SEO Tools and Resources

Google updated its documentation on how the Google Ads auction works to say, “We run different auctions for each ad location.” Previously, that document did not say that and the PPC community is wondering what changed and why Google did not announce this change more broadly. What changed. Google added these lines to the top of that document: “When someone searches on Google, we run different auctions for each ad location – for example top ads are selected by a different ad auction from ads that show in other ad locations. Your ads will only show once in a single ad location, but across ad locations your ads can show more than once.” Why the change. Googl…

You might think you’ve mastered the Google Ads search terms report, but this essential optimization tool is still widely misunderstood – and often misused. Here are five tips to help you get more from your campaigns by using the search terms report the right way. Keywords vs. Search Terms: A quick refresh When discussing keywords and search terms, it’s easy to confuse the terminology. Here’s a simple breakdown: Keyword: The term you add to a Search campaign – along with a match type – to tell Google which kinds of searches you want your ads to appear for. Search term: The actual phrase a real person typed into Google that triggered your ad. Your ad…

Google Ads is now displaying examples of how “Landing Page Images” can be used inside Performance Max (PMax) campaigns — offering clearer visibility into how website visuals may automatically become ad creatives. How it works. If advertisers opt in, Google can pull images directly from a brand’s landing pages and dynamically turn them into ads. Now when creating your campaigns, before setting it live, Google Ads will show you the automated creatives it plans on setting live. Why we care. For PMax campaigns your site is part of your asset library. Any banner, hero image, or product visual could surface across Search, Display, YouTube, or Discover placements — …

Google Ads now surfaces Performance Max (PMax) campaign data in the “Where ads showed” report, giving advertisers clearer insight into placements, networks, and impressions — data that was previously unavailable. What’s new. The update makes it possible to see exactly where PMax ads are appearing across Google’s network, including search partners, display, and other placements. Advertisers can now track impressions by placement type and network, helping them understand how campaigns are performing in detail. Why we care. This update finally gives visibility into where PMax campaigns are running, including Google Search Partners, display, and other networks. Wi…

Google Ads is rolling out recommended experiments on the Experiments page, surfacing test ideas based on an account’s setup and performance data. How it works: The platform suggests experiment opportunities — such as testing bidding strategies, creative variations, or new campaign features — and presents them directly inside the Experiments dashboard. Each recommendation includes a preconfigured experiment setup Advertisers can launch immediately or customize settings Suggestions appear alongside the standard Create Experiment workflow Why we care. By removing the need to build tests from scratch, Google is lowering the barrier to experimentation. A…

Google Ads introduced new form tracking in Tag Manager that enables codeless event creation for lead form submissions. Advertisers can now set up conversion tracking via a user-friendly interface, eliminating complex manual coding. Key features: Codeless event detection. Flexible form submission tracking. Multiple URL matching options. Why we care. This update dramatically reduces the technical complexity of setting up conversion tracking. By offering a wizard-style interface with codeless event detection, Google Ads eliminates hours of manual coding, making form tracking faster and more accessible for marketers with limited technical skills. Fi…

Google is removing complexity from one of its most important measurement tools. By merging enhanced conversions for web and leads—and allowing multiple data inputs at once—advertisers get more accurate tracking with less setup friction. What’s happening. Google Ads is consolidating its enhanced conversions features into a unified system with a single on/off toggle. At the same time, it’s eliminating the need to choose a single implementation method. Advertisers will be able to send user-provided data through multiple channels simultaneously—including website tags, Data Manager, and API integrations. The current split between “enhanced conversions for web” and “en…

Google Ads rolled out a new feature that shows advertisers which campaigns their products are eligible for, directly in the Products section. How it works. A new dashboard in the Products section includes: A table showing product details, status, issues, and priority flags A line graph summarizing campaign status trends Filters to segment eligibility views A pop-up panel that lists “Eligible” and “Not eligible” campaigns per product Why we care. dvertisers can now quickly identify products that are missing from key campaigns or unintentionally overlapping across Shopping and Performance Max. The added visibility reduces the need to jump between c…

Want to make your Google Ads bigger so they can stand out more to potential customers? Of course you do! One way to do this is by using optional assets (formerly known as extensions) with your campaigns. One of the most easy-to-use Google Ads assets is sitelinks. Let’s explore how sitelinks work and whether they’re the right choice for your campaigns. This article will cover: What are sitelinks in Google Ads? How are sitelinks different from ad headlines? How many sitelinks can you use? How to add sitelinks to your Google Ads campaigns How to assess sitelink performance in Google Ads Should you use sitelinks in Google Ads? What ar…

