Meta AI adds Google Search results
Meta AI answers now may include Google Search results, making this the first AI assistant to include search results from both Google and Microsoft. That said, I’ve yet to find a query that triggered Google Search results. Meta AI launched…
Structure, consume, learn and retire: Google’s pattern of learning
Over the years, Google has seemingly established a pattern in how it interacts with the web. The search engine provides structured data formats and tools that allow us to supply information to Google. Think: meta tags, schema markup, the disavow…
Comarch holds new webinar – Top loyalty trends: Industry-specific ideas 2024
Studies show that loyal customers are responsible for as much as 65% of all brand purchases. In turbulent economic times, when consumers become warier with every penny they spend and brands are increasingly desperate to keep the income flowing, loyalty…
How to set and manage PPC expectations for teams and stakeholders
Have you ever been in a situation where not everyone was on the same page? It happens often in the workplace and usually is caused by different expectations among stakeholders. Here are some ways to set and manage expectations for…
7 ways to elevate your responsive search ads
While Google’s responsive search ads (RSAs) have come a long way from the simple text ads of the past, there are still plenty of opportunities to optimize and take your PPC performance to new heights. Let’s dive into seven proven…
Dominate search results with your SEO dream team
Discover how a well-structured team can overcome and outperform unpredictable algorithm updates. Edna Chavira on April 19, 2024 at 9:56 am | Reading time: 1 minute SearchBot is thinking … Ever wondered how to structure an SEO team for unparalleled success?…
Make 2024 the year you take home the highest honor in search
Winning an industry award can greatly impact how customers, clients, and colleagues regard your brand. Showcase your achievements and celebrate your professional excellence by entering The Search Engine Land Awards — the highest honor in search marketing! For nearly 10…
5 alternatives to the missing Page Timings report in GA4
Page load speed, among other Core Web Vitals, is a known Google organic ranking factor. While we have the PageSpeed Insights tool, it unfortunately only works on one page at a time. The Page Timings report in Universal Analytics surfaced…
Meta could launch Threads ads this year
Advertisers might be able to purchase ads on Meta’s Threads platform as early as the second half of this year. That’s according to a Digiday (subscription required) report citing multiple sources. Why we care: Brands and marketers will soon have…
Brave Search unveils AI answer engine
Brave Search introduced a new AI answer engine called Answer with AI. It will produce AI-generated answers “synthesized” from multiple sources for any query. What is Answer with AI. Answer with AI, as the name suggests, uses AI to generate…
U.S. search ad revenues hit record $88.8 billion in 2023
Paid search advertising revenues reached a new high in 2023 – though annual growth continues to slow, according to a new report. In total, search accounted for $88.8 billion of a record $225 billion in U.S. digital advertising revenues, according…
Google Discover optimization: A complete guide
Google Discover is an especially important source of organic traffic for publishers. This personalized feed, available within Google’s mobile app and mobile search homepage, offers users an engaging experience by recommending relevant content, even before they know exactly what they…
Google Search Console security update improves management of ownership tokens
Google Search Console has released a security update around user permissions and controls management where you can better manage the ownership tokens. Ownership tokens are used for when people verify your site in Search Console, Merchant Center and other Google…
Upgrade your paid search strategy with Connected TV
As a search marketing professional, you’ve honed your skills in driving targeted traffic and achieving measurable results. But what if you could amplify your impact and reach a wider audience? Join MNTN on Thursday, April 18th to learn more about…
Writing people-first content: A process and template
Want to rank highly in 2024 and beyond? Then, you must create what Google calls “helpful, reliable, people-first content.” In this article, I will outline a process that shows you exactly how to do that and provide a simple template…
How to harness the power of brand mentions across the search universe
Brand mentions are crucial in shaping brand presence and perception across the search universe. This article explores the growing relationship between brand mentions and their significance in developing share of search and boosting brand search. We will also: Dive into…
TikTok launches enhanced ad placement controls
TikTok introduced two new controls to give advertisers more choice regarding where their content appears: Category Exclusion. Vertical Sensitivity controls. Additionally, the social media platform is merging account-level controls for all brand safety and suitability solutions within TikTok Ads Manager…
Google CEO on how Search and SGE are evolving
Google Search will continue to evolve in the direction of Search Generative Experience. That’s according to Alphabet/Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who recently spoke about AI, Search and more at the 2024 Business, Government & Society Forum at Stanford University. The future…
How the Google-Reddit partnership impacts brand management
The Google-Reddit partnership is a significant development that is reshaping online brand management. This collaboration allows Google to access Reddit’s data API to enhance its product search results with real-time content from Reddit’s platform. As a result, brands must now…
Chase launches first bank-led media network
JPMorgan Chase launched Chase Media Solutions, a new digital media business. It’s the first bank-led media platform, allowing advertisers to send relevant promotions to some 80 million financial customers. Chase acquired transaction-based digital advertising platform Figg in 2022 — a…
TikTok testing virtual influencers for video ads
TikTok is reportedly developing AI-powered virtual influencers that will be able to compete against human creators for lucrative advertising contracts. The new AI avatars can allegeldy read scripts for video ads created from prompts submitted by brands and TikTok Shop…
How advertisers can capitalize on vertical video
Vertical video has become the mainstream format for advertisers, proving its value across various industries and categories. Historically, video ads were tailored for the traditional 16:9 landscape format, primarily on television. However, the emergence of mobile-first social media and evolving…
Google structured data carousels (beta) clarified for summary pages
Google has updated its structured data carousels (beta) help documentation to clarify where your markup should go within summary pages that link out to other detail pages. Google also added the feature availability of this new structured data carousels (beta)….
