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 investigating error impacting AdMob messages
Affected users can't create or publish new messages within the platform's privacy and messaging area.
Google is updating Local Services Ads verification process
The change is gradually rolling out in the U.S., beginning with smaller states and extending to larger states throughout the year.
Google must face some advertisers’ antitrust claims, says U.S. judge
U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel ruled that Google must face a proposed class action lawsuit but dismissed some antitrust claims.
Google Ads launches new tool that automatically generates performance reports
You can now easily customize your reports with the free "Solutions" tool available in the Tools section of Google Ads.
Google Ads Editor version 2.6 launches with 8 new features
The new features have been rolled out to help advertisers create more effective ad campaigns and measure performance more easily.
Google addresses third-party cookie deprecation concerns: ‘It’s time to move’
Dan Taylor, Google's vice president of Global Advertising Strategies, is urging advertisers to act now.
Google Ads will automatically start pausing ad groups with low activity
Advertisers will have the option to unpause cad groups but are advised only to do so if they expect impressions in the coming weeks.
Google says Performance Max ‘intentionally’ doesn’t show channel-specific KPIs
Advertisers are raising concerns about Google's lack of transparency around PMax performance data
How Google Search Generative Experience is impacting ads
A new study looks into how SGE impacts different ad types as well as ad placement within Google's SERPs.
Google Analytics 4 launches default Google Ads report
The new report, which was available in Universal Analytics, is now located within the performance reporting section of your GA4 account.
Reminder – Google is enforcing stricter rules for consumer finance ad targeting
Take action now to ensure your personalized ads don't violate Google's updated policy.
Google investigating Local Services Ads bug
Google Ads is working on a fix to prevent businesses from appearing in search results for their competitors' names.
Google Ads API version 16 is launching
The updated Google Ads offers new capabilities and features to help track campaign performance more efficiently.
Google Ads’ ‘pushes’ Performance Max with new Call To Action
When setting up a new campaign in Google Ads, you may notice that the PMax card is not only bigger but also has a new 'recently used' label.
Google Analytics 4 updates Advertising workspace to simplify reporting
GA4 is introducing two dedicated spaces – one for marketers to track and analyze campaigns, and another for behavioral insights.
Google updates Performance Max – integrates Gemini
Advertisers can use the new features to enhance the quality of ad creatives and improve the optimization.
Location targeting in Google Ads: Balancing automation and control
Learn when to let Google's algorithms determine location targeting vs. setting specific geo-targets based on key considerations.
Google Ads offering businesses free consultations through Gmail pop-ups
Advertisers are concerned that the pop-up notifications within Gmail could cause confusion among their clients.
Google Ads finally resolves ‘Confusing Ad Text’ issue for most users
Users still impacted are advised by Google to upload new assets or edit existing assets using a different label.
Google announces Misrepresentation policy update
Failure to comply with the updated policy could result in the suspension of your Google Ads account.
Google will issue advertisers credit refunds after overcharging error
The glitch impacted campaigns that ran within Display and Video 360 from July through to December last year.
Google hits back at report criticizing the Privacy Sandbox
The IAB Tech Lab report claims that Privacy Sandbox could make it harder for brands to serve effective ads – particularly smaller businesses.
Driving lead generation with paid media: What’s new and what’s next
What every modern-day lead generation marketer needs to know for paid media success on LinkedIn, Google and Microsoft.
Google warns Universal Analytics 360 users must migrate to GA4 ‘urgently’
UA360 users who do not switch to GA4 within the next two weeks risk losing critical advertising capabilities.
How each Google Ads bid strategy influences campaign success
Learn when and how to apply Manual CPC, Maximize Clicks, Target Impression Share, and Smart Bidding to meet your Google Ads campaign goals.
Google Ads launches email series delivering tailored optimization advice
Google is sending partners emails with customized recommendations to improve the performance of their ad campaigns.
Google expands generative AI capabilities for automatically created assets
Google's generative AI capabilities are now available to all English-language advertisers in the U.S. and UK.
Google tests Branded Local Service Ads with opt-out option
Marketers expressed concern about being unable to opt-out, but Google confirmed this functionality will be available for everyone.
Google Ads gambling and games policy updated
Effective immediately, advertisers can now run sports betting ads in North Carolina provided they have certification.
Pinterest announces major ad partnership with Google
The collaboration makes Google the second third-party ad partner for Pinterest, following its multi-year collaboration with Amazon.
Google TV: What you need to know about CTV buying in Google Ads
New Google TV ad placement in Google Ads unlocks CTV buying. Get an overview of the implications, pros and cons, and optimization strategies.
Google updates Gmail ads with new layout and ‘Sponsored’ label
The changes were introduced to make it easier for consumers to distinguish between ads and organic promotional messages.
Google investigating ‘brutal’ Local Service Ads tactic destroying leads for businesses
This Google loophole enables competitors to intentionally manipulate the system, making your ads invisible without your knowledge.
Value-based bidding: Why it’s key to boosting your Google Ads
Discover how this bid strategy can optimize your Google Ads campaigns for the most valuable actions and overall profitability.
Google will sunset commission bid strategies for hotel ads
Advertisers must switch to a new bid strategy before commissions (per stay) and commissions (per conversion) are phased out.
Google Ads investigating bugs impacting payment methods and credit card updates
Marketers utilizing the platform are currently facing challenges in updating their payment and credit card details.
Google investigating ‘confusing ad text’ error impacting ad campaigns
Users with time-sensitive campaigns on Google Ads are recommended to upload new assets or edit existing assets using a different label.
Google ‘cannot proceed with third-party cookie deprecation’
Competition concerns about Google's Privacy Sandbox must be addressed before third-party cookies can be deprecated.
Google exec addresses advertisers’ automation concerns
Search Engine Land spoke to advertisers about the potential risks automation poses on the future of digital marketing.
Google unveils major Responsive Search Ad asset updates
Google now provides additional capabilities for RSA assets, such as the option to serve a single headline.