February Digital Marketing Round-Up

February may be the shortest month, but Google and Microsoft sure made the most of it. From AI-powered video shortening to updates in performance max bid targeting options, there's plenty to catch up on. Here are the key changes we're watching:

Google updates Ad auction page‍

Google has revised its Ads auction insights page to better clarify how separate auctions are conducted for different ad locations. This change aims to improve transparency for advertisers evaluating ad performance. Read more.

‍Performance Max expands with high-value customer feature‍

Google Ads is rolling out the "New Customers High Value" feature beyond beta, allowing advertisers to optmize PMax campaigns toward acquiring higher-value customers. This enhancement could be a game-changer for customer acquisition strategies. Read more.

Google pre-opts Local Services Ads into booking feature‍

Many advertisers using Local Services Ads (LSA) have been automatically opted into Google's booking feature. While this could improve conversion rates, businesses should check their settings to ensure it aligns with their strategy. Read more.

Google improves offline conversion quality in Smart & PMax campaigns

Advertisers leveraging Smart Bidding can now expect better optimization as Google enhances the accuracy of offline conversion imports. This update is expected to improve campaign efficiency for businesses relying on offline tracking. Read more.

Google faces EU charges for breaching Big Tech rules

Amid ongoing antitrust investigations, Google is now facing fresh legal challenges in the EU regarding its advertising practices and alleged violations of fair competition laws. The outcome could have significat implications for digital advertisers. Read more.

Google enhances Performance Max with Search Theme insights‍

New insights within Performance Max campaigns will give advertisers better control over how Google matches queries to their ads, allowing for improved keyword alignment and campaign efficiency. Read more.

Google's AI ambitions‍

Google unveiled massive AI infrastructure plans alongside Q4 growth, reinforcing its commitment to AI-driven advertising and search capabilities. This investment signals continued innovation in machine learning for ad performance. Read more.

Google Business Profile expands‍

Now intergrating WhatsApp and SMS features allowing businesses to communicate with customers more efficiently. This update is expected to boost engagement and streamline lead generation. Read more.

YouTube Shorts upgrades‍

The introduction of text-to-speech on iOS brings accessibility improvements and new creative possibilities for short-form content. Brands and creators can now easily add voice narration without external tools. Read more.

Google Ads Keyword Planner update

Automated organization within the Keyword Planner will help advertiser structure keyword lists more efficiently. This feature is designed to save time and improve campaigns planning accuracy. Read more.

AI-powered video editing

Google Ads introduces an automated video shortening feature for Demand Gen campaigns, making it easier to repurpose longer content into engaging short-form ads. This is particularly beneficial for brands leveraging video in their ad strategies. Read more.

Google Business Profile glitch‍

A display issue affecting review counts has been resolved, ensuring that businesses see accurate customer feedback and maintain trust with potiential clients. Read more.

Customer Match expansion

Google is rolling out a 540-day membership duration for Customer Match starting in April 2025, allowing advertisers to maintain long-term audience targeting strategies more effectively. Read more.

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