search and 91.5% of clicks going to first-page results, businesses that neglect SEO are missing out on valuable opportunities to attract, engage, and convert their target audience. But as search…
Strategies for building inclusive digital experiences
In today’s digital landscape, inclusivity and accessibility are no longer optional; they are essential for engaging with diverse audiences and fostering meaningful connections. Neglecting digital accessibility can alienate potential customers and limit your brand’s reach. During this webinar, our expert…
Google Ads VP dodges questions on AI Search impact to publishers
In the latest case of tell and don’t show, Google’s VP/GM of Advertising (Ads on Search/Google Properties) Shashi Thakur was interviewed by Marketing Brew about whether users will click on links in AI Overviews. His response: “We are seeing that…
Everything you need to know
Unsurprisingly, AI took center stage during the various announcements made today at Google Marketing Live 2024. Updates also focused on creatives, data and giving the consumer what they want straight from the Search results. Now is the time to start…
Google gives merchants new brand profiles, AI branding tools
New shopping features aimed at helping merchants better showcase their brands and create visual content using AI technology are now available, Google announced today at Google Marketing Live 2024. The big picture. More than 40% of Google shopping searches mention…
Google CEO is ’empathetic’ to content creators Search has wiped out
We’re in a disruptive moment, according to Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Although he is optimistic that Google AI Overviews and Search will drive more traffic and engagement, that is zero comfort for the many content creators who have…
2024 Search Engine Land Awards judges reveal what makes an application award-worthy
Since its inception in 2015, the Search Engine Land Awards have recognized exceptional marketers on an annual basis — showcasing outstanding work, providing well-earned exposure in coverage and interviews, and bestowing upon them the highest honor in search. But the…
Netflix ads tier hits 40 million subscribers
Netflix’s ad-supported tier is rapidly gaining traction, reaching 40 million monthly users globally, the streamer announced at its 2024 Upfront presentation. The paid ad offering, initially seen as a risky move, has quickly become a hit for Netflix as it…
Snapchat outlines Three Es for advanced marketing measurement
With rising data restrictions, Snapchat says “Execution, Experimentation and Evaluation” are the key pillars marketers need to focus on to ensure strategic measurement evolves with the times. Why we care. While Google keeps delaying deprecating third-party cookies, it will happen….
How to archive your Universal Analytics historical data
Another Google Analytics 4 migration project deadline is fast approaching, and this deadline is hard set. On July 1, Google will delete all historical data from Universal Analytics properties. This deadline also affects Analytics 360 customers. With little more than…
Winning SEO strategies for brands
As the traditional search box becomes obsolete and the vast majority of searches shift to the extreme long tail, SEO will invariably evolve in the future. It’s actually not such a bold prediction if you have been in the search…
Why advertisers can no longer trust Google
The Department of Justice’s laid out a damning case against Google in the antitrust lawsuit closing argument. Search Engine Land Managing Editor Danny Goodwin highlighted some of the damaging evidence – including how Google has been increasing costs for advertisers…
TikTok now testing 60-minute video uploads
TikTok is testing a new 60-minute video upload limit, which could unlock new content possibilities for brands, marketers and content creators. Why we care. TikTok is already a powerful discovery engine, but the ability to upload 60-minute videos opens up…
Google adds two new Googlebot crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video
Google has added two new crawlers to the Googlebot family of web crawlers: GoogleOther-Image GoogleOther-Video Google said these two new crawlers are versions of GoogleOther optimized for fetching image and video bytes. GoogleOther was added in April 2023 to be…
Google AI Overviews: More searches, less satisfaction
I don’t know for a fact that people are searching less on Google. I just know it’s true. During Google I/O, Alphabet/Google CEO Sundar Pichai told us AI Overviews have resulted in an “increase in Search usage.” Pichai said the…
Reddit appoints ex-Googler as first VP of Ads Product
Reddit named Jyoti Vaidee as its first VP of Ads Product, a newly created role overseeing the platform’s monetization engine. Vaidee joins from Google, where she spent over 11 years leading ads products and monetization, most recently as product lead…
How entity-based strategies can contribute to PPC success
While the concept of entities for SEO has been around since 2012, it hasn’t been a widely adopted in PPC. Entities are essentially unique people, places, things or concepts that provide context and relationships for keywords. As AI becomes more…
Google adds “web” filter to only show text-based links in Google Search results
Google is rolling out a new search filter to show only text-based links in the search results. The filter is named “Web”. Clicking it removes images, videos, or other forms of search results; only classic blue links are displayed. Web…
Technical SEO tips to master Google core updates
Unpredictable Google core updates can wreak havoc on your website traffic, leaving you struggling to keep up with the ever-changing search landscape. But what if you could future-proof your online presence and skyrocket your search rankings – even during the…
Google limits functionality of suspended ads accounts
