?? PPC News (W44 - Oct 30 to Nov 5)

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[Oct 30 - Nov 5]

Measurement

Google Analytics 4

Enhanced GA4 subproperty event filtering : Google Analytics 4 now ensures that automatically collected first_visit and session_start events from web data streams will match the event parameters of the session's first client-triggered event. This resolves issues that affected BigQuery reports, eliminating the need for complex workarounds to track parameters such as source, medium, or campaign from session starts. [source ]

Image from Dimitris Vogiatzis

Enhanced exploration report alerts : Google Analytics 4 now issues alerts if archived custom metrics are used in Exploration reports, complete with the report count, improving report accuracy and user awareness. [post ]

Emailed Analytics Beta : A new feature in beta for GA4 now offers to send "important metrics" directly to users' inboxes, allowing for different views to be selected for separate email reports. [post ] ( Thomas Eccel )

Item-scoped custom in BigQuery and GMP [now available] : Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has announced the inclusion of item-scoped custom parameters in its BigQuery Export feature. Additionally, GA4 now supports the collection of item-scoped custom parameters through its Measurement Protocol. This enhancement provides users with more flexibility and precision in data analysis and measurement. [source ]

Looker Studio

Quick filters for all users : Looker Studio now offers quick filters, previously exclusive to Looker Studio Pro and announced two years ago, for all users, including those on the free version. This feature, released in July 2023 for LSP users, facilitates faster queries and checks by applying filters in edit mode without additional filter selectors. [post ] ( Brais Calvo Vázquez & Mehdi Oudjida )

Alerts for charts [pro only] : Looker Studio Pro has released a new feature that alerts the users when the changes in the data meet the required conditions (both low and high). Users who view the charts can set up the alert as per their requirements. [source ]

Access underlying data in Looker Studio: Users can now view data available in any chart in a tabular format and make informed decisions, fine-tune charts, and troubleshoot report-related issues, to enhance their data analytics experience. [source ]

Data exploration with NATIVE_DIMENSION : Looker Studio introduces the NATIVE_DIMENSION function, allowing users to write custom SQL expressions directly into Looker Studio fields. [source ]

Default viewport in Looker Studio : Default viewport (default location and zoom level) for Google Maps is a convenient way to set default map viewports, allowing users to save and quickly return to preferred map locations and zoom levels. [source ]

Google Maps controls in Looker Studio: Looker Studio provides a range of interactive map view controls, allowing users to tailor their map experience. From tilting and rotating to zooming and displaying Street View images, make the most of these map controls for enhanced data exploration. [source ]

Combo maps in Looker Studio : Looker Studio's latest addition, the combo map, lets you seamlessly merge the properties of filled and bubble maps into a single visualisation. With vector graphics and built-in 3D display capabilities, combo maps offer a dynamic way to convey data insights. [source ]

Search Console

Mobile-first indexing finally makes its way : Google completes the mobile-first indexing, a journey that began in 2015 with a focus on mobile-friendly content. This significant change in Google's infrastructure is a result of the growing importance of mobile web traffic. Google is simplifying the Search Console by discontinuing indexing crawler information in the settings page. With mobile devices at the forefront, crawl stats can now be found in the dedicated report. [source ]

Google Tag Manager

Google Tag Assistant extension phased out for Beta Version : Google has discontinued support for the original Tag Assistant extension, while still allowing it to identify tags. Users are being encouraged to transition to the Google Tag Assistant BETA for tag troubleshooting and verification. (Ahmed Imran - post )

Enhanced Promotion Visibility via Chrome : Google Merchant Center now offers a feature allowing promotions to appear on the Chrome desktop browser's New Tab page and directly in the address bar while shoppers are on a retailer's site, currently rolling out in the US. This update could be a strategic advantage for upcoming Black Friday campaigns. [post ] ( Valentinas Buzas )

Paid Search

Google Ads

Product Studio - Innovating with AI Imagery : Google's rollout of Product Studio to all Merchant Center Next users in the U.S. offers AI tools for customizing product images, including AI-powered scene generation. This feature allows merchants to creatively and quickly produce holiday-themed or trend-inspired imagery for their products. [source ]

