Google says it took down 45% more fake reviews in 2023 thanks to new algorithm
Google also shared new stats on actions it took in 2023 to block fake reviews and local listings.
Google Tests Animated Highlighting Text In Featured Snippets
Google is testing a new feature for featured snippets that will animate the highlighting of the text of part of the featured snippet. It looks like Google is manually highlighting the text in the featured snippet.
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 SGE Tests Removing Side Carousels
Google seems to be testing removing the side carousel in the SGE, Search Generative Experience, interface. The side carousel generally shows the card answers on the right side of the desktop SGE results. It seems Google is testing not showing those ca…
Google Updates Image Removal Documentation
Google has updated, in a big way, its how to “Remove images hosted on your site from search results” help documentation page. Google said, “Part of our ongoing efforts to keep our documentation accurate, we updated the documentation for image removals…
Google SGE Now Works In Mobile Safari
When Google first launched SGE, the Search Generative Experience, it would only work in Chrome or the Google Search App on Gmail accounts opted into the search labs experiment. But now when I try accessing SGE while on mobile Safari, the native Apple …
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 Tests Blue Shaded Search Bar Headers (Some That Are Sticky)
Google Search is testing various shades of blue for its search header, including a sticky version that, um, sticks as you scroll down the search results. Here are various screenshots from a few folks that I found on X over the past several days.
Danny Sullivan & John Mueller Send Internal Newsletters For Google Staff
Did you know that both Danny Sullivan and John Mueller send emails to Google employees on a routine basis? I heard from multiple sources that John sends one weekly, I think maybe on Fridays, and Danny Sullivan shared a screenshot of a portion of the e…
Google Analytics 4 adds new dimensions for measuring paid and organic traffic
The platform now offers clearer insights into your traffic sources, both paid and organic, for enhanced optimization opportunities.
YouTube expands Content Takeovers to offer exclusive advertising on more inventory
Brands now have the option to pay for their ads to exclusively appear on creator channels, ensuring a 100% share of voice.
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 renames Bard to Gemini, unveils paid version of Gemini
Gemini is the same Bard product with a new name. Gemini Advanced will be bundled as part of Google One for $19.99 a month.
Google Search Carousel: Up-And-Coming Stores
Google has this new product or shopping-related box in the search results named “Up-and-coming stores.” This box seems to show trendy stores in the Google Search results as a carousel you can swipe through on your mobile phone.
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.
Google Popular Product Spam Search Listings
Google seems to be having a bit of an issue with spam getting into its popular products section. This may be fed in through Google Merchant Center or normal rich results – I am not 100% sure. But here is a screenshot showing one company listing the sa…
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.