Your Monthly Marketing Dose
February has already turned out to be a fast-paced month in digital marketing, with Google acknowledging a Google Business Profile reviews outage affecting local listings, and growing industry speculation that AI-generated images may be facing de-ranking on the platform.
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying on top of changes is second nature for SEO professionals. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the key updates and shifts you need to know about this month in the digital marketing landscape.
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Google Confirms Business Profile Reviews Outage
Google has confirmed a significant outage affecting Business Profile reviews, disrupting local listings for many businesses. This has left some unable to view or manage reviews, creating frustration for those who rely on customer feedback for SEO and trust-building. While the timeline for resolution is unclear, businesses should stay adaptable by diversifying review platforms and focusing on other local SEO strategies during this disruption.
Did Google Roll Out an Algorithm Update During Super Bowl Weekend?
SEO experts noticed significant ranking fluctuations over Super Bowl weekend, leading to speculation that Google may have quietly rolled out an algorithm update. While Google hasn't confirmed this, the timing of the changes has raised concerns among digital marketers. The volatility suggests that businesses may need to stay agile and adapt to potential search ranking shifts. Monitoring performance closely and adjusting strategies accordingly will be crucial.
Is Google Image Search Down-Ranking AI Images?
There’s growing speculation in the SEO community that Google may be down-ranking AI-generated images in search results. While Google hasn’t officially confirmed this, some marketers have observed a drop in visibility for AI images, especially in comparison to human-created content. This shift could affect how brands optimize visual content for search. As AI-generated content continues to rise, businesses should keep an eye on trends and adjust their image strategies to ensure continued visibility.
Google Ads Posts Notice for Brand Guidelines – March 2025 Update
Google is rolling out an important update to its brand guidelines for Google Ads in March 2025. The new changes focus on ensuring that ads reflect clear, accurate branding and comply with stricter content policies. Brands will need to review and align their campaigns with the updated standards, which include more stringent rules around trademark use, logo placements, and ad transparency. Marketers should prepare for these changes by auditing their ad content and making necessary adjustments to stay compliant.
Snapchat Enhances Snapchat+ with New AI Features and Customization Options
Snapchat has announced exciting updates to its premium service, Snapchat+, introducing new AI-driven features and enhanced customization options. These updates include personalized AI chatbots, custom filters, and advanced photo editing tools that allow users to further personalize their experience. Snapchat+ subscribers can now enjoy a more tailored, interactive platform with increased control over how they engage with content. These additions strengthen Snapchat's appeal in the competitive social media landscape, offering users unique ways to express themselves and interact with the app.
Microsoft Unveils New Performance Max Tools and Platform Updates for February 2025
Microsoft has rolled out exciting updates to its Performance Max tools this February, designed to help advertisers optimize their campaigns across multiple channels. The new features include enhanced AI-driven insights, automated bidding options, and improved reporting capabilities, allowing brands to drive better performance while minimizing manual effort. Additionally, the platform now offers more granular control over audience targeting and ad creatives. These updates are set to streamline campaign management and boost efficiency, making it easier for businesses to scale their digital advertising efforts.
Brand Spotlight:
Walmart's Viral Birkin Bag Moment with RedBag Partnership
What Happened: In a surprising twist, Walmart partnered with RedBag, an authenticated luxury consignment store, to sell high-ticket items, including luxury bags from brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Hermès. This partnership came on the heels of a viral moment when a bag sold on Walmart’s marketplace went viral on TikTok for looking strikingly similar to the iconic Birkin Bag from Hermès—one of the most exclusive and expensive luxury items in the world.
Birkin bags can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, and obtaining one usually requires a long relationship with Hermès, buying numerous other items first. However, the viral Walmart bag was a much more affordable knock-off, priced at just $78. While Walmart didn’t create or sell the bag, it was sold by a third-party seller on the platform. The listing has since been removed.
Why It Matters: This incident is a huge win for both brands. Hermès' exclusivity remains intact, with heightened interest in the original Birkin, while Walmart capitalized on the viral moment, joining the conversation about luxury and affordability. This highlights how social media can bridge the gap between luxury and accessibility, with even a "copycat" item driving attention to the authentic product.
Key Takeaways for Brands:
Stay tuned for more updates next month!
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Until next time, happy marketing
The Team at Digiholic