Google testing People Also Consider label on branded search ads
Google is trialing a new People Also Consider badge on ads served within branded search results. The label appears as a grey box positioned underneath the company name, logo and URL as demonstrated in the screenshot below: The feature is…
Meta advertisers claim sales are down and costs are up
Meta advertisers claim the cost of running campaigns across it platforms has surged due to ongoing issues with its algorithm. Brands report that sales and return-on-ad-spend have both plummeted, while cost-per-click and cost per 1,000 impressions are up by a…
Google updates Merchant Center product data specifications
Google’s product data specification requirements guarantee that all product data submitted to the Merchant Center is formatted correctly to optimize success for both Shopping ads and organic Shopping listings. Each year, the search giant updates these specifications in a bid…
Ads served on retail websites ‘twice as likely’ to influence shoppers
Brands are almost twice as likely to influence U.S. shoppers by advertising on retailer websites as opposed to marketplaces, according to a new study. Research into the digital advertising landscape conducted by software engineering and digital consultancy company Intellias found…
7 ways to use generative AI in PPC
Google leads AI advertising with machine learning integrated across ad campaigns and types. Even with manual workarounds, results tend to suffer without the help of AI-driven algorithms. Without AI assistance for PPC bidding and creative decisions, your conversion rate will…
Create a strategy to build high-quality backlinks
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…
Aligning strategies with revenue goals
In the cut-throat world of digital marketing, everyone’s chasing that elusive ROI. And when it comes to marketing tools, content marketing often steals the spotlight. But here’s the thing: to make content work for your bottom line, you’ve got to…
Google AI overviews launch in UK
Google’s AI overviews are beginning to appear in search queries for a “small slice” of logged-in users in the UK. Google’s Search Generative Experience has been in testing as a Labs experiment in the U.S. since May 2023. SGE has…
Google ‘considering Hubspot acquisition’
Google is reportedly in talks about putting in an offer to acquire Hubspot. The search giant has allegedly been in discussions with Morgan Stanley about how much it should offer to buy the online marketing software company, which is said…
10 non-marketing books every SEO should read
When you work in an industry like SEO, staying updated on new technologies is crucial. But, not all learning needs to be about link building, content or technical aspects of SEO. It’s also valuable to look outside of the industry….
Bing Search tests removing cache link
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Google on why Ad Strength is ‘important’ as it addresses concerns
Some Google advertisers are convinced Ad Strength is a pointless metric that should be ignored. The diagnostic tool, touted by the search engine as an effective way to assist marketers in creating better ads, has faced harsh criticism, with some…
6 reasons why SEO audits seem like a waste and how to fix them
“SEO audits are a waste of time.” That one hurts to read, doesn’t it? Recently, I came across a LinkedIn post that lamented on SEO audits. My comment got a lot of engagement, so the idea for this article was…
LinkedIn introduces CTV ads for B2B campaigns
LinkedIn today introduced CTV ads, allowing marketers to include ads on CTV platforms in their B2B campaigns. Advertisers can add CTV to their LinkedIn campaigns through a network of partners including Paramount, Roku and Samsung Ads. In addition to LinkedIn’s…
Facebook launches full-screen video player with key upgrades
Facebook is launching an updated video player that provides a consistent design for all video lengths, including Reels, longer videos, and Live content, in one fullscreen. This updated video player, which bears a striking resemblance to TikTok, will initially roll…
7 steps to scale your content creation process in the world of AI
With Google’s increased focus on reducing low-quality content in search results, marketers are questioning the role of AI-generated content. However, regardless of how it’s created, Google’s primary concern is content quality and helpfulness to users. As long as the content…
3 YouTube updates, including live stream reaction analytics
YouTube unveiled three new updates for content creators, intended to provide them with a deeper understanding of their audience and enhance the user experience they offer. These updates include: Live stream reaction analytics. New and returning viewer impression breakdown. The…
How to use Google Gemini to improve SEO operational efficiency
Gemini’s integration with Google Workspace can improve SEO operations and align activities with management priorities. Key insights: Leverage Gemini integrated with Google Workspace for Sheets, Docs and Gmail to analyze documents and create content. Use Google Docs to identify leadership…
Meta announces major audience targeting and insights update
Meta launched new audience insight and targeting options within its Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns. These new capabilities allow you to generate reporting breakdowns of your audience and target individuals interested in your products or services who haven’t yet made a purchase….
16 reasons why your page isn’t ranking on Google
It’s frustrating. You put time, energy and a lot of hope into a webpage. But it just won’t rank. Your competitors’ pages are ranking well, even though (subjectively) they’re worse. Yours deserves to be top of Google. So why isn’t…
Pinterest shares algorithm insights as it discusses non-engagement signals
Pinterest provided insights into how its algorithm works while warning of the risks of overreliance on user engagement. The platform emphasized that excessive reliance on engagement to rank content can result in a negative user experience, and proposed non-engagement signals…
Google still has not announced a launch date for SGE
Google has not announced a date for when it will fully launch the Google Search Generative Experience (SGE). We know Google has begun testing SGE in the wild with a small subset of U.S. searchers, in fact, that seemed to have gone…
How schema markup establishes trust and boosts information gain
In this article, we’ll explore how schema markup, particularly the use of descriptive markup, linking entities and connecting to external data sources, can establish trust with Google and potentially reduce the chances of being deindexed. Additionally, we’ll discuss the role…
Advertisers sue Meta for ‘inflating ad viewership’ in $7 billion lawsuit
Facebook and Instagram advertisers filed a class-action lawsuit against Meta for $7 billion in San Francisco. They claim that the social media giant exaggerated ad viewership figures by up to 400%, leading them to pay inflated premiums for ad placements…
6 new Reddit Ads Manager tools to simplify ad creation & tracking
Reddit Ads Manager has been updated to simplify the process of creating and tracking campaigns more efficiently. The platform now offers six new automated features designed to provide advertisers with easy access to creative best practices. Why we care. These…
How in-house teams get projects prioritized
Does it ever feel like your SEO recommendations and projects get lost in the shuffle or deprioritized by other teams? If you work in-house, you’ve likely experienced the “fear of missing out” (FOMO) when it comes to getting your optimization…
