Gad parameter
This week I saw the &gad=1 parameter for the first time in a URL when I clicked on an Ad. Google also changed the information on their page about gad.
New Ad features YouTube Shorts
Big update! Google is expanding Shorts into Video reach campaigns and they are adding In-feed video ads to Video reach campaigns.
Besides the changes for Video reach campaigns, Google also announced that YouTube Select is coming to Shorts
YouTube Select ensures that ads appear alongside the most popular and relevant videos.
With YouTube Select for Shorts, you can show as the first position. If you have this position when a viewer opens YouTube Shorts and starts watching, your ad is the first one they will see(source)!
Real-time bidding integrations for apps
Google Ads will move primarily to real-time bidding auctions for apps. They also announced that they are expanding in Google Ads and Display & Video 360 real-time bidding integrations with select third-party app monetization platforms(source).
It’s not possible to create similar audiences anymore
As Google announced earlier it’s not possible to create similar audiences anymore. On August 1 these audiences will be removed.
Testing background colors in Shopping
Google is testing background colors again in Shopping! This time the background is a bit more colorful(source).
New menu option Ads
Thomas Eccel found this new menu option in the MCC of Google Ads!
New funnel reports GA4
Yesterday Google announced that you can now create custom funnel reports!
Besides this update, Google also provides users with a new report called User Purchase Journey.
The Tinuiti Digital Ads Benchmark Report – Q1 2023
Some findings from the paid search section in the report:
– PMax nearly matches standard Shopping campaigns
– Performance Max hasn’t reversed Google Shopping spend
– Weaker Google search ad AOV growth
– CPC growth slows for the seventh quarter in a row(full report)
New suggestion Merchant Center
Bob Meijer found a new suggestion in his Merchant Center account where Google wants to connect the Merchant to PayPal.
Paypal is used for free listings and for Buy On Google. Could it be that Buy on Google is coming to Europe?
Added/excluded keywords
Stephanie Balaconis found this update where Google updated how they tell you if you’ve excluded keywords.
In this update, Google tells users that a keyword is Added/Excluded which is really confusing. Because the keyword was only added as a negative keyword…
Business name and Logo out of beta
Thomas Eccel spotted that the Business name and Logo are out of beta. This means that it is easier to get access!
Refreshed design promotions tab
Tiago Goncalves found out that Google has refreshed the design of the promotions tab in Merchant Center!
More Ads in Gmail
Last week I posted about a new Gmail ad format & placement.
Now a lot of people are complaining about this new placement.
Besides the placement, people are also seeing a lot more ads in Gmail(source).