Google Ads editor version 2.5 : Google Ads editor has released version 2.5, introducing a range of new features and updates. These include the ability to add app deep links for App Install Ads, improved Ad strength calculations for responsive search ads, asset source differentiation in asset reports, additional fields for discovery product ads, support for in-feed video ads in discovery campaigns, and much more. These enhancements aim to streamline ad management and provide advertisers with more tools for effective campaigns. [source ]

Global rollout of Content Theme Exclusion in Google Ads : Google Ads has now made it possible for advertisers worldwide to exclude specific content themes, allowing for greater control over where their ads appear and ensuring brand safety. This feature helps advertisers prevent their ads from being shown alongside content that doesn't align with their brand or campaign objectives. [source ]

Search and Maps - highlighting small businesses : Google introduces a "small business" label for merchants on Search and Maps, enabling shoppers to easily identify and support local and small businesses. Merchants can add this attribute via Merchant Center or Business Profile, helping them gain visibility during the holiday shopping rush. [source ]

Google notification reveals conversion volumes : Tiago Goncalves reports that Google now displays the number of conversions processed through Enhanced Conversions, offering advertisers greater insight into their campaign performance and the effectiveness of their conversion tracking setup. [private community ]

Upcoming Google Ads policy update on Location Assets : Google is notifying advertisers of policy changes affecting Location assets. Starting December 20th, there will be an 8-week phased ramp-up where Google will disapprove Location assets that are closed, not recognized by Google, or do not match the advertised business (with exceptions for affiliate locations). [post ] (Navah Hopkins )

Exploring the "why" behind campaign pauses : A new pop-up feature is being tested that prompts advertisers to provide reasons for pausing a PPC campaign, potentially leading to further questions based on the initial response. This could help platforms understand campaign pause reasons and improve their services. [Tweet ] ( Greg Finn )

Enhanced Responsive Display Ads : Google's Display Network has unveiled a new Responsive Ad format, emphasizing brand presence with a prominent Google logo, a large call-to-action button, and a cohesive color scheme that aligns with the brand's palette. Its simplicity and intuitive design aim to capture user attention and convey messages effectively. [post ] ( Victor Sellés Guillemat )

Gambling and games policy update [November 2023]: Google Ads' gambling and games policy for the United States will now allow the acceptance and running of ads for sports betting from preliminarily state-approved entities in Maine. Advertisers looking to run such ads must apply for certification. The policy update is set to take effect on November 2, 2023. [source ]

Performance Max

Content exclusion view in Performance Max : Google Ads has introduced a new view for Performance Max (PMax) campaigns, displaying all negative keywords, lists, and placement exclusions at the campaign level, yet the "Edit exclusions" option is currently inactive. This feature allows copying and pasting exclusions to other campaign types but not within PMax campaigns, despite showing all exclusions in the new view. ( Thomas Eccel / post )

Local Service Ads

Google Local Services Ads Display Overhaul : Google has recently revamped its Local Services ads, notably reducing the number of ads shown from three to two on desktop, while maintaining three on mobile half the time. This shift, coupled with a new rotation system for ads that prevents market dominance by a few, has led to significant changes in spending and visibility for advertisers across various industries. [article ] ( ADworld Experience )

Google Merchant Center

Google Business Profile Integration with Google Merchant Center Next : Google has updated Merchant Center Next to include integration with Google Business Profiles, allowing users to connect and edit business information directly within Merchant Center. However, there's a hiccup – the feature requires super admin privileges that don't yet exist, an issue currently being addressed with Google's internal team. [article ] ( Emmanuel Flossie )

Comprehensive business information on Google Search: Google is making it easier for shoppers to trust and engage with unfamiliar businesses by providing a more comprehensive knowledge panel on select retailer searches. This updated panel will display crucial shopping details such as current deals, shipping and return policies, customer service information, and ratings and reviews. The information is sourced from Merchant Center and other authoritative sources on the web. [source ]

Resources:

Google's privacy-focused measurement solutions : Google introduces a customized approach to help advertisers use first-party data responsibly within Google Ads. By completing a questionnaire about your ad setup, you'll receive tailored recommendations for a privacy-first advertising strategy, with the option to download a personalized plan. [learn more ]

Microsoft Ads

Microsoft Advertising expands collaboration with InMobi in China : Marketers in Mainland China can look forward to enhanced campaign capabilities starting June 2023, as Microsoft Advertising and InMobi extend their partnership to include search and native display advertising solutions. This move aims to bolster advertising strategies by leveraging the combined expertise of both entities in one of the world's largest markets. [source ]

Amazon Ads

Amazon DSP introduces goal-based bidding to optimise campaign performance : Amazon DSP is rolling out goal-based bidding, allowing advertisers to set performance targets for their campaigns. The platform will then automatically optimise bids in real-time to maximise delivery while staying within the defined performance goals, such as target CPA. This feature aims to help advertisers achieve their campaign objectives more effectively. [source ]

Amazon's Small Business Search Filter Boosts Visibility : The e-commerce giant has rolled out a Small Business Search filter, making it simpler for shoppers to find and support small-business products and artisans directly through Amazon's search results. [post ] ( Yogesh Kumar )

Amazon Brand Dashboard introduces Lost Metrics : Amazon's Brand Impression Share dashboard now features "Lost Metrics" to help advertisers gauge interactions with competitors' ads on their brand terms. These insights reveal the potential top-of-search clicks, orders, and sales missed, offering strategic data for competitive analysis and optimization. [post ] ( Prem Gupta )

Niche-Level Sentiment Analysis : With Amazon's Customer Review Insights, part of the Product Opportunity Explorer, sellers can now analyze both negative and positive reviews for an entire niche, gaining valuable insights for listing optimization and advertising strategies. [post ] ( Ritu Java )

Simplified Day Parting : Amazon has updated their PPC day parting feature, allowing advertisers to schedule bids for specific times when conversions are highest. Data suggests peak conversion times are from 5-9pm ET, especially on Sundays and Mondays, providing an opportunity to adjust bids and potentially lower ACOS by 2% in just 7 days. [post ] ( Steven Pope )

Keyword harvesting automation : Amazon's Ads API now enables automatic transfer of promising search terms from Auto campaigns to Manual campaigns. This process, manageable via API requests, supports keyword and product targeting with customizable options for the destination campaign, subject to certain restrictions such as matching ASIN/SKU in both target and destination ad groups. (source - Mansour Norouzi & Dustin Wassner )

Programmatic

Ad Manager

Ad management with new Ad Review Centre : Google has introduced significant improvements to its Ad Review Centre for AdSense, Ad Manager, and AdMob. These enhancements include a larger viewing area, user-friendly filters, simplified bulk actions, improved image search, and an enhanced detail view, aimed at streamlining the ad management process and improving the overall user experience for advertisers. [source ]

AdSense

AdSense shifts to impression-based payments for publishers : Google AdSense is revising its revenue sharing model and transitioning to pay publishers on a per-impression basis, aligning with industry standards and enhancing transparency in comparing technology provider fees. These changes are expected to maintain publishers' current earnings levels. [source ]

Display & Video 360

Structured Data Files (SDF) v7 now available : Users can now utilize v7 for uploading and downloading SDFs in the Display & Video 360 UI or through the Display & Video 360 API. This update brings several changes, including updated IDs for certain columns, and descriptions, and added support for new Display & Video 360 features. [source ]

Display & Video 360 API v3 [out of beta] : Display & Video 360 API v3 is now out from public beta to general availability. This release designates v3 as the recommended version and includes the addition of Structured Data Files v7 support to Display & Video 360 API v2 and v3. Furthermore, it renames an AdGroupFormat enum value in v3. Users are encouraged to update their client libraries to the latest version. [source ]

Paid Social

Meta Ads

Facebook Group Promotion is now available : Meta has introduced a feature enabling Facebook Group admins to promote their groups using the Meta Ads Manager. This aims to facilitate group growth by attracting new members through targeted ads. Customizable reporting metrics such as 'Join group requests' and 'Cost per join group request' are available to track campaign performance. [post ] ( Bram Van der Hallen )