Google did not drop Web Stories from image results
Google has issued a correction from its previous statement in early February that Web Stories no longer showed in Google Image search results, that is not true. What is true is that Google stopped showing the Web Stories icon in…
3 best practices for advanced PPC marketers
While Google Ads has built-in bidding algorithms and optimization features, some PPC marketers and advertisers still rely on Google’s Search Ads 360 (SA360) for managing complex campaigns. This article discusses three key best practices and integrations that can help maximize…
Amazon ordered to publicly share details of ads it serves in the EU
Amazon must now share details about the ads it serves in the European Union through a public library. The retail giant is being forced to provide more transparency about its ad operations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) after…
Exploring Meridian, Google’s new open-source marketing mix model
Meridian, Google’s new open-source Marketing Mix Model (MMM), has entered the rapidly evolving market for advanced marketing analytics and forecasting tools. This article explores Meridian’s key features, capabilities and limitations, comparing it with Meta’s MMM called Robyn. It delves into…
LinkedIn Ads launches dynamic UTMs for campaign tracking
LinkedIn is launching a new solution for monitoring campaign performance without third-party cookies. Dynamic UTMs, which will be available to all users globally by the end of March, simplify adding custom tracking elements to campaign URLs, improving tracking accuracy. Previously,…
Google adds 3D model markup for product structured data
Google added new details about how to reference or link a specific 3D model to a specific product using product structured data. The new code samples are in the Google product structured data documentation. The 3D model. Here is a screenshot…
Instagram updates hashtag search to simplify account discovery
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Google starts testing AI overviews from SGE in main Google search interface
Google is now testing AI overviews in the main Google Search results, even if you have not opted into the Google Search Generative Experience labs feature. Google said this is an experience on a “subset of queries, on a small…
TikTok publishes lead generation best practice guide
TikTok published a new guide offering best practices for lead generation on the platform. The comprehensive 25-page document, which was released in partnership with Hubspot, provides actionable tips on: Lead generation forms. Hooks. Messaging. Calls to action. Why we care….
Google publishes Performance Max developer guide
Google released a dedicated guide for developers called the Performance Max developer guide. The document is aimed at helping developers access the necessary information to build PMax integrations more easily. Why we care. For developers working on PMax integration, this…
Bing Deep Search is officially live for all users
Bing Deep Search, an optional generative AI feature meant to help searchers with complex questions that don’t have simple answers, is now fully live for all users. Microsoft announced today that all users can now access Deep Search within Bing…
Google SGE a top threat to brand and product terms, study finds
You should expect to see “some erosion of current traffic levels” from brand-related terms as a result of Google’s Search Generative Experience, according to a new Authoritas analysis. Why we care. Google just today announced it is rolling out SGE…
5 best practices for 2024
Whether you call it AI, automation, machine learning or similar terms, PPC ad platforms are embracing and standardizing it. This is particularly true across Meta platforms. With its recent rebranding of automated ad products under the Advantage and Advantage+ suite…
The wrath of the March 2024 core update is not linear
SEOs are already speculating about which update did what to which sites (the March 2024 core update or March 2024 spam update) and what sites should or shouldn’t be doing. This is a bit dangerous. Meanwhile, Google is urging SEOs…
4 keys to SEO and PPC collaboration in 2024
Every year brings a ton of change in digital marketing. In each of my 10 years in the industry, I’ve noticed that the beginning of the year can mark a surge in calls for SEO and PPC to work together. …
Google Marketing Live 2024 registration opens
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Teaching writers when and how to use generative AI to create helpful content
On Nov. 30, 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a groundbreaking AI chatbot that can understand and generate human-like text. Less than three weeks later, I started teaching writers how to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to create helpful content. While…
Optimizing your Performance Max campaigns with Google Ads, GA4 data
Performance Max ads have been touted as an efficient way to manage Google Ads across multiple Google-owned channels, making campaign management simpler for PPC advertisers. It combines all of Google Ads’ channel options together in one campaign and uses Google’s…
The two parts of E-E-A-T Google hasn’t told you about
In this article, I will expand upon Google’s concept of E-E-A-T by adding “notability” and “transparency.” These additional elements are often overlooked but are crucial for demonstrating credibility to Google. Notability reflects the impact or recognition in a specific field,…
Google Ads Report Editor exporting zeros; Google is investigating
Advertisers attempting to export reports from Google Ads Report Editor are experiencing issues where the data is showing zeros instead of the actual numbers. Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix to resolve it, but…
SEO planning: The one-page SEO plan
This article will show you how to create a simple SEO plan. This plan focuses on a single group of related keywords applicable to your business’s primary offerings or individual products/services. The plan is concise and fits onto a single…
The hidden threat of SpamBrain
As I write this, we’re in the first week of the March 2024 core and spam updates – and the aftermath has been savage. Sites with spam policy violations were hit with manual actions. Many SEOs are in a state…
Microsoft Advertising testing new interface similar to Google Ads
Microsoft Advertising is piloting a new user interface for select users. The platform is yet to confirm a timeline of when the new UI will be rolled out to more users, however a spokesperson told Search Engine Land to expect…
Meta will sunset CrowdTangle in August
Meta announced that CrowdTangle will be discontinued on Aug. 14, 2024, as the company shifts its focus toward developing new research tools. Until then, users can still access CrowdTangle and its Chrome Extension, with data updating in real-time. However, during…
Google to replace perspectives filter with forums filter
Google is rolling out a change to the perspectives filter, renaming it from perspectives to forums. A Google spokesperson told Search Engine Land the word “forums” is a more intuitive name when seeking out that content. Google also told us…
Microsoft serving ads for Bing in Google Chrome
Microsoft is reportedly using pop-up ads within Google Chrome to prompt users to switch their default search engine to Bing. Increasing numbers of Windows users have observed advertisements for Bing AI and Microsoft’s Bing search engine while browsing in Chrome….
