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Google Ads news – week 28

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Google Ads news


Google Ads KEYWORD PLANNER UPDATE

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Keyword Planner Gets Local and Device-Level ForecastsGoogle’s Keyword Planner now offers forecast breakdowns by city, region (e.g., state or DMA), and device type (mobile, desktop, tablet).

These advanced insights help advertisers plan and budget more precisely for specific locations and user contexts.

This update makes it easier to identify high-performing geographic areas and tailor strategies based on local demand. It’s especially useful for multi-location campaigns or when optimizing for mobile vs. desktop.

Key features:

– Forecast splits by device (mobile, desktop, tablet)

– Filters by location type: city, region, or DMA

– Visual breakdowns (e.g., pie charts showing user location share)

– Grouped keyword ideas are still available

Though not officially announced, this rollout brings more granular, data-driven planning to Keyword Planner ideal for advertisers focused on different areas!Thanks for sharing this Amiya Prakash


Political change

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In June 2025, Google will update its Political content policy and Election ads verification page. The changes include updates to which ad formats are eligible, new guidance on election ad disclosures, more verification and revocation options, and revisions to the layout and wording of the policy pages.


New logo test

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Arpan Banerjee discovered this new logo design in Google Ads!


MCP Google Ads

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Google Ads API is exploring a new Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server to enable third-party generative AI tools to work directly with advertiser accounts. They’re seeking early feedback from developers to help shape the roadmap. Interested users are encouraged to participate in a short survey.


Bold text

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Hana Kobzová discovered that Google is testing with bold text in Ads!


AI Max Grants

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Google is now rolling out AI Max for Google Grants!Discovered by Jason King & Hana Kobzová


Google postponed the Ads Editor 2.10 update….

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They removed the update from the page.Below you see the update that should come soon. Thanks for spotting Dario Zannoni.

Google Ads Editor 2.10 UpdateGoogle Ads Editor 2.10 introduces powerful AI features, enhanced targeting options, and streamlined creative tools, all accessible directly from your desktop.

This update helps advertisers managing large accounts work more efficiently, scale campaigns faster, and leverage deeper automation without relying on the web interface.

Key Enhancements:

1. Improved Targeting & ControlsCampaign-level negative keywords in Performance MaxPlatform opt-outs (e.g., exclude tablets or TVs with -100% bid adjustments)Desktop OS targeting (Windows, macOS, Linux)

2. Creative Upgrades9:16 image support in Demand Gen (optimized for mobile)Landing page previews for Demand Gen video adsBarcode & QR code support in Promotion assets

3. AI-Powered Campaign ManagementAI Max for smarter Search campaigns (better matching, ad personalization)Streamlined Performance Max builder with AI asset generationSearch theme incrementality insights to identify effective targeting themes

4. Smarter RecommendationsDeep linking support with a “Get Started” linkApp conversion goal suggestions for in-app optimization

5. Bulk Editing & PreviewsPartial syncs for extensions (faster account updates)Ad preview exports in CSV/SheetsExpanded ad previews for more formats (e.g., responsive video)

6. Additional NotablesLink Checker for broken landing pagesTarget CPC bidding in Demand GenCustomer Retention Goal for Performance MaxVertical video generation for Video Reach campaigns

Optional lead form fields to boost conversions

Compatibility Note: Requires macOS 12+ starting with version 2.9.


Would you give your data to a brand you don’t trust?

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Most people wouldn’t. And it’s costing businesses more than they think. Usercentrics just published their 2025 State of Digital Trust report, and the message is clear:

Digital trust = revenue.Some stats that stood out to me:

– 67% of users have not completed an action online because of privacy concerns

– 62% are more likely to buy from companies that are transparent about data use

– 59% would switch providers if they lose trust in how their data is handled

This isn’t just a privacy issue, it’s a performance issue. You can have the best UX, the best campaigns, the best offer… …but if your experience feels shady or broken, users bounce.

Marketers often obsess over targeting, ROAS, and creative, but forget that privacy and transparency are part of the funnel too.

Trust isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a growth lever. Full report here.


Google Discord

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Google just started a Google Advertising and Measurement Community Discord Server!


Google is now testing a new “Nearby” format in Hotel Ads across Search and Maps

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These ads feature a prominent Book button and direct users straight to the hotel’s booking page, either on the hotel’s own site or via OTAs like Booking.com or Expedia.

This dramatically shortens the booking journey.

What makes this interesting:

– Appears in high-intent local searches (“hotel near me” etc.)

– Prioritizes proximity and booking simplicity

– Likely to improve conversion rates due to reduced frictionFor advertisers, this could mean:

– More value from geo-targeted bidding strategies

– Increased competition for local hotel inventory

– A greater need to monitor Google Hotel Ads performance closelyThis test hasn’t been officially announced by Google yet, but early sightings suggest a push toward a more seamless booking experience embedded within Maps and Search.

If you’re running Hotel Ads or managing travel PPC accounts, it’s worth paying attention.

This update was spotted by Barry Schwartz & Brad Brewer


Google Customer Reviews badges are being upgraded

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Emmanuel Flossie discovered that in 30 days, the current badge will automatically become a new Google store widget.

It will highlight your store rating, total reviews, shipping and return policies, and more.

No action is needed if your store has quality data, the upgrade applies automatically. Don’t want the widget? You can remove the badge code.

This update helps improve trust and conversions by showing more useful store info directly on your site.

For more information check his video.


VAC Upgrade

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All Video Action Campaigns (VAC) in Google Ads are now automatically being upgraded to the newer Demand Gen format!


Ad Sharing

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Google will deprecate ad sharing (reusing a single ad across ad groups) starting Oct. 15, 2025, with full phase-out by Q1 2026.

Advertisers must now create unique, asset-based ads per ad group like Responsive Search Ads.Why it matters:This impacts bulk workflows, reporting continuity, and requires system updates.

Performance history won’t carry over to new ad IDs.

What to do:

– Audit and refactor ad logic to stop reusing ads.

– Use RSAs instead of legacy formats.

– Export historical data before migration.


New conversion interface

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Felix Mayo discovered this new edit setting interface in the conversion setting!


People also consider Ads

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Sachin Patel & Barry Schwartz discovered that Google is testing a swipable carousel format for these people also consider ads.


Google Analytics 4 is introducing two new reports for lead generation

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Brais Calvo Vázquez discovered that Google is introducing 2 new lead reports!Lead acquisition report, focuses on how leads are acquired.Lead disqualification and loss report, Tracks disqualified or unconverted leads based on events like disqualify_lead and close_unconvert_lead.

These reports use GA4’s recommended lead events and include new metrics:New leads: Unique users who triggered the generate_lead event.

Qualified leads: Unique users with the qualify_lead event.

Converted leads: Unique users with the close_convert_lead event.Important: These metrics are not yet available in GA4’s data API or in explorations (scans).


Looker Studio update

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New Alignment Option for Cartesian Charts: “Align with Grid”Google has introduced a new “Align with grid” setting for Cartesian charts (like line, bar, and column charts) in Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio).

This allows the chart legend to align with the chart grid, rather than the chart title.When enabled, the legend will visually align with the plot area (where the chart data sits), instead of floating relative to the chart title.

This can improve layout consistency, especially in dashboards using multiple visualizations side by side.Where to find itOnly available in modern charts (must be enabled in the report settings).Applies to Cartesian chart types only.


View counter

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Thomas Eccel discovered that Google is now showing views of videos in help documentation.


LSA Update

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Muhammad S. just send me that Local Services Customer revciews are nog managed by Google Business Profile!


AI Max

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Looks like Google is already recommending AI Max in the recommendations.


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