Multi-Advertiser Ads feature in Meta Instant Forms : Meta Ads Manager now allows instant forms to feature alongside those from other businesses, facilitating users to submit to multiple businesses at once. This feature aims to increase discoverability and engagement for businesses while potentially boosting lead generation efficiency. [post - source ] (Dario Zannoni )

Conditional Formatting returns to Custom Ad Reports : The valuable conditional formatting feature for custom ad reports has made a comeback, allowing marketers to assign color scales to data columns for at-a-glance performance insights, enhancing the ease of identifying successful metrics versus underperforming ones. [post ] ( Jon Loomer )

YouTube Ads

Google TV network setting appears as default : A new default setting for Google TV has been spotted in Google Ads Video campaigns, automatically opting campaigns into ads shown on Google TV streaming apps within the US. Notably, this option appears even for campaigns not targeting the US, hinting at a possible wider rollout in the future. ( Thomas Eccel - post )

TikTok Ads

TikTok Partners with Salesforce to streamline lead generation : A new integration allows TikTok advertisers to seamlessly transfer leads to Salesforce Marketing Cloud in real-time, enhancing immediate actionability and conversion potential. [source ]

LinkedIn Ads

Dynamic Group Budgets across multiple campaign : LinkedIn has rolled out a feature for campaign groups that enables dynamic budget optimization across multiple campaigns within a group, aiming to save time and enhance ROI without the need for manual adjustments. Advertisers should approach the new Audience Network setting at the ad level with caution. [post ] ( Dylan Hey )

Organic Social

Meta

Facebook Stories API launches for enhanced sharing from desktop and web : The new Facebook Stories API allows developers, creators, and brands to publish Stories directly to public Facebook Pages from their chosen desktop or web-based application, streamlining the process and eliminating the need to upload content separately. This enterprise solution aims to simplify content sharing with one-button publishing from preferred third-party platforms, without requiring additional App Review for apps with existing permissions. [source ]

Meta Introduces new tools and rewards for creators: Facebook is launching a set of tools and features to help creators improve their content and understand its performance. These include a Reels A/B testing tool for trying out different captions and thumbnails, achievements with rewards for reaching milestones, content management, enhanced insights, and a Creator Support Hub with search and shortcuts for quick access to helpful information. These tools aim to provide creators with more resources and opportunities for growth on the platform. [source ]

New distribution model for instant games : Facebook is rolling out a new distribution model for Instant Games, aiming to provide developers with greater flexibility in launching and promoting their games on the platform. This includes the introduction of two tiers: "Play Tab" for high-quality games adhering to quality guidelines, and "Play Lab" for games in early development stages, allowing for user acquisition and experimentation. [source ]

Threads

Threads introduces web posting enhancements: Threads, the social media app, has introduced several new updates aimed at enhancing user experience. Users can now edit alt text for videos and images on the web version, add attachments by dragging and dropping, and access more data insights, allowing for better engagement tracking. Additionally, Threads is working on an option to opt out of displaying content on Facebook and Instagram. [source ] ( Adam Mosseri )

TikTok

TikTok AI-Driven Social Shopping Test : A Closer Look TikTok is pushing the boundaries of e-commerce with new experiments in AI technology to enhance its Shop feature, potentially revolutionizing how users discover and buy products like wedding dresses through video scans. This development could significantly impact the social shopping landscape. [source ]

YouTube

YouTube’s safeguards for users: YouTube is introducing new updates and partnerships to address the unique needs of teenage users, focusing on their safety, privacy, and well-being. These updates include limiting repeated recommendations of certain content topics, revamping digital wellbeing features, expanding crisis resource panels, and partnering with organizations like the World Health Organization and Common Sense Networks to develop resources related to teens and online wellbeing. [source ]