Amazon apologizes after its AI ad system makes costly error
Amazon apologized to advertisers after its automated advertising system charged them to promote products they couldn’t sell. The retail giant confirmed that some sellers have been charged for misdirected ads, and assured that it was actively working to resolve the issue….
Google Product Studio launches seasonal themed templates
Google Product Studio launched seasonal themed templates, offering advertisers a convenient solution to instantly generate eye-catching promotional images for various holidays. With the release of the first templates for St. Patrick’s Day available now, advertisers can effortlessly update their product…
U.S. House passes bill forcing TikTok owner to sell or face total ban
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill requiring ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, to sell the platform or else face a total ban in America. Under the new legislation, ByteDance has a six-month ultimatum to divest its controlling stake…
TikTok unveils Search Insights to help creators find trending topics
TikTok rolled out a new feature called Creator Search Insights, allowing creators to track trending search terms on the platform. Accessible through the app by searching “Creator Search Insights,” this tool aims to provide creators with valuable insights to inspire…
Meta announces major updates to Advantage+ and Shopping Ads
Meta announced a string of updates to its Advantage+ and Shopping Ads, designed to help brands improve engagement, drive conversions, and deliver more personalized ads. The platform claims that the updates will help give consumers “the confidence to make a…
TikTok unveils major expansion to creator monetization program
TikTok updated its Effect Creator Rewards program to improve monetization opportunities for current members and expand access to creators in new markets. By extending the program to 33 additional markets and lowering eligibility criteria, TikTok aims to engage more creators…
Joe Biden supports bill to ban TikTok in the U.S.
Joe Biden said he would sign legislation banning TikTok in the U.S. The House of Representatives will vote this week on a legislation giving TikTok’s owner, China’s ByteDance, six months to divest the app. If ByteDance doesn’t comply, TikTok might…
Microsoft Ads expands Copilot to more advertisers
Microsoft Ads expanded its Copilot trial to a larger set of advertisers. The company confirmed to Search Engine Land that it is giving more advertises access to Copilot as it continues to collect data, test, optimize, and work towards a…
Making the web more sustainable
In November, I conducted a survey aimed at SEO professionals, delving into their perspectives on climate change. This article unpacks the survey results, highlighting key findings and offering practical advice for SEO professionals looking to impact the environment positively. But…
Google Interaction to Next Paint coming to Core Web Vitals this Tuesday
This Tuesday, Google will roll out a change to the Core Web Vital metrics where it will replace First Input Delay (FID) with Interaction to Next Paint (INP) as a Core Web Vitals metric. This March 12th you will see FID go away…
Google issues search ranking penalties through manual actions
The day after Google released its new search spam policies, including the March 2024 spam and core updates, Google began penalizing websites that the search company felt violated those spam policies. The result of these search penalties was that some…
5 biggest challenges for PPC marketers in 2024
Trends and hurdles are already taking shape for all PPC marketers in 2024. Changes in the privacy and data landscapes are dictating most of them, alongside continuing economic struggles. But what are those challenges and how can we prepare and…
Reddit pilots new tools to help brands boost engagement
Reddit is piloting a free suite of tools designed to help businesses improve their engagement with consumers. The new feature, Reddit Pro, provides tools and insights to guide businesses on where, when, and how to effectively participate on the platform…
‘Predetermined’ vote on U.S. ban will damage businesses
TikTok accused U.S. Senators of staging a “predetermined” vote to ban the platform in the United States. Next week, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on legislation that gives TikTok’s owner, China’s ByteDance, six months to divest the app….
Google Business Profiles tools are temporarily unavailable
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The cutting-edge AI strategies you need for landing page success by Cynthia Ramsaran
Marketers are leaving money on the table by focusing only on optimizing campaigns, not customer experiences. A campaign that leads to a customized/optimized landing page can dramatically impact overall campaign economics and customer engagement. How can you create landing pages…
TikTok faces fresh calls for potential ban by U.S. Senators
TikTok is facing renewed calls for a potential ban in America by U.S. Senators. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is proposing a law that would force ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, to divest the app within the next six months. If not,…
LinkedIn restores service after global outage
LinkedIn is back up and running after a global outage prevented users from accessing their accounts. The technical glitch was impacting users globally, including the U.S. and UK, with more than 48,000 reports of issues via Downdetector. Why we care….
TikTok gives users enhanced data control for DMA compliance
TikTok launched a new Data Portability API as part of its efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act, which is being rolled out this week. This feature gives users on the platform the option to choose how their data…
Bing Webmaster Tools gains new IndexNow Insights & top SEO insights report
Microsoft updated Bing Webmaster Tools with new helpful insights and reports to help you with your site performance within Bing and Search in general. Bing Webmaster Tools has a new IndexNow Insights report that shows you more than just the…
Google must face some advertisers’ antitrust claims, says US judge
Google must face a proposed class action lawsuit from advertisers claiming that it monopolizes the ad exchange market, a U.S. judge has ruled. However, some antitrust claims made by advertisers, particularly those centred on ad-buying tools, have been dismissed. The allegations….
