Happy New Year! We’re kicking it off with some exciting insights and updates to help you take your marketing to the next level. In this month’s edition, we’ll share the latest on how adopting a testing mindset can transform your marketing strategy, dive into key takeaways from recent industry updates, and explore actionable tips to help keep you ahead of the curve in 2025.?
We're so glad you're here—let's jump right in!
First Up: Looking to Responsibly Scale Your Business in 2025? ???
The new year brings new opportunities for growth. If you're ready to elevate your digital marketing strategy with data-driven insights and measurable results, let’s connect—and soon, we only have a few openings left!
Meet with our team for a free consultation and discover how we can help you drive sustainable, profit-focused growth.
The Testing Mindset Series ??
In today’s fast-changing marketing landscape, businesses need more than a static strategy—they need a testing mindset.
Our Testing Mindset blog series is all about helping you harness the power of testing to grow smarter and faster. So far, we’ve covered:
- The Case for a Testing Mindset: In today’s competitive digital landscape, what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Adopting a Testing Mindset is the key to adapting, innovating, and uncovering new growth opportunities.
- Why We Resist Testing: Testing is key to growth, but it requires stepping into the unknown. To truly expand, we must break free from the comfort of what’s already working and embrace the uncertainty of testing new approaches.
- Core Principles of a Testing Mindset: Discover the core principles of successful testing—where creativity meets discipline to drive meaningful results. Learn how to embrace adaptability, balance insights with performance, and turn failures into stepping stones for long-term success.
- The Testing Framework: Effective marketing tests start with a strong framework. Learn how to prioritize high-impact areas, set clear KPIs, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
?? Stay tuned… still to come in the series: The AI Factor: Testing in an Algorithmic World, Overcoming Testing Challenges, and more. Read and follow the full series on our blog!
What’s New at Working Planet? ???
Check out some of our recent case studies for insights and actionable takeaways that could spark new ideas for your own marketing strategy. Dive into real examples of businesses tackling challenges and finding growth through smart, innovative approaches.
- AI Optimization Gone Wrong: AI-powered optimization can miss the mark without the right expertise. In this case study, we explore how human insight turned a misguided AI strategy into a success—offering valuable lessons for marketers looking to avoid costly mistakes.
- Expanding Horizons: When a business sets its sights on international expansion, bold moves can pay off. Discover how our strategies led to a 1,030% increase in lead volume while keeping costs efficient and scalable. If you're considering global growth, these insights could be the key ?? to transforming your business.
What to Watch & Test in the Networks ??
- Google Adds Transparency to Performance Max: Google has added a "Source" column to Performance Max campaigns' Search Terms Insights, offering advertisers more transparency into why their ads are triggered for specific search categories. This feature helps clarify Google’s ad-serving decisions, enabling better targeting and budget allocation for more effective campaign optimization. To access it, go to Campaign > Insights and Reports > Insights > Search Terms Insights > Search Category.
- QR Codes in Google Ads Promotions: Google Ads now supports barcodes and QR codes in Promotion Assets, making it easier for customers to redeem offers both online and in-store. Barcodes are compatible with multiple formats, while QR codes can hold up to 720 characters (without supporting links). Advertisers need to input valid barcode numbers to use this feature. This update simplifies offer redemption, improves mobile usability, and strengthens cross-channel promotions.
- AI-Powered Reporting (Beta): Google Ads is introducing AI-generated reporting features to help advertisers access actionable insights more efficiently. With prompts like “What are my top campaigns?” or “Who is seeing my ads?”, the tool can generate tailored reports in seconds. This update streamlines data analysis, allowing you to focus on optimizing campaigns instead of sifting through spreadsheets.
#ICYMI ??
- Are Your Campaigns Chasing the Wrong Metrics?: Learn how shifting the focus to profit-driven optimization can revolutionize your paid media strategy and drive lasting growth.
- Predictions for 2025: AI, creative tools, and the search landscape—we predict what will transform how businesses approach digital marketing this year.
- Rise 25 Feature: Our CEO, Emma Davis, shares her insights on client relationships, company culture, and staying ahead of digital trends in Rise 25's feature on top agency leaders.
Thanks for reading this month’s newsletter! We’re excited to share more great content with you throughout the year. We'd love to hear your thoughts on what we shared and what topics you'd like to see more of in the future. Your feedback helps shape the content we create, so feel free to drop us a comment or message anytime!
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Looking forward to hearing from you!
- The Working Planet team