LinkedIn

LinkedIn unveils AI-powered premium experience [for select subscribers] : LinkedIn has introduced a new premium experience for select subscribers, offering personalised insights and career guidance. This AI-powered feature will help users uncover hidden opportunities and streamline their job search, providing tailored suggestions and job application enhancements. [source ]

Marketing Industry

GDPR, Users Protection & Privacy Laws

EU/EEA enforced a permanent ban on Meta's behavioral advertising : The European Data Protection Board has upheld the Norwegian Data Protection Authority's ban on Meta's use of contractual and legitimate interests for behavioral advertising on Facebook and Instagram, making it permanent and enforceable throughout the EU/EEA. [source ]

In response, Meta announced an Ad-Free subscription option for EU, EEA, and Swiss users : Meta is set to roll out a subscription service in November, allowing users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to use Facebook and Instagram without ads for a monthly fee. This aligns with GDPR requirements and offers users a choice between an ad-supported or ad-free experience, with the latter ensuring data won't be used for advertising purposes.

With pricing set at €9.99 per month on the web and €12.99 on mobile platforms, this move could significantly affect advertisers' campaign reach, depending on user uptake of the subscription option. (source )

"Under 18" ads no longer available for EU, EEA, and Switzerland : From November 6, 2023, Facebook ads targeted at users under 18 in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland will be paused. Advertisers must adjust the targeted age or modify location settings accordingly. [post ] ( Bram Van der Hallen )

Understanding Google Ads profitability through legal disclosures : The ongoing Google antitrust trial has uncovered new insights from September 2018, including the mindset behind Min Bid and QS and the 20 most profitable search terms.

( Rick Dronkers / Jason Kint / Julie Friedman Bacchini )

Trial Exhibit - UPX0522: U.S. and Plaintiff States v. Google LLC

Trial Exhibit - UPX0342: U.S. and Plaintiff States v. Google LLC

Follow Jason's Twitter thread.

Tackling hate speech and misinformation on TikTok : TikTok’s Efforts During Conflict TikTok emphasizes its commitment to creating a safe space for expression by removing over 925,000 videos for policy violations in the Israel-Gaza conflict region and millions more globally. Efforts include ramping up moderation, partnering with experts, and debunking misinformation regarding content recommendation biases. [source ]

Advertising News

Google amplifies investment in AI Start-up Anthropic : Google pledges up to $2 billion in AI company Anthropic, competing with Microsoft's OpenAI, as it invests $500 million upfront with plans to add $1.5 billion over time. This strategic move highlights the intensifying AI race among tech giants, with Amazon also investing heavily in Anthropic. [source ]

Pinterest's momentum - user base climbs to 473 million : Pinterest's Q3 report shows a climb to 473 million global monthly active users, an addition of 9 million, which played a part in their shares jumping 19%. [source ]

HubSpot acquires Clearbit for enhanced data capabilities : HubSpot's recent agreement to acquire Clearbit marks a significant step in enriching its customer insights platform, with Clearbit's rich data on over 20 million companies and advanced AI integration set to supercharge go-to-market strategies for HubSpot users. [source ]

AI developments

Microsoft 365 Copilot now available for enterprises : Microsoft has announced the general availability of Microsoft 365 Copilot for enterprise customers globally, integrating large language models with Microsoft 365 apps and ensuring compliance with stringent data security and privacy standards. [source ]

( Jack Rowbotham )

Accelerate your creative process with real-time Bard responses: In a bid to enhance your creative workflow, a new feature has been introduced to Bard that enables responses to appear in real-time as they are being generated. This means you can start reading and using responses even before they are fully complete, allowing for a more seamless and efficient creative process. [source ]

Twitter integration enhances Grok's real-time capabilities : Elon Musk's new AI, Grok, stands out by leveraging real-time Twitter data, offering fresh insights and data integration that surpasses existing chatbots reliant on older datasets. [tweet ]

Image from Hamna Aslam Kahn

About PPC News

Founded with the mission of simplifying the complex world of PPC, PPC News initially started in 2021 as a humble Slack channel created to address the needs of clients, agency owners, and PPC executives who were overwhelmed by the constant flux in the paid advertising industry.

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