Google to update Local Services Ads verification process
Google confirmed it’s updating the verification process for Local Services Ads. The tech giant begun informing advertisers in specific sectors, like law services, about the update on March 4. However, there are additional reports suggesting that a broader verification process…
How to identify and craft content pillars that boost brand awareness
Content pillars are foundational to your brand’s content strategy. They are the central themes that drive your messaging and shape your identity across platforms. Developing strong content pillars is crucial for every brand that wants to attract and engage followers…
How one Google featured snippet is killing commercial list-based content
Recent Google scandals have raised concerns about search result fairness, accuracy, transparency and the ethics of big brands’ dominance. This article explores how these factors collide by examining Google’s use of search engine results page (SERP) list-based features to further…
TikTok launches monthly trends round-up and content tips series
TikTok is providing a roundup of the latest trends gaining traction in the app with a new Trends Digest series. The monthly updates offer content ideas and practical tips on integrating these trends into your videos to boost reach and…
Google will automatically start pausing ad groups with low activity
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Google addresses third-party cookie deprecation concerns
Google advised advertisers to take urgent action by investing in AI as it addressed potential third-party cookie deprecation delays. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned the tech giant last month that it could not proceed with the removal…
Google Ads Editor version 2.6 launches with 10 new features
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Google says Performance Max ‘intentionally’ doesn’t show channel-specific KPIs
Google confirmed that it deliberately withholds channel-specific KPIs for Performance Max campaigns because it could be “misleading.” Some advertisers suspect Google is not being fully transparent about PMax campaign performance data because doing so would impact its ability to push…
New Google structured data carousels (beta)
Google has added new search developer documentation for structured data carousels (beta). The new documentation can be found here and is under the “early adopters program.” This structured data is for a new carousel rich result that’s in beta, “which…
This day in search marketing history: February 29
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YouTube expands free editing app to 13 new markets
YouTube Create, a mobile app designed to make editing videos easier, is expanding to 13 more markets in beta. Content creators can now download the app for free in the PlayStore on Android in the following additional countries: Argentina Australia….
Reminder – Google is enforcing stricter rules for consumer finance ad targeting
Google will start enforcing tougher restrictions on personalized ads related to consumer financial products and services from tomorrow, February 28. Any breaches of the updated policy will prompt a warning, with the possibility of account suspension. It’s worth noting that…
Google unveils major SPN update as it removes opt-out option
Google is giving advertisers more control over ad placement within the Search Partner Network. From March 4, advertisers using Performance Max will have access to impression-level placement reporting of Search Partner Network sites. Additionally, if you exclude certain ad placements…
How SMBs are approaching digital marketing in 2024
A new report released this month by Intero Digital (disclosure: I previously worked with Intero), “Revolutionizing Reach: The 2024 Digital Marketing Landscape You Can’t Ignore,” checks the yearly pulse for the digital spending and marketing activities of its SMB client…
Apple rejected Microsoft Bing deal over quality worries
Microsoft reportedly tried to sell Bing to Apple in 2018 – but failed. The sale was unsuccessful because Apple had concerns about Bing’s search quality, advertising unit and monetization capabilities, according to a document in Google’s antitrust case against the…
How to speed up site migrations with AI-powered redirect mapping
Migrating a large website is always daunting. Big traffic is at stake among many moving parts, technical challenges and stakeholder management. Historically, one of the most onerous tasks in a migration plan has been redirect mapping. The painstaking process of…
Five steps to take before third-party cookie deprecation
LinkedIn released a new guide detailing actionable steps and tactics you can take now to maximize campaign performance in the absence of third-party cookies. Amid regulatory changes and reduced identifiers, the playbook offers advice on how to meet the demand…
Google investigating Local Services Ads bug
Google is investigating a Local Services Ads bug that’s causing businesses to appear in search results for their competitors’ names. The issue comes just weeks after the platform started piloting branded Local Service Ads (LSA) called Direct Business Search. This…
Guide me through a technical SEO audit
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…
Everything you need to know
It was 13 years ago today that Google launched the Panda update. This algorithm update had a massive and far-reaching impact on SEO and content strategies for years to come. Here’s a complete history of the Google Panda algorithm update….
Don’t punish us for our success in Search
Google accused the U.S. government of wanting to punish it for being more successful than its competitors. The company made the comments in an unsealed post-trial brief submitted to a DC federal judge as part of its ongoing legal battle…
Instagram grows Creator Marketplace to help brands find creators
Instagram is expanding its Creator Marketplace, aiming to make it simpler for brands to discover creators for partnership ads. The platform will start inviting creators and brands based in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Japan, India and Brazil to…
Google Ads API version 16 is launching
Google announced the v16 release of the Google Ads API. To leverage some of its features, you’ll need to update your client libraries and code. Look out for the updated client libraries and code examples, which will be released next week….
What should Google rank in Search when all the content sucks?
Many people have an incredibly low bar for what they consider to be “great” content that deserves to rank in Google Search. So often, I see people bemoaning the fact that their content is great and high-quality. They just can’t…
Pinterest launches cooking series with shoppable experience
Pinterest is launching its first-ever streaming show with an actionable and shoppable experience. Inspired by Pinterest trends, Deliciously Entertaining is a six part cooking series that will premiere on the Tastemade streaming channel on February 23. Why video matters. 93%…
Article complaining about being outranked on Google being outranked by Reddit
How Google is killing independent sites like ours from HouseFresh talks about an ongoing complaint from smaller publishers and site owners about how they are constantly being outranked by larger publishers and site owners in Google Search. The irony here…
YouTube Analytics now shows top-earning Shorts, VOD, and Lives
YouTube Analytics now tells creators their top-performing content across Shorts, Videos on Demand, and Lives. Now, when you check the revenue by format cards, you not only see the estimated total revenue for your chosen video format for the prior…
Shop with Google AI launches for select users
© 2024 Third Door Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Third Door Media, Inc. is a publisher and marketing solutions provider incorporated in Delaware, USA, with an address 88 Schoolhouse Road, PO Box 3103, Edgartown, MA 02539. Third Door Media operates…
Google Analytics 4 bug causes data gaps in reports
Google Analytics 4 is allegedly missing data from User Acquisition and Traffic Acquisition reports due to a bug. Users report that data prior to September 6 is no longer available, despite it having been in place for at least two…
Google gets tough on third-party ordering and booking providers hogging GBP listings
In a recent update, Google has mandated that all third-party providers include a dedicated opt-out landing page within the New Merchant Experience (NMX) dashboard. This page must clearly outline the steps a merchant can follow to disconnect their Google Business…
Google will issue advertisers credit refunds after overcharging error
Google will be providing credit refunds to advertisers who were overcharged due to a technical glitch. The error affected a small number of campaigns within Display and Video 360 that ran from July through to December last year. Why we…
6 Amazon marketing strategies to implement in 2024
Amazon’s reign as the king of ecommerce won’t end any time soon. There were over 15 billion worldwide visits to Amazon.com in 2023. The continued flood of purchase-ready visitors makes Amazon lucrative for sellers who can stand out and generate…
Yelp ad revenue jumps 13% to record $1.28 billion
Yelp’s ad revenue increased by 13% to a record $1.28 billion in the final quarter of 2023. Ad clicks for the year experienced a year-over-year growth of 5%, while the average cost per click (CPC) increased by 9%. Services sector….
