1. Meta launches AI photos

• Meta AI introduces AI-generated photos with a new tool, Imagine Me.
• Imagine Me creates images based on prompts while texting or making a post.
• Meta apps like Facebook and Instagram can now edit or alter images with the new Edit with AI button.
• It is available in 22 countries and seven additional languages including French, German and Hindi.

Source: Search Engine Journal

2. Yelp launches updates for advertisers

• Yelp introduces new updates for advertisers to facilitate lead generation and management.
• The Request a Quote feature, which helps brands generate customer leads, is now available for multi-location brands through the AI-powered Yelp Assistant.
• The Yelp Guaranteed project helps provide a $2,500 cover for businesses if a project with their customers goes wrong.
• Verified License program helps consumers find legitimate businesses with licenses and Portfolio provides a photo collection for businesses to showcase their products.

Source: Yelp

3. Google Ads releases Editor version 2.7

• Google Ads Editor version 2.7 has new features including AI-generated assets such as descriptions and long headlines for asset groups.
• Advertisers can now include partners in Demand Gen campaigns.
• Other new features include a new customer acquisition goal, account-level content label exclusions, a fixed CPM bidding strategy, and support for account-level negative keywords, among others

Source: Google Ads

4. New Microsoft Advertising brand lists are out

• Microsoft Advertising rolls out brand lists to optimise ad visibility and brand image for Performance Max campaigns.
• These brand lists offer benefits such as risk mitigation, relevant content display, and ROAS optimization.
• They also provide cover for potential brand misspellings within search query ads.

Source: Microsoft Advertising

5. Reddit unveils Lead Generation Ads

• Reddit launched Lead Generation Ads, a powerful new format, integrating Zapier to help businesses generate better quality leads.
• It offers easy and secure information collection without users leaving Reddit.
• Users can also enjoy privacy and lower cost per lead with higher submission rates than before.

Source: Reddit

6. Meta adds overlay ads to Reels

• Meta updates ad placements for advertisers with Facebook overlay ads and post-loop ads on Reels.
• They have brand safety tools such as inventory filters, block lists, publisher lists and delivery reports for users.
• You can set it up under Meta Ads Manager.

Source: Meta 

7. Apple updates ad placement in App Store

• Apple has moved the ads section on the App Store to a prominent spot below the search bar.
• This makes suggested apps more visible to Apple users, and they can now expand it to view more suggestions.
• The Discover section has been removed from the search bar while Top Charts has been moved to the Browse section.

Source: Swipe Insight

8. Taboola set to sell ads to Apple

• Taboola strikes a deal with Apple to power ad placements on Apple News and Apple Stocks.
• Apple’s global ad revenue is set to hit $10.34 billion, so this partnership is a bid to outsource and expand sales operations.

Source: Axios

9. Google Merchant Center Next coming soon

• Google announced that an updated version of Google Merchant Center will be available to all merchants starting in July.
• Google Merchant Center Next has a refreshed user interface, reinvented complex features and new experiences.

Source: Google

10. Meta recommends GA4 integration

• Meta encourages advertisers to link GA4 data for better ad performance.
• The benefits of this integration include more accurate conversion attribution and cross-platform user journeys.
• Advertisers can also gain insight into how Meta ads influence website traffic and user behavior.

Source: Search Engine Journal

11. Amazon introduces Rufus

• Amazon introduces a new AI shopping assistant, Rufus, to all U.S. customers.
• The feature offers product recommendations and comparisons, insights from customer reviews and expert analysis.
• Customers can view updates on fashion trends and the latest tech.
• It is important to note that Rufus may not always provide accurate information.

Source: Search Engine Land

12. Microsoft Ads releases AI asset recommendation

• Microsoft Ads releases AI asset recommendation for video and display ads.
• Advertisers can use this feature by inputting their landing page URL and the AI generates video ad recommendations.
• This feature helps businesses create more creative campaigns seamlessly.

Source: Search Engine Land

13. TikTok restricts ads for teens

• TikTok places restrictions on ads that target teens, stopping advertisers from reaching US teens through personalised targeting and campaign selections.
• Advertisers will only be able to reach teens with a few broad options such as language, location and device information.
• Advertisers are now required to disclose if an ad is AI-generated through an AIGC label on the ad.

Source: SocialMediaToday

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1. Study reveals the best time to post on Facebook

• A study by Hootsuite recently revealed that the best time to post on Facebook in 2024 is 7 am PST on Tuesdays. 
• Tuesdays were also found to be the days with the highest engagement on the social media app. 
• This insight is great for business owners and advertisers to connect with their target audience when they are most likely to be active on Facebook. 

Source: Hootsuite

2. Meta launches three tools to aid business growth

• Meta introduced three new features for business owners at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to drive performance with optimal creativity. 
• The products are an AI chat feature, a set of marketing messages tools and the Threads API for content sharing. 
• A medical apparel company, White Coat Manila, reported saving 20% on customer support by testing this new Messenger feature. 

