Matt Van Wagner shares what’s changed, what disappeared and what PPC still gets wrong
Paid search veteran Matt Van Wagner reflects on 20 years of Google Ads, lost PPC tactics, rising automation and more
Topic: Ginny Marvin
Advertisers report Google Ads credits being revoked after spending
Advertisers report Google Ads promotional credits being invalidated after they’ve already spent budget to qualify for them.
Google Ads adds new tools to drive and measure in-store sales
Google Ads is making it easier for multi-location businesses to reach nearby customers and measure the campaign in-store sales.
Google tests traditional Search campaigns in AI Mode
Google is testing exact and phrase match Search ads in AI Mode when users show clear, direct intent.
Google expands direct booking for Local Services Ads
Google is expanding LSA direct booking to more than 500 partners, making it easier for customers to book straight from ads.
Google unifies Google tag and Tag Manager, adds no-code event tracking
Google is unifying Google tag and Tag Manager with no-code event tracking, streamlined management and faster data transmission.
Google Ads is finally building a stronger foundation for B2B lead gen
Three months after Google Marketing Live, Google Ads is laying the groundwork for better B2B lead gen. Here’s what to act on now.
Ginny Marvin on Smart Bidding, AI and why PPC fundamentals still matter
Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin discusses Smart Bidding, AI, PPC mistakes and why strong fundamentals still matter with the rise of AI.
Google explains what advertisers should expect from Smart Bidding changes
Google says its Aug. 17 Smart Bidding update will make budget-limited campaigns more predictable.
Google tests “Strongest match” labels on Search ads
Google is exploring new ways to highlight the most relevant ads in Search, potentially giving advertisers a visibility advantage.
Ginny Marvin clarifies AI Max, AI Search ads and what advertisers should prioritize after GML
Ginny Marvin shared details on AI Max, AI Search ads, measurement and first-party data in a wide-ranging Q&A.
Why your brand campaign may not be ready for AI Max
AI Mode eligibility isn't enough reason to expand automation. Learn where to focus before testing AI Max on brand traffic.
Google begins testing healthcare ads in AI Mode
Google has confirmed a test of healthcare ads in AI Mode, offering an early look at how advertising may evolve within AI search.
Google’s latest AI ad push shows ads are becoming conversations, not clicks
Google’s latest AI ad updates revealed major shifts and raises big questions about visibility, trust, and the future role of marketers.
AI Max vs DSA: Advertisers question control as Google responds
Advertisers are questioning AI Max’s lack of granular landing page control compared to DSA, as Google confirms some gaps still exist.
Ginny Marvin on AI in search, PPC trends, and Google Ads evolution
Google Ads Liaison reflects on how search evolved from manual PPC to AI-driven systems — and why marketers must stay curious and adapt.
Google Ads Demand Gen campaigns hit by review delays
Advertisers are reporting week long delays for Demand Gen ads stuck in review, a known issue Google says it is actively working to resolve.
Google launches Ads DevCast Vodcast for developers
Google’s new Ads DevCast gives developers technical insights into Google Ads and AI-driven “agentic” changes reshaping ad APIs
AI Max increases revenue 13% but drives higher CPA: Study
Independent research and an exclusive with Google's Ads Liaison confirm AI Max's real-world trade-offs — and the end of Dynamic Search Ads.
Google to change budget pacing for campaigns using ad scheduling
Google’s new pacing update could increase monthly spend for ad-scheduled campaigns by pushing budgets harder within allowed run times.
Google Ads support requires account change authorization
Advertisers contacting Google Ads must now authorize support-led account changes — while keeping full responsibility for results.
What’s next for PPC: AI, visual creative and new ad surfaces
Google and Microsoft liaisons explain why dynamic ad surfaces, distinct assets and smarter AI inputs will define the next era of paid media.
Google Ads tool is automatically re-enabling paused keywords
Google Ads may be re-enabling paused keywords automatically, raising concerns about unexpected campaign expense
Google Ads tests A/B experiments for Shopping ad product data
Google Ads is testing A/B experiments for Shopping Ads, letting advertisers compare product titles/images to see what performs better.
Google: Exact match keywords won’t block broad match in AI Max
Google clarified that exact keywords don’t serve ads in AIOs — but they also no longer prevent broad match keywords from triggering those placements.
How to tell if Google’s AI Max for search is actually working
AI Max helps advertisers capture net-new, incremental conversions beyond their existing keywords, offering clearer controls and measurable lift.
Google’s new “Ads Advisor” AI is put to the test
Google’s new AI Ads Advisor shows promise but remains error-prone and not ready to fully manage campaigns.
Google Ads boosts accuracy in advertiser account suspensions
Google Ads, powered by Gemini AI, has cut incorrect advertiser suspensions by over 80% and now resolves 99% of appeals within 24 hours.
Google Ads experiment taps social creatives for PMax campaigns
Google Ads is testing a feature that pulls social video ads into PMax campaigns, streamlining setup but raising data concerns.
Google Ads quietly tests auto-setting “New Customer Value”
Google Ads is testing auto-set “New Customer Values,” sparking confusion and transparency concerns among advertisers.
Google Maps Ads get scrollable sitelinks boost
Google rolled out scrollable sitelinks in Maps ads, letting advertisers drive users to specific site pages directly from promoted pins.
Google Ads updated policies to target dishonest pricing practices
Google Ads Misrepresentation policy will be updated on October 28, 2025.
Google Ads doubles negative keyword list limit: Glitch or quiet policy change?
It's unclear whether Google quietly raised negative keyword list limits after one account exceeded the documented 5,000-cap without issue.
Google Ads hidden search terms cost advertisers – big time
An independent analysis reveals that hidden search terms in Google Ads may be costing advertisers up to 85% of their spend in inefficiencies.
Google clarifies where ads appear in AI Overviews
Google Ads confirmed that ads can appear either above/below or within AI Overviews, but not in both locations simultaneously.
Google Ads begins rolling out AI Max for Search
AI Max, and its keywordless targeting, is now available to some Google Ads advertisers. The rollout is expected to complete in early Q3.
Google Ads bug stalls spending for New Customer Acquisition
A Google Ads bug started May 15, disrupting performance for advertisers focused solely on acquiring new customers.
Google AI Max for Search campaigns: New insights from Ginny Marvin
Google's Ginny Marvin talks AI Max: keywordless targeting, geographic controls, and better reporting. Here's what you need to know.
Value-based bidding: Why it’s key to boosting your Google Ads
Here’s how these two bid strategies can optimize your Google Ads campaigns for the most valuable actions and overall profitability.
Google Ads AI Max: Automation with a side of anxiety
Google’s new AI Max for Search sparks mixed reactions from advertisers, blending automation promise with concerns over control and clarity.