Google announces Misrepresentation policy update
Goggle Ads is updating the unacceptable business pactices portion of its Misrepresentation policy. From March, this section will include: “Enticing users to part with money or information by impersonating or falsely implying affiliation with or endorsement by a public figure,…
Snap unveils enhanced campaign insights for ROAS
Snapchat is teaming up with Foshpa to offer its advertisers enhanced campaign insights. The partnership will enable users to measure the impact and effectiveness of ads on the platform more efficiently with a particular focus on cross-marketing return on ad…
TikTok Creative Assistant now available in Adobe Express
TikTok Creative Assistant is now directly accessible within Adobe Express. This AI-powered virtual assistant, previously confined to TikTok’s Creative Center, offers users the ability to gain TikTok Insights on trending hashtags, brainstorm creative ideas, and even generate video scripts. Why…
Meta ad error causes campaigns to overspend by thousands
Meta issued an apology to advertisers following an Ads Delivery outage that resulted in campaigns overspending by “thousands.” The tech giant confirmed that services are now restored and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to advertisers. Refunds, anticipated to take…
Google warns Universal Analytics 360 users must migrate to GA4 ‘urgently’
Google issued an urgent warning to Universal Analytics 360 users, reminding them that they must migrate to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and complete a historical data export before March. Why we care. Failure to take action within the next two…
Google Analytics 4 adds new consent mode setting section
Google Analytics 4 has a new consent setting section that is now available to all users globally. The platform added this feature in preparation for the enforcement of Google’s EU User Consent Policy (EU UCP), which will require advertisers to…
Instacart ad revenue up 18% at $871 million
Instacart’s ad revenue was up 18% in the final quarter of 2023 to $871 million. The online grocery shopping app also reported modest growth in orders, which rose to 70.1 million – a year-on-year increase of 5%, as well as a…
Google Ads launches email series offering tailored optimization tips
Google Ads launched a new email series offering partners customized optimization advice. Each email is tailored to your client’s account setup, offering recommended solutions to enhance campaign performance. Why we care. As advertisers continue to face difficulty reaching Google Ads…
TikTok’s best practice tips for optimal campaign performance
TikTok published a best practice guide on how to optimize your ad campaigns and bidding strategies for maximum performance. The 13-page guide includes tips and recommendations for: Account structure. Campaign setup. Data connections. Creative. Attribution. Measurement. Why we care. If…
Google expands generative AI capabilities for ACAs
Google expanded its generative AI features for automatically created assets (ACA) to all English language advertisers in the U.S. and UK. Why we care. If you are an English-speaking advertiser in the U.S. or UK, you can now start utilizing…
Is TikTok a search engine? Why meeting searchers’ needs matters more than semantics
The debate around whether TikTok should be considered a search engine continues to divide the SEO community. But here’s the thing – users don’t care about definitions or technicalities. For many, especially younger audiences, TikTok is a go-to place to…
Pinterest announces major ad partnership with Google
© 2024 Third Door Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Third Door Media, Inc. is a publisher and marketing solutions provider incorporated in Delaware, USA, with an address 88 Schoolhouse Road, PO Box 3103, Edgartown, MA 02539. Third Door Media operates…
Google Ads gambling and games policy updated
Google Ads is updating its gambling and games policy U.S. country-specifics. Starting February 8, Google will start accepting and running sports betting ads from certified, state-licensed entities with certificates of compliance in North Carolina You must apply for certification to be…
Create letter providing SGE guidance and tips
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…
Pinterest revenue rises 12% as monthly active users reach all-time high
Pinterest’s revenue jumped 12% to $981 million in Q4, 2023. Ad earnings surged as the platform’s global monthly active users increased 11% year-on-year to reach an all-time high of 498 million. The company credited its success in part to launching…
Google Analytics 4 adds new dimensions for measuring paid and organic traffic
Google Analytics 4 introduced eight new dimensions for tracking and analyzing both paid and organic traffic sources: Manual source. Manual medium. Manual source / medium. Manual campaign name. Manual campaign ID. Manual term. Manual content. Manual source platform. Why we…
Want to speak at SMX Advanced? We want to hear your ideas
SMX Advanced, the premier conference for experienced senior-level search marketers, returns online June 11-12. As you know, 2023 was an unprecedented year for search and the pace of change will continue through 2024. There’s a growing sentiment that Google search…
New design, image editing tools & more
Microsoft Copilot announced a trio of updates to its platform, including: A new homepage design. New inline editing of AI-generated images with Microsoft Designer integration. New video highlights in Edge. Why we care. Microsoft’s updated Copilot homepage is designed to…
Snap revenue rises 5%, misses Wall Street expectations
Snap’s revenue saw a 5% increase for the final quarter of last year, reaching $1.36 billion. Despite this growth, the figure fell slightly below Wall Street analysts’ forecasts, who had anticipated $1.38 billion for Snapchat’s parent company. However, Q4 saw…
Google will sunset commission bid strategies for hotel ads
Google Ads will phase out commissions (per stay) and commissions (per conversion) bid strategies for hotel ads in October. Instead, the platform is introducing target Return on Ads Spend (tROAS) for hotel campaigns, along with an expanded Performance Max for…
Amazon lands ad data deal ahead of third-party cookie deprecation
Amazon has secured a landmark deal with Reach, the UK’s largest publisher, to access customer data for targeted advertising. The agreement, one of the first of its kind in Europe, comes in response to Google’s plans to deprecate third-party cookies…
Google will face a new U.S. antitrust jury trial in September
Google will face allegations of using underhanded tactics to secure its position as the world’s leading search engine in a jury trial set for September 9, brought by the U.S. Justice Department and a coalition of states. The tech giant,…
Top tips for discovery and growth
Podcasting presents a unique opportunity to leverage SEO and drive engaged listeners to your website. As podcasts continue to gain popularity, key SEO strategies can help your show stand out in a crowded landscape. This article will give podcasters actionable…
How to track rankings, conversions, calls
Measuring and reporting on the success of local SEO efforts is crucial for improving your strategy. While the main goal is typically increased leads and revenue, tracking incremental progress through rankings, traffic, and conversions also matters. This article provides tips…
Generative AI to create content: To use or not to use it?