Google is rolling out restrictions for suspended Google Ads accounts, limiting the actions advertisers can take while their accounts are suspended. Restrictions will be implemented in June 2024. Why we care. The restrictions could frustrate some advertisers wanting full access…
Ad format preferences land in Google Demand Gen campaigns
New creative controls for video ads that allow advertisers to dictate where their videos appear across Google’s different ad formats are being introduced for Demand Gen campaigns. They have been released in beta. Why we care. Assigning video assets to…
Google CEO on future of links, AI making Search quality worse
As Google Search continues to incorporate AI-generated answers into Search, links will live on, Alphabet/Google CEO Sundar Pichai told Bloomberg in a new interview. Here’s what you need to know from Pichai’s interview. Future of links. Unlike in previous statements,…
Here’s what this new SEO ‘buzzword’ really means
The new buzzword in SEO is information gain. And like all new buzzwords, SEOs are throwing it around like we’ve just discovered fire. But there’s a massive problem. Information gain means different things to different people. In this article, you’ll…
How to navigate negative Glassdoor and Indeed company reviews
Receiving negative reviews from former employees is never fun. Getting this sort of detrimental feedback online can feel like a sucker punch. But get this: Poor online feedback is not the end of the world, regardless of whether it comes…
Google Shopping Ads get conversion annotations
Google is encouraging merchants to enable “conversion annotations” – social proof badges that highlight a product’s purchase popularity when displayed in Google Shopping ads. What’s new. Conversion annotations like “best selling” or “1K shopped here recently” provide visual cues about…
Alphabet still wants to acquire HubSpot
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is making significant strides in discussions to acquire HubSpot, a leading marketing and CRM software provider, according to a new report. The potential deal: “Alphabet has engaged in talks with HubSpot to discuss terms…
How to leverage social search for effective on-site optimization
Experimentation is an underutilized tool in content strategy for SEO. Traditionally, we create content based on research and theory, wait months to see how it ranks, then iterate if needed – an ongoing cycle. However, the rise of social search…
Detailed targeting exclusions alert sent to advertisers was an error
Some Meta advertisers received an alert yesterday when they opened their accounts. A source from Meta confirmed this alert was sent in error. What was announced? The message said setting new detailed targeting exclusions would no longer be possible when…
Google Search results without SGE jump to 65%, up from 25%
The number of Google Search queries without SGE increased last month from 25% to 65%. This is a surprisingly big drop, especially considering rumors that SGE could launch ahead of, or during, Google I/O next week. Search results without SGE…
TikTok highlights its value to brands and search experience
TikTok is positioning itself as a prime destination for search discovery, touting its community-driven approach as a key differentiator from traditional search engines. New insights. TikTok released new insights emphasizing the platform’s role in driving discovery across the marketing funnel:…
Reddit eyes potential in search ads following Google traffic gains
Reddit is exploring monetizing its search results pages, teasing a significant untapped opportunity for the popular online forum. Logical next step. With over 1 billion monthly searches on the platform, Reddit sees advertising against user searches as a logical next…
Google is not about blue links, says ex-CEO Eric Schmidt
“Google is not about blue links. It’s about organizing the world’s information,” according to former executive chairman and CEO of Google Eric Schmidt, speaking earlier today on CNBC. Schmidt was asked about the “blue link economy,” and all the brands…
Unpacking Google’s 2024 E-E-A-T Knowledge Graph update
The Killer Whale is back. The latest Knowledge Graph update, released in March, continued the laser focus on person entities. It appears Google is looking for person entities to which it can fully apply E-E-A-T credibility signals and aims to…
Google begins enforcement of site reputation abuse policy with portions of sites being delisted
Google has started its enforcement of the new site reputation abuse policy by deranking or deindexing portions of websites from the Google Search index. This seems to have launched in the past hour or so, where sites as large as…
DOJ hammers Google over Search ad price manipulation
Google manipulated ad auctions and inflated costs to increase revenue, harming advertisers, the Department of Justice argued last week in the U.S. vs. Google antitrust trial. What follows is a summary and some slides from the DOJ’s closing deck, specific…
Winning traffic and leads with service area pages
Google’s local search results have been shifting quite a bit since the start of 2024. As with the rise of Reddit and other forums, Google is trying to serve users more relevant and relatable content – and in the local…
Google’s huge search market share loss wasn’t real: Data revised
Statcounter has revised data indicating that Google took a massive hit to its search market share in April while Microsoft Bing and Yahoo made ludicrous gains. Inaccurate data. For U.S. search market share in April, here’s what Statcounter was showing…
Google expands Performance Max to online marketplaces
Google expanded Performance Max to help merchants drive sales directly through online marketplaces, such as Amazon. The big picture. Performance Max for Marketplaces allows sellers to create Google ad campaigns that send traffic to their product listings on third-party ecommerce…
Consumer behavior is changing, is your marketing?
