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 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 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 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.
How to maximize your Google Ads remarketing campaigns
Boost your Google Ads profits with advanced remarketing. Set up, optimize, and refine your campaigns for higher conversions – not just clicks.
Google offers tagging support appointments for advertisers
Google is offering support sessions for advertisers struggling with conversion tracking implementation which will help prevent unreliable performance data
Google tests AI-generated backgrounds for Shopping Ads
Google's AII system will generate backgrounds for product images while maintaining the original product appearance. Advertisers can opt out.
Google expands Demand Gen ad tools ahead of Video Action Campaigns sunset
Google's Demand Gen will soon get new channel controls, creative enhancements, and retail-specific features.
Exact match keywords in Google Ads: Everything you need to know
Get up to speed on Google Ads exact match keywords – their evolution, best practices, and how to use negative keywords for smarter targeting.
Google reverses stance on Performance Max campaign controls
PMax campaigns can now be controlled through API placement exclusions, contradicting months of Google's documentation that claimed otherwise.
Top Google Ads recommendations you should always ignore, use, or evaluate
Not all Google Ads recommendations are created equal. Learn which to trust, evaluate, or dismiss to enhance your account performance.
How to make search and PMax campaigns complement each other
Running Search & PMax campaigns can lead to overlapping issues. Discover the pitfalls to avoid and how to achieve success.
Google expands Performance Max asset/search term reporting capabilities
Google's PMax updates offer enhanced search reporting, asset group reporting as well as more exclusion and advanced targeting capabilities.
5 ways to get the most from Performance Max in 2025
Find out how to align your advertising goals with Performance Max’s advanced features in 2025 for seamless, scalable campaigns.
How to use Lookalike segments in Google Ads
Leverage Lookalike segments in Google Ads Demand Gen campaigns to expand your reach and connect with customers who resemble your existing audience.
Google Ads revealing low-volume search terms as ‘Private’
Google Ads now displays private search terms in Performance Max campaigns, offering insights into low-volume queries.
New Google Ads feature spotted: Asset history
Google Ads' new "Used since" column for assets gives advertisers historical context by revealing exactly when creative elements were implemented.
How to optimize PPC forms and follow-ups for lead gen in 2025
From personalized follow-ups to streamlined forms, learn tips to create seamless PPC user journeys that convert clicks into quality leads.
Google Ads Search Max – new match type spotted
The new feature combines Search Term Matching and Text & URL Optimization to increase reach and drive higher conversions.
How to combine Google Ads and LinkedIn Ads for comprehensive B2B campaigns
Learn practical tactics to maximize your B2B ad spend by integrating LinkedIn and Google Ads campaigns effectively.
Google Ads phishing scams target ad buyers
Phishing scams targeting Google Ads accounts are draining ad budgets, disrupting campaigns, and exposing advertisers to reputational risks.
PPC diagnostics: How to find and fix the root cause of low conversions
Uncover and fix 10 common causes of declining conversions, from budget limitations and weak landing pages to market and economic shifts.
WhatsApp in Google Ads: Everything you need to know about Message Assets in 3 minutes
All there is to know about Google's feature enabling potential customers to initiate WhatsApp conversations directly from ads.
Why over-bidding on your brand could be hurting your bottom line
Uncover the truth about Google’s brand bidding recommendations. Optimize your paid and organic search efforts without losing revenue.
Google Ads launches new promo code formats for Promotion Assets
Google Ads' new barcode and QR code promotion formats streamline how customers redeem offers across digital and physical touchpoints.