Did you know that 65.8% of people think AI content is equal to or better than human writing? This is incredible, at least to me. With so much AI-generated content generated in the last year, it has become harder to…
Google revamps SEO Starter Guide to focus on a starter audience
Google today released the third iteration of its SEO starter guide. This version is about half the size of the second version and is primarily written for people who are SEO newbies. Google’s SEO Starter Guide was originally released in 2008…
Bing Deep Search is rolling out to more users
Microsoft’s Deep Search, an optional generative AI feature meant to help searchers with complex questions that don’t have simple answers, seems to have rolled out to more users today. I personally can see the “Deep Search” icon at the top…
Google exec addresses advertisers’ automation concerns
Google needs to re-evaluate its approach to automation, according to some advertisers. The search engine announced several AI-driven updates to Responsive Search Ads (RSAs) earlier this week to help streamline ad creation and boost return on investment. However, some interpreted…
Amazon’s ad services revenue rises 27% to more than $14 billion
Amazon generated $14.65 billion from its advertising services in the final quarter of 2023. The figure marks a 26.8% increase from the same period in 2022 – a result better than forecasts predicted by Wall Street. Why we care. Amazon’s outstanding…
Google introduces simpler way to create Solutions script templates
Google Ads’ Solutions script templates are now easier to create and access. Solutions can now be found under the “Bulk Actions” menu in Google Ads, allowing users to swiftly create automated and customized workflows for tasks such as: Confirming link…
Google Core Web Vitals to add Interaction to Next Paint on March 12
On March 12, 2024 Google will replace First Input Delay (FID) with Interaction to Next Paint (INP) as a Core Web Vitals metric. The news of INP replacing FID is not new, and we knew it was coming in March but now…
Google showing TikTok videos in featured snippets, SGE
TikTok videos have been spotted in two prominent locations in Google’s Search results – featured snippets and Search Generative Experience (SGE). While I’m not entirely sure if this is “new,” I’ve never seen this before and this is definitely new…
Microsoft Search and News Advertising revenue up 8%
Microsoft reported its strongest financial quarter to date after becoming a $3 trillion company. Search and news advertising revenue increased 8% year on year, excluding traffic acquisition costs that Microsoft pays to publishers. However, despite the rise in search and news…
Create a monthly newsletter to generate leads
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…
No, Google has NOT announced SGE isn’t going to happen
Two sentences in a Google blog post seem to have convinced more than a few people in the search community that Google’s Search Generative Experience “isn’t going to happen.” Specifically, SGE won’t launch. It will never be more than an…
Google search CPCs up 19%, pushing ad spend up 17%
Advertising spend on Google search ads in the U.S. rose by 17% year-on-year in the final quarter of 2023. Meanwhile, Google click growth remained steady at 8% year-on-year, while cost-per-click accelerated to 9% during the same period. Those numbers come…
8 red flags to watch out for
SEO has been around for decades, yet experiences with it vary widely. The fact that so many agencies offer SEO services today can give the impression that SEO is a commodity and that one provider’s offering is much like another’s. …
YouTube advertising: The ultimate guide
With billions of users worldwide, one of the lowest advertising costs and the growing preference for video, YouTube has some serious marketing potential. Aside from the well-known organic side of YouTube, it also offers highly lucrative marketing tools: retargeting video…
Meta boosts automated audience targeting options in latest AI push
Meta’s Advantage detailed targeting is now available on all campaign objectives and optimizations. The decision to expand access to this automated audience targeting feature comes just weeks after the tech giant announced plans to sunset detailed manual ad targeting categories…
Client onboarding and offboarding: The PPC agency’s guide
Winning and losing clients is part of the agency business. But with the right processes in place, you can smooth client transitions and maintain positive relationships no matter the outcome. Let’s tackle best practices for onboarding new clients and offboarding…
Some advertisers are unable to access Google Ads
Google is currently working on fixing an issue with advertisers being unable to access the Google Ads console. When you try to login to Google Ads, you are presented with a loading screen that can load for several minutes and…
Which generative AI solution is best?
In March, I published a study on generative AI platforms to see which was the best. Ten months have passed since then, and the landscape continues to evolve. OpenAI’s ChatGPT has added the capability to include plugins. Google’s Bard has…
Google Ads moves reports to new location in latest UI update
Google Ads has rolled out an updated UI to a small number of accounts. While the affected accounts will experience a different layout, structure and design, it’s important to note that there have been no changes in functionality to any…
Google tests ‘highly rated’ call out for local services ads
Google is piloting a new SERPs feature called “highly rated” for Local Services ads (LSA). As part of the experiment, when users input a local business query into the search engine, Google is now testing the display of a sponsored…
LinkedIn to sunset lookalike audiences
LinkedIn will discontinue lookalike audiences on February 29. Why we care. Before March, advertisers must modify their audience targeting strategy, as they will no longer be able to create new lookalike audiences or edit existing ones. What are lookalike audiences?…
75% of top brands fall victim to fraud in Google Search Ads
Three-quarters of leading brands in the US and UK reportedly fall victim to identity theft in Google Search Ads. Consequences range from financial losses for the targeted business to customers becoming victims of fraud, according to a new report by…
Google conversational experience rolls out to all UK/US advertisers
Google fully rolled out its conversational experience to all advertisers in the U.S. and U.K. This feature will soon be globally accessible to all advertisers. However, during the initial rollout, it will only be available in English. Why we care….
