Test with different cards
Testing different cards Khushal Bherwani found out that Google is testing with different cards for the carousel ads. Above you see a smaller card. Below you see the other card test.
AI-Generated images Merchant Center update
Arpan Banerjee send me that If you’re using AI-generated images in Merchant Center, Google requires that you preserve any metadata tags which indicate that the image was created using generative AI in the original image file.
These requirements apply to the following image attributes in Merchant Center Classic and Merchant Center Next:
– Image link [image_link]
– Additional image link [additional_image_link]
– Lifestyle image link [lifestyle_image_link]
Minimum and maximum processing time
Thomas Eccel found out that Google is going to introduce minimum and maximum processing time starting from April 9.
Confusing Ad text
A few weeks ago I reported about the error in Google Ads that gave users an error called “confusing ad text”. This problem is now fixed.
Durable Measurement & Data Essentials Google PDF
Arpan Banerjee just send me this PDF yesterday from Google. This is a must read for everybody that has acces to a Google Ads account. Make sure to read it. And thanks for sharing Arpan Banerjee!
New bug called unkown
Thomas Eccel found this new unkown bug for sitelinks.
1-on-1 consultation Gmail
Barry Schwartz found out that Google is pushing 1-on-1 consultation in Gmail.
Google Ads support translate
Thomas Eccel found out that Google Support now has translate!
Future-Proof Your Ads
On 22 February Google held this webinar. A introduction of the webinar:
The digital advertising landscape is transforming. As platforms move away from third-party cookies, advertisers must adapt to prioritize user privacy. In this session Google will tell advertisers more about how to build robust measurement strategies for a cookieless future.
For the webinar check this link.
New Sign-in page
Google’s new sign-in page is live! This is the result.
Choose Personal Injury Lawyers test
Anthony Higman found out that instead Of Just Personal Injury Lawyers, The Newest Callout Test Is: Choose Personal Injury Lawyers.
5 results local queries Ads
Anthony Higman found out that Google is now showing 5 results for local queries in the United States.
Simplify shipping settings
Victor Sellés Guillemat found out that in some countries, Google has implemented advanced functionality in Google Merchant Center that simplifies shipping settings.
All you have to do is add the address of the warehouse from which the orders leave and the preparation time and Google will calculate the delivery time.
The screenshot accompanying this post shows the shipping setup for Germany, but it may work in more countries where the following carriers are used: FedEx, USPS to UPS.
Brand Traffic Analyzer script for Pmax
Mike Ryan from Smarter Ecommerce (smec) just released the PMax Brand Traffic Analyzer script. This script addresses the challenge of tracking brand search traffic within Performance Max (PMax) campaigns.
CRM Audiences need to be re-upload before March 6 in Ads
Google Ads requires a mandatory update for CRM audiences by March 6. After this date, unverified CRM audiences will be inactive, impacting campaign performance.
Clients need to comply quickly to avoid disruptions. This update aligns with Consent Mode V2, necessitating advertisers to reaffirm compliance with Google’s Customer Match policies by re-uploading CRM audiences.
For detailed guidance and compliance, read the official documentation.
Thanks Mihai Ciurea, Geneviève Huskens and Yoann FERRAND for sharing this update.
Guidance Bid Strategy
You can now get guidance in selecting a bid strategy. I think we all know were this leads to normally:)
New Pop-up
Google is now showing this new pop-up. They are really going to push using AI in Ads.
LSA Bug
Google is investigating a Local Services Ads bug. This bug is causing businesses to appear in search results for their competitors’ names. For more information go to SearchEngineLand.
New Google Maps App Ad Formats
Anthony Higman found these new Google Maps Ads that recently rolled out with several new location ad formats In Google Ads!
LSA branded Ads
Yoann FERRAND found out that one client of his has been invited to upgrade to Local Service Ads next week. This versions looks like the branded ads for LSA that were announced earlier.
Google Ads Mobile App update
Geert Groot found out that the Google Ads mobile app has been updated it now includs:
– keyword planner
– campaign creation
– asset library
– conversion tracking
– enhanced alerts.
Google Ads Settings Checklist update
I added even more tips and a SOP list to the Google Ads Sheets this week! The news that I post every week bring al lot of tips and ideas to implement to the template. I will keep adding these tips. And if you buy my template you will get these updates always for free.
PMax
Google has launched a new hub with an FAQ on Pmax!
Some of the questions:
Question: Performance Max campaigns can feel like a black box. Why doesn’t it offer channel-level reporting?
Question: I’m looking for lead quality and not just volume. How can I make sure I’m getting high-quality leads from Performance Max?
Question: I don’t want Performance Max to serve on my branded queries. What can I do to stop this?
Question: Can I use assets created using generative AI outside of my Performance Max campaign and Google Ads?
For the answers visit this page.