The retail landscape is in flux. What may have worked for retail marketers just a few years ago may no longer have the same impact today. Why? Buyer journeys are evolving, spending habits are shifting, and, notably, the savviest marketers…
Google unveils new ways to reach streaming audiences
Google took center stage at the IAB NewFronts in New York City, pitching advertisers on their evolving streaming ad offerings. The big idea: With streaming continuing to fragment audiences across various platforms and services, ad giants are competing to offer…
3 key observations about the Google March 2024 core update
Google’s March 2024 core update will hands down be one of the most talked-about SEO topics of the year, if not the last few years. There’s so much around the update, from its length to the death of the helpful…
Google, DOJ make closing arguments in antitrust trial
Google and the Department of Justice are presenting their closing arguments today and tomorrow in the government’s landmark antitrust case against the company that owns a global search monopoly. Rewind. The 10-week, high-stakes legal battle probed the business practices of…
Google restricts promotion of deep fake sexual content
Google introduced new restrictions on deep fake sexual content for Shopping ads. Google also updated its general content policy prohibiting promoting synthetic content that has been altered or generated to be sexually explicit or contain nudity Why we care. Google…
Did Google really lose search market share to Microsoft Bing in April?
Statcounter has updated its search engine market share stats for April – and the results are shocking. If they’re true. I’m doubtful – but hoping Statcounter will confirm whether these numbers are indeed accurate. By the numbers. Google’s U.S. search market…
The future of search is social
Is your social media strategy keeping pace with the latest industry trends and innovations? Deloitte’s comprehensive “State of Social Media” report reveals that social-first brands are achieving remarkable outcomes – including an average 10.2% revenue increase – by repositioning social…
New Google Search reputation abuse policy starts soon
Google’s new Search spam policy around reputation abuse – or what SEOs have referred to as “parasite SEO” – will take effect “after May 5,” according to Google. May 5 is this Sunday. We knew this was coming. Google told…
How to transform your Google Ads headlines with anti-audiences
If you’ve ever tried using avatars or buyer personas to write a Google Ads headline, you know it can be frustrating and fruitless. You try to define your target market, only to be told, “Our audience is anyone who wants…
Google adds 6 new AI features for Performance Max
Google Ads today introduced six new AI features for Performance Max campaigns. Why we care. You’ll want to explore these new PMax features to see whether they help you uncover new insights or improve campaign performance and ROI. Customer Value…
Microsoft makes Copilot available to all advertisers
Microsoft’s AI assistant Copilot is now available for all advertisers across the Microsoft Advertising Platform, a month after they increased the testing pool, the company announced today. Why we care: Microsoft touts CopIlot as a way for advertisers to save…
Meta ad revenue jumps 27% in Q1 2024
Meta’s ad revenue increased 27% in Q1 2024, a significant improvement over the 4% growth it saw in the same quarter a year ago. Advertising revenue was $35.6 billion in Q1 2024 compared to $28.1 billion in Q1 2023. This…
How to launch a product-led SEO strategy
Today’s SEO landscape is fraught with uncertainty, marked by: Keeping your website strategy tied to traditional notions like keyword research based on search volume is a recipe for a slow but certain death. But what are your options? One possible…
6 things you should do after a Google core update rollout completes
The March 2024 core update has been a volatile, mammoth update. It’s been a long and turbulent road for some. It can be overwhelming when you hear that an update has finished rolling out. With so many moving parts, pinpointing…
Google Search revenue increases 14% YoY to $46 billion
Alphabet’s overall revenue increased by 15% to $80 billion, much higher than last year’s 3% year-on-year increase. By the numbers. Google Search revenue increased by 14% to $46 billion YoY in Q1 2024 compared to $40 billion in Q1 2023….
Google March 2024 core update rollout is now complete
Google’s March 2024 core update is now done rolling out, it started on March 5, 2024 and completed 45 days later on April 19, 2024. This was a big core update, where Google said that this core update is more…
Google CEO says AI overviews are increasing Search usage
Google has served “billions of queries” with its generative AI features and plans to “expand the type of queries we can serve our users” even further. That’s according Alphabet/Google CEO Sundar Pichai, speaking during the Q1 2024 Alphabet earnings call….
Google Publisher Center to stop allowing you to add publications
Google will stop allowing publishers to add publications to the Google Publisher Center manually. Instead, Google will automatically add eligible publications pages later this year. This change will likely lead to even more confusion around Google News inclusion, which we…
Exploring AI-powered search beyond Google
The rise of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) has opened the possibility of disrupting Google’s long-standing dominance in the search engine market. One such challenger is Perplexity, an AI-powered search platform that aims to provide users with summarized…
TikTok sell or ban bill becomes law
President Joe Biden today signed a bill into law that forces TikTok to either divest from Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a full ban in the U.S. What it means. ByteDance must sell TikTok in nine months. That deadline…
Head of Google Search demands urgency as growth slows
Prabhakar Raghavan, the head of Google Search, expects his team to move more quickly and in different directions as part of a new “cost” and “operating reality.” That’s according to audio of Raghavan speaking during a Google all-hands meeting, obtained…
Create Google core update recovery strategy
Best of the SearchBot showcases Search Engine Land’s SearchBot’s responses to prompts submitted by readers. The language model is based on content from Search Engine Land layered on top of ChatGPT. The editors of Search Engine Land selected this response for its…
TikTok SEO: The ultimate guide
TikTok is no longer just an entertainment platform – it has rapidly evolved into a powerful search engine, particularly for the younger generation. With a staggering 74% of Gen Z using TikTok as their go-to search platform in 2024, brands…