Source: Meta

3. Reddit launches revised conversation ads

• Reddit launched a revamped version of conversation ads at the just concluded Cannes Lions Festival in France. 
• This tool is designed to reach a targeted audience by placing in between comments on Reddit conversations. 
• This update aims to drive higher conversion as brands that target both feeds and conversations record an 83% increase in brand awareness and 5.46% in higher action intent. 

Source: Campaign US

4. Instacart expands shopping ads to YouTube 

• Instacart is now expanding its media ads feature to YouTube where viewers can shop for same-day delivery. 
• This would feature creative video ads which automatically convert high-intent viewers curated with YouTube’s data. 
• Clorox and Publicist Media are the first companies partnering with Instacart on this feature. 

Source: Instacart 

5. Google Ad Manager introduces programmatic email ads

• Google Ad Manager launches programmatic email ads for email newsletter publishers.
• To use this feature, you will create or select ad and line units, create a newsletter tag and paste the tag where the ad displays.
• This feature is only available to Google Ad Manager 360 users.

Source: Google Ad Manager

6. Google and other tech companies partner to restrict alcohol advertising from minors

• Google, Meta, Pinterest, TikTok, Snapchat and X partner with alcohol brands to ensure alcohol advertising reaches only adults of drinking age.
• The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) led this partnership as a measure to promote responsible drinking and sensitisation.

Source: The Drum

7. Pinterest launches AI ad tools

• Pinterest launches generative AI features for safer and more creative advertising campaigns.
• One of the tools is an Ad Labs feature to create aesthetic backgrounds for Product Pins and interactive shoppable ads.
• The update is also strengthening brand safety through partnerships with IAS and DoubleVerify.

Source: Search Engine Land

8. Google launches Accelerate with Google

• Google launches Accelerate with Google, a marketing resource centre for advertisers to access all AI functions and tools.
• The resource hub features a library of video tutorials, upcoming live streams on AI marketing issues, skill assessments and resources for campaign creation and insights.
• This feature is only available in the US, Germany and India. 

Source: Search Engine Land

9. Brave introduces search ads

• Brave, a web browser company, launched search ads on their search engine called Brave Ads.
• Advertisers can choose to display their campaigns on their news feeds or notifications.
• The pricing starts at $10,000 for each managed service campaign.

Source: Brave

10. Google Ads introduces Brand Recommendations

• Google Ads introduced a new section for advertisers, Brand Recommendations, which analyses their account history, campaign settings, trends and insights for improvements.
• It features five categories including ads and assets, bidding and budgets, keywords and targeting, and measurement.
• Advertisers can click on any of their CPM or CPV campaigns to use this feature.

Source: Google Ads

11. PayPal builds ad business

• With shoppers’ data, PayPal plans to start its own ad sales business.
• The company has hired Mark Grether (who led Uber’s ad business) to create ad formats and oversee hiring.
• They launched Advanced Offers in January to help merchants display targeted ads for their discounts and promotions to PayPal users.

Source: Wall Street Journal

12. Meta introduces automatic product catalogues

• Meta rolls out automatic product catalogs which allows business owners to update products directly from their websites.
• This update features automatic product updates from the website and automatic catalogues created using data from the website.
• This feature aims to simplify e-commerce solutions, however, advertisers can toggle it off. 

Source: Swipe Insight

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1. Google’s AI Overviews set to feature ads

• Google launched a new generative AI to US users which provides summaries of queries in the search results.
• A week after the launch, they revealed that users would soon start seeing Search and Shopping ads above the AI overviews.
• Advertisers do not need to enable this feature.

Source: Google

2. TikTok launches AI TikTok Symphony

• TikTok is set to launch a set of AI advertising tools called TikTok Symphony to help advertisers with scripts and videos for their ads.
• The advertising suite features an Assistant that finetunes their scripts for campaigns.
• It also has a tool named Ads Manager Integration which helps brands optimise their existing videos on TikTok.

Source: Microsoft Start

3. Google introduces shopping ads

• Google introduces a new ads feature for brands to include short-form videos in their ads.
• The ads will include AI summary, 3D shoe spins and virtual try-ons to assist the audience with purchase decisions.

Source: Search Engine Land

4. Google Ads modifies disclosure policy

• Google Ads updates its disclosure policy for event ticket sales, effective from June 10, 2024.
• The disclosures would now be revealed in the top 20% of any destination when reached through an ad.
• It must also be presented in a font equal to or bigger than most of the text on the page.

Source: Google

5. Google restricts suspended ads account 

• Google will restrict the functionality of suspended advertiser’s accounts, effective June 2024.
• These limitations will cut across billing options, account settings, appeals and verification, security settings, navigating the account and reading information.

Source: Google

6. Conversion rates for ads further decline in 2024 

• According to reports by Word Stream, conversion rates for search advertising continue to decline in 2024. 
• The report recorded an average conversion rate of 6.96% in 2024 compared to 7.04% in 2023 and 7.85% in 2022.
• The industries with the best average CTRs were Arts and Entertainment (13.04%), Sports and Recreation (9.66%), and Real Estate (9.20%).
• The industries that recorded the lowest average CTRs were Attorneys and Legal Services (5.30%), Home and Home Improvement (5.59%) and Dentists and Dental Services (5.38%).