Google is investigating a disruption affecting Google Ad Manager, according to an update posted on the Google Ads Status Dashboard. The incident began at 13:49 UTC on March 4. By 13:54 UTC, Google said it was reviewing reports that some users could access Ad Manager but weren’t seeing the most up-to-date data. What’s happening. The issue appears to impact reporting consistency. Specifically, Ad Exchange match rate and Ad Exchange request values are not aligning between Ad Manager’s interactive reports and the legacy reporting query tool (now deprecated). Why we care. Reporting discrepancies in Google Ad Manager can directly impact how you evaluate performance …

Starting on Saturday, March 1, 2025, some advertisers have noticed their ads are not running and not getting impressions or clicks. The ads are simply not being served or delivered. In fact, there are tons of complaints about this in the Google Ads Forum. Google has not yet commented on the issue. What we know. Starting March 1, some advertisers are saying that some of their campaigns are not serving ads. Some are saying they have received zero impressions or clicks on their ads. The crazy thing, this has been now going on for almost two days and Google has not responded about the issue, at least not yet, since it is the weekend. We do not know exactly how…

Advertisers contacting Google Ads support may now need to grant explicit authorization before they can even submit a help request — giving a Google specialist permission to access and make changes directly inside their account. Here’s what’s happening. Users are first routed to a beta AI chat. If they opt to submit a support form instead, they must tick an “Authorisation” box. The wording allows a Google Ads specialist, on behalf of the company, to reproduce and troubleshoot issues by making changes directly in the account. The fine print is clear. Google doesn’t guarantee results. Any adjustments are made at the advertiser’s own risk. And the advertiser remains s…

Google appears to be pulling parts of the Google Tag Manager interface directly into Google Ads — a move that could simplify how advertisers manage tracking and tags. What’s happening. Advertisers are spotting a new “Manage” option inside the Data Manager section of Google Ads that opens Tag Manager controls without leaving the platform. The update was first shared by Marthijn Hoiting and Adriaan Dekker, who posted screenshots showing Tag Manager elements embedded within the Google Ads environment. Why we care. Tag setup and troubleshooting have long been a friction point for advertisers, often requiring multiple tools and technical handoffs. Bringing …

Target ROAS is the most sophisticated of Google’s smart bidding strategies. In previous articles, we’ve tackled Maximize Conversions, Target CPA and Maximize Conversion Value. This article explores the ins and outs of Target ROAS bidding, including: What does conversion value mean in Google Ads? What does ROAS mean? How Target ROAS bidding works in Google Ads 8 Expert Tips for using Target ROAS effectively Should you use Target ROAS bidding in Google Ads? What does conversion value mean in Google Ads? Before we can discuss Target ROAS bidding, or even ROAS, we need to understand what “conversion value” means in Google Ads. Conversion…

Google Ads is testing a new “View-Through Conversion Optimization” feature in its Demand Gen campaigns. What’s new. This test was spotted last week. It adds a setting allowing advertisers to include view-through conversions (VTCs) in their bidding models. How it works. This applies to YouTube (Image + Video) traffic. More channels are “coming soon,” per the early beta. The feature could improve early-stage efficiency where clicks are scarce but influence is high. Why we care. View-through conversions reveal what happens when people see your ad, skip the click, but come back to buy. You can turn it on early to train algorithms faster, boost brand li…

Google Ads is running a limited test that allows some advertisers to A/B test different product titles and images within Shopping Ads. The feature appears as “product data experiments” and promises results within three to four weeks. Who gets it. The test is currently live for a small number of merchants, according to Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin. Broader availability is expected later. Why we care. Product titles and images can make or break Shopping ad performance, but advertisers have had limited ways to test changes without risking live results. This update could bring much-needed experimentation to product feeds. What it does. Advertisers can compar…

Google may be streamlining one of the most error-prone parts of campaign setup — conversion tracking — by reducing the need for manual tag implementation. Driving the news. Google Ads is testing a new “Set up in Google Tag Manager” option within its conversion setup flow, according to screenshots shared by Google Ads Specialist, Natasha Kaurra. The feature appears alongside existing installation methods and allows advertisers to push conversion tracking setups directly into Google Tag Manager. What’s new. Instead of copying conversion IDs and labels between platforms, advertisers can click the new button to open a pre-filled tag setup inside GTM. That …

