TL;DR Summary of Google Search and Ads Updates: AI Innovations, Improved Suspensions, and EU Ad Tech Changes
Optimixed’s Overview: Key Google Updates Boosting Advertising Precision and AI Shopping Features
AI-Powered Shopping Enhancements for the Holiday Season
Google has introduced several cutting-edge AI features to improve the shopping experience this holiday season:
- AI Mode Comparisons: Allows users to compare products using AI-driven insights.
- Calling Stores Feature: Facilitates direct communication with retailers.
- AI Price Tracking: Monitors price changes and alerts shoppers.
- Agentic Checkout: Automates purchase triggers based on price thresholds.
Google Ads Advertiser Suspension System Improvements
Google has significantly enhanced its advertiser suspension framework to better support advertisers:
- 80% reduction in incorrect account suspensions.
- 70% faster handling of suspension appeals.
- 99% of appeals resolved within 24 hours.
These improvements streamline advertiser experience and reduce downtime caused by erroneous suspensions.
Expansion of Brand Controls in Shopping Campaigns
Previously limited to Performance Max and AI Max campaigns, brand inclusion controls are now available for Standard Shopping campaigns. This update gives advertisers more granular control over brand targeting, potentially improving campaign relevance and ROI.
Google’s Guidance on Local Service Ads (LSAs)
Contrary to circulating rumors, Google advises against closing Google Ads accounts as a method to improve Local Service Ads performance. Trusted experts affirm that this “hack” is ineffective and not recommended, emphasizing proper account management instead.
Ongoing EU Ad Tech Legal Developments
Google has proposed adjustments in response to a €2.95 billion EU antitrust fine related to its ad technology practices. Key elements include:
- Enhancements to Google Ad Manager functionality.
- Increased interoperability between Google’s ad tools to ensure compliance.
- Google’s intention to appeal the ruling while implementing proposed changes.
Additional Industry Insights and Updates
Other notable updates from search forums include insights on:
- Google AI Overviews and the complexity of tracking impressions and positions due to dynamic link placements.
- The new “Movember” Google update impacting search results.
- Google’s Opal AI tool for creating optimized AI content at scale.
- Clarifications on target precedence in Search and Shopping campaigns.
These developments reflect Google’s continuous efforts to refine search, advertising, and AI technologies to benefit both users and advertisers.