Google Ads
Search Engine Land is your premier source for Google Ads news, strategies, and in-depth content. You’ll find a variety of up-to-date and authoritative resources, including the latest news, tactic-rich tutorials, and the latest data to help you work smarter and make better decisions that boost your ROI.
Mastering Google Ads for maximum ROI
Google Ads is a powerful tool for driving targeted traffic, generating leads, and increasing sales — but staying ahead in paid search requires more than just a basic understanding of campaigns. Search Engine Land equips you with actionable strategies to optimize ad performance, reduce wasted spend, and maximize your return on investment.
Discover insights on everything from mastering campaign types like Performance Max to leveraging advanced strategies and features like audience targeting, responsive search ads, and bidding strategies. Whether you’re managing large-scale accounts or running ads for a small business, our resources are tailored to meet your specific needs.
What you read here is written by our experienced in-house team, alongside subject matter experts from leading agencies and top-performing brands across various industries
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Google is exploring ads in new AI Mode
Ads could come to Google's conversational search experience - AI Mode, but some advertisers remain skeptical about performance.
Google to change how Tag Manager works with Google Ads in April
Google is updating GTM to ensure a Google tag loads before sending events, improving tracking accuracy and data collection for advertisers.
Leveraging generative AI in ad scripts for Google Ads optimization
Stop writing scripts from scratch. Use GPT to modify, optimize, and expand your Google Ads automation effortlessly.
Google testing channel reporting for Performance Max campaigns
Google's testing of channel reporting potentially addresses advertiser concerns of the blackbox nature of PMax campaigns.
Image assets in Google Ads: Everything you need to know
Learn all about Google Ads' image assets for search campaigns, which helps advertisers boost CTRs and stand out with responsive search ads.
Google Shopping unveils AI-powered fashion and beauty features
Google's new features, including vision match and virtual try-ons, create a more interactive, personalized shopping experience for consumers.
Google is testing Creator Partnerships for YouTube Shorts ads
Google's new feature, in beta, allows advertisers to discover and promote YouTube Shorts featuring their brand, leveraging UGC.
YouTube is revamping mid-roll ad placement
YouTube's change is meant to improve viewer experience and boost creator revenue by optimizing ad breaks at natural transition points.
Google expands Vehicle ads to include RVs and campers
Google expanded Vehicle ads to include RVs and campers, allowing dealerships to reach potential buyers through targeted search listings.
Google Merchant Center renames Conversion Settings as Key Event Setup
Google Merchant Center replacing Conversion settings with Key event setup puts it in alignment with Google Analytics 4's framework.
How to craft search ads that stand out
Most search ads blend in – yours shouldn’t. Create campaigns that speak to your audience, boost clicks, and deliver better conversions.
Google Ads stop running for some advertisers
Starting March 1, some advertisers reported that their Google Ads were not serving. The issue was resolved March 3.
How BigQuery ML unlocks better targeting, bidding, ROI in Google Ads
Hidden in your Google Ads data is the key to better ROI. BigQuery ML reveals patterns, predicts success, and helps you spend smarter.
Google Ads run different auctions for each ad location
An update was made to the Google document on how the Google Ads auction works.
Google Ads API v19 just released with new features
Version 19 adds new access and controls to software developers and those who integrate with the API.
Google Local Service Ads now uses your booking links from Business Profiles
Make sure you opt out, if you do not want to pay for booking link leads - because Google has opted you in.
PPC budgeting in 2025: When to adjust, scale, and optimize with data
Balance automation and control in PPC budgeting. Learn when to scale, adjust, and optimize your ad spend for maximum ROI in 2025.
Top 4 PPC mistakes and how to fix them
Avoid these common PPC pitfalls that drain your budget and learn how to optimize your campaigns for maximum ROI.
Google faces EU charges over search bias
The EU's charges against Google for search bias under the DMA could reshape online competition, impacting the future of search marketing.
Google Ads to remove parked domain placements by default
Google will automatically opt out all advertiser accounts from showing ads on parked domains starting March 19 reversing its previous default opt-in approach.
9 essential geotargeting tactics for Google Ads
Here’s how to move beyond basic location settings and implement advanced targeting for smarter Google Ads campaigns.
Google gives Responsive Search Ads more flexibility
Google's update enhances ad flexibility, optimizing asset combinations dynamically to improve engagement, relevance, and performance.
Google just lifted its 2019 ban on fingerprinting for advertisers
Google's decision to allow fingerprinting gives advertisers powerful cross-device tracking capabilities but raises privacy concerns.
How to use keyword insertion for more effective Google Ads
Learn all about Google Ads' keyword insertion feature, which dynamically includes search terms in ad copy to boost relevance and clicks.
Google image AI model can now generate humans for ads
Google's latest advertising update introduces AI-powered human image generation through Imagen 3 technology, with specific demographic features.
Google Ads tests ‘Advanced Plans’ feature for budget optimization
Google's 'Advanced Plans' feature, in its Reach Planner tool, automatically suggests optimal ad type combinations and budget allocations.
Google Display & Video 360 API gets major update
Google launched the beta version of DV360 API v4 alongside new v3 features, including mandatory optimization objectives.
Google tackles key Performance Max concerns in FAQ
Google released a detailed FAQ addressing advertisers' top concerns about PMax, including transparency, lead quality, and campaign optimization.
Google tightens Customer Match data rules in major privacy update
In a significant privacy-focused update, Google announces a new 540-day cap on Customer Match list durations across its advertising platforms, starting April 7
Google Ads releases Performance Max usefulness indicator
Google's new PMax Usefulness Indicator helps advertisers measure the incremental traffic impact of search themes, improving targeting.
Google Ad Manager, Campaign Manager 360 hit by disruptions
Google Ad Manager, Campaign Manager 360, and Display & Video 360 are experiencing technical issues.
Everything you need to know about Target CPA bidding
Learn about Google's Smart Bidding strategy Target CPA, that allows you to automate bid adjustments to achieve desired cost-per-action goals.
Google Ads tightens brand guidelines
Advertisers should ensure their brand guidelines are up to date by March or Google will automatically select their business name and logo.
New in Google Demand Gen Ads: Automatically create short videos
A new Google Ads Demand Gen Ads video enhancement will let you automatically create short-form videos from existing video ads
Brand + performance: The secret to maximizing ad ROI
Performance marketing thrives on brand awareness. Learn how a strong brand enhances CTR, CPC, conversion rates, and overall profitability.
Google Ads optimization: What to stop, start, and continue in 2025
Shift your optimization mindset in 2025 with fresh strategies for keywords, Performance Max, and audience targeting.
Google Ads simplifies conversion tracking with new tag manager feature
The new Google Ads form tracking in Tag Manager enables codeless conversion event creation for advertisers with minimal technical setup.
How to use Video View campaigns effectively in Google Ads
Learn all about Video View campaigns – how to bid for views, target audiences, and craft engaging creative using the YouTube ABCD framework.
Top 6 B2B paid media platforms: Where and how to advertise effectively
Make your B2B ads work smarter. Learn how to target high-value decision-makers across key platforms, such as Google, LinkedIn, Meta, and more.
Google Ads updates Dating & Companionship Ads policy
Google extends the Dating Ads policy deadline to April 9, requiring certification for aggregators with restricted ad eligibility.