New Pmax updates
Google has announced the generative AI updates for Pmax:
– Imagen 2 models PMax will be able to generate lifestyle imagery
– Image editing will be able to generate & add backgrounds that feature non-identifiable people
– Soon, you’ll also be able to generate images based on your existing images
– Image editing will complete its US roll out in March and will expand in English globally soon
– Soon Gemini can create sitelinks
– Starting with Canva, PMax will integrate with other design platforms
– The use of product images from Merchant Center listings for auto-generated video is expanding to all eligible PMax campaigns, and video text may also be sourced from automatically created assets, if you’re opted in, to help improve video quality and relevancy.
– Shareable ad previews: Next month, you’ll be able to share previews of your ads from PMax with anyone( no login needed)
– Asset quantity and variety will be more heavily weighted in determining Ad Strength for Performance Max campaigns
For more information read this article.
GA4 Update
Google Data missing
Some users are complaining about a data gap prior to September 9. Looks like a bug.
Comprehensive list of event parameters for standard events
Dario Zannoni found out that Google has released a comprehensive list of event parameters for standard events! Very useful to check most of the event parameters from automatically collected events, enhanced measurement events, and recommended events.For more information visit this page.
Big Analytics change
Google Analytics is updating its Advertising section to streamline reporting for advertisers and publishers.
This includes consolidating reports, requiring account linking for access, and moving the Publisher ads report to the Advertising section.
The aim is to provide more tailored insights for users across behavioral and advertising/publisher metrics.
The following changes will start rolling out today:
– Google Ads, Google Marketing Platform and publisher reports and features will be located in the Advertising section.
– Access to the Advertising section will require a link to at least one Google Ads, AdSense, AdMob, Google Ad Manager or Google Marketing Platform account.
– The Publisher ads report will move to the Advertising section
The updates:
– Reports section: Offers insights on user engagement to enhance product and user experience.
– Advertising section: Becomes the central hub for monitoring and analyzing campaigns for both advertisers and publishers.
– Explore section, Custom Reports, and Data API: Provide additional behavioral insights and anonymized, aggregated insights from ad campaigns.
Looker Studio
Google has made some updates to Looker Studio
Product Updates:
Table chart headers now show field descriptions in tooltips when the “Show field descriptions” option is enabled. This feature is automatically activated for charts connected to Looker or Search Ads 360 data sources. Field descriptions are pulled from the Description column in the data source.
Announcements:
Looker Studio release notes will transition to the Google Cloud release notes platform in a few weeks. This change offers enhanced features like RSS feed support and programmatic access using BigQuery, making it easier for customers to stay informed about updates. Users will also have centralized access to updates for related products such as Looker and BigQuery. Historical release notes are preserved on the historical release notes page.
Policy update
Gambling and games policy
In February 2024, the Google Ads Gambling and games policy United States country-specifics will be updated. Google will begin to accept and run ads for online casinos from state-authorized entities in Rhode Island beginning February 20, 2024.
Important information Pmax V15 Google Ads API page feeds
Google made this note that outlines changes regarding Performance Max campaigns using page feeds with text asset automation opted out.
Breakdown:
Background: In October 2023, Google Ads API v15 introduced the option to automatically generate text assets for campaigns.
This feature requires configuring the Campaign.AssetAutomationSetting of TEXT_ASSET_AUTOMATION to be opted-in or opted-out.Issue Identification: Some developers have set up page feeds or listing group filters for webpages without enabling text asset automation. This combination doesn’t utilize page feeds effectively for Performance Max campaigns.
Action Taken: Starting Feb 15, 2024, Google Ads will flag an error for campaigns with incompatible setups, and from April 15, 2024, it will automatically rectify the issue by removing certain configurations.
What to Do: Developers should confirm if their campaigns are affected by running specific queries and manually adjust the campaign setup if necessary. They can either opt-in to text asset automation or remove associated page feed references.
Support: Additional guidance is provided in the Performance Max guide, and developers can reach out for further assistance through support channels.
Overall, developers need to ensure proper configuration to leverage the benefits of text asset automation with page feeds in Performance Max campaigns. For more information visit this link.
Announced V16 Google Ads API
Google has announced v16 of the Google Ads Api. For all the updates read this link.
Releasing new version Google Ads Script
In April 2024, Google is releasing a new version of Google Ads Scripts that is updated to use Google Ads API v15.
Errors when linking Merchant Center accounts with Google Ads API
During a specific period from February 19th, 04:00 PST to February 20th, 08:00 PST, developers using Google Ads API v14 encountered an issue linking Merchant Center accounts to Google Ads.
This problem caused some requests to return a MutateError.RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND error, and ListMerchantCenterLinks might have missed returning some links with a PENDING status.
If you were affected, check for pending link requests during that timeframe. The issue has been resolved, so retry failed calls to complete the linking process.
Also, review ListMerchantCenterLinks for any accounts with a PENDING status that might not have been returned previously. For assistance, visit the Google Ads API support page.
Week 8 finished