Latest Updates on Google Search Trends, Ads, and Bing’s New Features
The Great Decoupling: Clicks vs Impressions in Google Search
Since the rollout of AI Overviews in Google Search, many site owners and SEOs have observed a phenomenon termed The Great Decoupling, where impressions remain steady or increase, but clicks noticeably drop. This shift is impacting how search performance is measured and analyzed.
Google’s New Video Ads Help Document & Formats
Google published a new help document detailing video ads across Google surfaces including web search, image search, and shopping search. This follows recent announcements and tests of new video ad formats introduced at Google Marketing Live.
Google Ads Conversion Goals Interface Update
Google Ads is testing a revamped conversion goals interface featuring a dropdown menu to explore each goal in detail and better grouping of goals for improved advertiser usability.
Bing’s Experimental Features
- Blue Boxed Snippet Extensions: Bing is trialing snippet extensions presented within blue boxes instead of traditional text lists for enhanced visual separation.
- Vehicle Ads with Condition Labels: Bing’s vehicle ads now display labels such as New, Used, and CPO (Certified Pre-Owned), along with features like Single Owner and Low Miles Per Year.
Additional Industry Insights
- Debunking myths about mandatory video verification for new business locations, confirming that postcard verification remains common.
- Emerging discussions on tracking AI-driven traffic and its impact on click-through rates (CTR).
- Community conversations on SEO strategies, local search, and the evolving role of AI in search marketing.
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read original.