Google Ads clarifies the difference between support and sales
Google Ads is concerned there may be some confusion around its sales and support departments. Marketers recently claimed that support is at an all-time low, accusing reps of bombarding them with “aggressive” phone calls pushing for the implementation of automated…
Google performance reports updates how it counts clicks and impressions for job listing and detail pages
Google changed how it counts clicks and impressions for job listing and detail pages within the Search Console performance reports. You may notice an increase in clicks and impressions when filtering by job listings and detail pages but that is…
Google tests Nearby Events and Deals feature for local businesses
Google is trialing a new local search box called Nearby Events and Deals. The new SERP feature, which is only visible for local searches on mobile devices, displays Google Business Profile (GBP) posts promoting deals and events from nearby businesses….
All Facebook users are monitored by thousands of brands
Facebook’s extensive monitoring of its users’ online activities has been exposed in a new study. The research conducted by Consumer Reports indicates that, on average, an astonishing 2,230 companies actively share data about each user with the social networking app….
15 SEO localization dos and don’ts: Navigating cultural sensitivity
In global markets, effective SEO extends beyond keywords and backlinks. It must consider cultural nuances to resonate with diverse audiences with different languages and needs. This article explores the dos and don’ts of SEO localization, guiding you through creating visible,…
How advertisers can stay ahead
Major shifts in 2024 will disrupt the PPC industry. Third-party cookies will be retired, accelerating privacy-focused measurement. Meanwhile, automation through AI will transform campaign types, creative, and search engine results pages. This article outlines seven key areas to evolve your…
Best practices and examples from 50+ brands
404 page errors can frustrate users and cause them to leave your site. However, with some foresight, these errors can become an opportunity to provide help and encourage users to explore more of your website. This article covers best practices…
Google rolls out new PMax guide and updates several others
Google Ads now provides a new “Getting Started” Performance Max guide, assisting advertisers with step-by-step instructions for building more effective campaigns. Additionally, the platform has updated various other guides to enhance the overall experience of creating, managing, and reporting on…
LinkedIn launches sponsored articles
LinkedIn has introduced sponsored articles, providing marketers with an additional tool that may contribute to enhancing brand awareness, increasing engagement, and driving lead generation. Why we care. As LinkedIn users will not have the hassle or inconvenience of having to…
How will Google’s Search Generative Experience impact PPC?
Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) has the potential to revolutionize PPC, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and challenges for marketers. A roundtable of experts examined how our industry might change at SMX Next. Brad Geddes, co-founder of Adalysis, spoke with Jyll…
Urgent steps for advertisers running campaigns in the EU
Advertisers who want to show personalized ads to consumers in the European Economic Area (EEA) must take immediate action to prevent campaign performance issues. Marketers need to send verifiable consent signal(s) to Google as the search engine prepares to step…
Webinar: An SEO memorial service
Join a joyous celebration of life, honoring the long list of SEO tactics and concepts we lost this year. Remember fondly the beautiful time you shared with defunct ideas like link building, keyword cannibalization, search volume as a value indicator…
Google updates data privacy policies for targeted ads in the EU
Google is toughening its data privacy policies for targeted ads in Europe to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Brands and advertisers will begin to notice the changes, such as additional consent banners and a new Data Portability API,…
Webinar: AI-forward marketing in 2024
The new year has just begun, and the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve rapidly. AI will play a pivotal role in sculpting the future of customer acquisition, but it is still an uncharted realm of strategies and tactics. Join…
Become a search marketing master in 2024
With a new year comes a fresh set of obstacles and opportunities… especially for us search marketers: Generative AI is here to say… ignore at your own peril Google’s definition of quality content seems to change every month The GA4…
Microsoft launches Copilot Pro for $20 per month per user
Copilot Pro, the most advanced and fastest version of Copilot, has been released today by Microsoft. Copilot, the new name for the new Bing Chat experience, now has a paid version that costs $20 per month per user. This brings…
9 strategies for removing negative content from the web
The repercussions of negative, false and defamatory content on the web are profound for businesses and individuals, especially when it ranks highly on Google. This article explores nine of the most effective and commonly used strategies for removing negative content…
Google Business Profile performance insights: What you need to know
If you have a Google Business Profile, it’s a good idea to frequently check and see how your it’s performing. Just like your website’s analytics, checking your GBP’s performance helps you understand: How many calls you’re getting. How people are…
Google Ads support is at an ‘all-time low’ – we asked Google why
Google Ads customer service has plummeted to an unacceptable all-time low, according to search marketers. From incorrect account suspensions to uncomfortable sales calls “aggressively” pushing automation to confusion over the platform’s own products, advertisers have told Search Engine Land that…
Meta placed ads next to content sexualizing minors
Meta has been accused of running corporate ads next to content that sexualizes underage users. The allegations by Walmart, along with Tinder’s parent company Match Group, have been made public as part of a lawsuit filed by the New Mexico…
YouTube rolls out new Shorts editing tools
YouTube video layouts can now be edited when converting long-form clips into Shorts. The new editing feature, compatible with all Remix tools, is currently accessible only on iOS but will be rolled out to Android in the near future. Why…
Power up your marketing programs with Google Analytics 4
Customer expectations are higher than ever. They expect companies to know who they are and what they need. That’s why marketers should have a data strategy that will give them a complete view of their customers – without this view,…
TikTok reports non-skippable video ads may harm engagement
TikTok claims that non-skippable video ads may hinder engagement in a new report. Consumers are more likely to watch and engage with brand-sponsored videos when they have control over their experience, according to the study. Why we care. Engaging ads…
9 tips to scale low-spending campaigns
Are you ready to turn your low-spending but profitable lead gen search campaigns into sources of significant growth? You might be ready to scale your Google Ads account. Every new Google Ads account starts from a humble position, but there…