A new “Advanced Plans” section within Google Ads’ Reach Planner tool was spotted by digital marketing expert Brent Neale. The big picture. The tool represents Google’s continued push toward automated campaign optimization, offering AI-driven recommendations for budget allocation. How it works. Advanced Plans suggests a mix of ad types based on advertisers’ goals, creating specific plans for both conversion creation and capture. Why we care. The feature could help advertisers more effectively allocate their budgets across different ad types based on specific conversion goals. Between the lines. This appears to be part of Google’s broader strategy to sim…

Google Ads appears to be reviving — or reinventing — its old Website Optimizer, after new help docs quietly surfaced detailing a tool that would live directly inside the Google Ads interface. Driving the news. Several new Google support pages were spotted describing Website Optimizer, a tool expected to show up under the Reporting tab. While the name recalls the OG Website Optimizer from 2008 that later became Google Optimize (sunset in 2023), this version appears to be something new. How it works: The tool requires Google Ads access and admin permissions on the linked GA4 property. If an advertiser doesn’t have a GA4 property, Website Optimizer will autom…

Google is piloting a Labs section inside the Google Ads platform, giving advertisers a centralized place to access early-stage experiments and tools. Why we care. Instead of quietly testing features across scattered accounts, Google appears to be consolidating experiments into a single hub, making it easier for advertisers to discover and try new features before full rollout. Details. The Labs section shows up at the bottom of the left-hand menu in select accounts. Early tests include features like “missed growth opportunities,” which highlight potential campaign improvements through bid or budget adjustments. Not all advertisers will have access to it.…

Google Ads is rolling out mandatory brand guidelines. It requires you to officially document your business names and logos by March – or face automated changes to your ad campaigns. The big picture. The move represents Google’s latest effort to standardize brand presentation across its advertising platforms while giving businesses more control over their digital identity. Key details: Advertisers must update their brand guidelines before March. If no action is taken, Google will automatically select “top-performing” business names and logos based on campaign data. The change affects how brands appear across all Google’s ad platforms. Why we care. Cl…

Google is rolling out a new video creation tool for its Demand Gen campaigns that automatically turns advertisers’ existing image and text assets into videos across all aspect ratios. Driving the news. According to a notice sent to advertisers, the feature will apply to all image-only ad groups created before August 27th, with auto-generated videos beginning to serve after October 31st — unless advertisers opt out. How it works: The tool pulls from current image and text assets to produce branded video variations. These videos are designed to extend reach across more channels and formats, optimizing for both vertical and horizontal placements. Adver…

Google is set to automatically link Google Ads accounts with associated YouTube channels — according to communications sent to multiple advertisers — tightening the connection between video engagement and ad performance. What’s happening. Advertisers have received notices that, from June 10, 2026, Google Ads accounts that aren’t already linked to a YouTube channel will be automatically connected. The update removes the need for manual linking and ensures advertisers can access video engagement data and targeting features by default. Why we care. Linking a YouTube channel unlocks deeper insights and more advanced targeting options — something many advertise…

Google Ads will launch a new Message asset requirements help center and begin enforcing stricter policies for message assets. Why we care. Advertisers relying on message assets risk having them blocked if they don’t meet the updated requirements. Ensuring compliance will be critical to maintaining campaign reach and performance. The details. Enforcement begins Oct. 30 and will ramp up over four weeks. Message assets that fail to comply or can’t be verified will no longer serve. Disapproved assets can be fixed by following Google’s policy guidance. Bottom line. Advertisers should review and update their message assets ahead of the deadline to avoid disr…

Google is tightening its account retention policy — canceled Google Ads accounts will now be permanently deleted six months after cancellation, marking the end of indefinite account storage. Driving the news. Under the new policy, Google will begin a cleanup of inactive accounts, sending a 30-day email warning before deletion. Previously, advertisers could reactivate canceled accounts at any time, preserving data and structure indefinitely. Why we care. This change could impact advertisers who rely on historical performance data, conversion tracking, or campaign templates stored in inactive accounts. Once deleted, all account history and assets — including campaig…