Source: Word Stream

7. Google launches Performance Max for Marketplaces

• Google has launched a new Performance Max for Marketplaces to convert more sales on the platform. 
• The new feature will direct shoppers to the sellers’ product seamlessly and automate ads across Google Ads channels. 
• To unlock this feature, business owners need to connect their account to the marketplace. 

Source: Google

8. Meta launches new AI advertising tools 

• Meta has launched new generative AI to help advertisers automate campaigns. 
• These tools will specifically help with image and text generation for ad campaigns. 
• This update will cut across ads on Facebook and Instagram platforms. 

Source: Search Engine Land

9. Google to automatically pause inactive keywords

• Google has notified advertisers that it well pause low activity keywords that have received no impressions for over 13 months.
• This move is to help advertisers focus on keywords that generate conversion. 
• However, advertisers can unpause keywords they believe will drive results 

Source: Search Engine Journal

10. Google introduces six Performance Max updates

• Google has added six new AI features to Performance Max. 
• These features are Customer Value mode, customer retention goal, detailed demographics, budget pacing insights, account-level IP address exclusions and final URL expansion. 
• They claim that advertisers who are testing these features are recording over 9% conversions with the same Return on Ad Spend. 

Source: Search Engine Land

11. More updates from Google at annual marketing event

• Google rolled out more new updates for advertisers at the Google Marketing Live 2024 on May 21, 2024. 
• Advertisers can now generate high-quality creative assets with up to five times more speed. 
• They can also create targeted video ads on YouTube, Discover and Gmail. 

Source: Search Engine Land

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1. TikTok sets to introduce AI influencers 

• TikTok is in talks with advertisers to introduce the first-ever virtual AI influencers
• This new feature would help advertisers create scripts for video ads. 
• It would also allow advertisers and TikTok Shop merchants to use AI influencers to promote their products. 

Source: The Information 

2. Meta launches new AI assistant

• Meta launches a new AI virtual assistant called Meta AI which they built with Meta Llama 3
• It integrates seamlessly with Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Instagram and users can ask the AI for information about posts on their feed. 
• WhatsApp and US Meta AI web users can now use it to generate real-time images through text prompts. 

Source: Meta

3. LinkedIn launches premium company page

• LinkedIn introduced Premium Company Page, a subscription-based Page for companies to convert more users into clients. 
• It has special features such as a custom Call-To-Action button, custom testimonials, auto invites for engaging audiences and a LinkedIn Premium logo. 
• Companies can also generate content with AI-powered post-writing assistance. 

Source: LinkedIn

4. EDPB slams Meta and others over pay or get tracked rule

• The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) dropped new regulations regarding Meta and other major platforms’ “pay or get tracked” rule. 
• They opine that it is a real threat to privacy and that users should be given the choice not to be tracked on their platforms rather than paying.
• They also stated that if such apps want to go this route, they should offer users significant consideration or use contextual advertising. 

Source: Tech Crunch

5. Google introduces AI to demand gen

• Google introduces generative AI to Demand Gen campaigns so users can generate images to tell more compelling stories. 
• Users are to provide at least three images and videos to create high-quality visuals. 
• These visuals will have a digital watermark and a SynthID to protect them from copyright breaches and manipulations. 

Source: Google

6. Digital video ad spend projected to surpass overall media by nearly 80%

• According to a recent report by IAB, the revenue for digital video ads will likely hit $63 billion in 2024.
• The “2024 Digital Video Ad Spend & Strategy Report” noted that the total ad spend is projected to grow by 16%, surpassing total overall media by almost 80%.
• Social video records the highest growth with an estimated rise to $23.4 billion.

Source: PR Newswire

7. OSSA launches to support small businesses with digital ads

• An AI digital advertising platform, OSSA, has been launched to help small businesses grow with ad campaigns using less time and resources.
• OSSA employs generative AI and integrates with OpenAI, Shutterstock and Figma seamlessly.
• The platform costs £25 – £2,000 and leverages behavioural psychology to automate advertising campaigns.

Source: Marketing Tech

8. Meta and Deloitte discuss the future of AI in marketing

• Jane Arbanas, Deloitte’s leader of media and entertainment stated during Variety’s 2024 Entertainment Marketing Summit that generative AI will impact marketing drastically.
• Arbanas noted that you can make more ad content in even less time with AI.
• She, however, said that the companies using these platforms are responsible for ensuring they are secure.

Source: Variety

9. Meta to offer ads on Threads soon

• Threads, Meta’s newest social media platform, is set to enable advertisers to run ads to reach more audiences.
• The app with about 85 million users will begin to display ads on the timeline first and then the trends and topics segment later.

Source: Digiday

10. Google Introduces YouTube Shorts Ads

• Google provides a new platform for brands to display ads on YouTube’s short-form video section, YouTube Shorts.
• It offers organic, tailored ads in a wide range of industries in a casual and fun manner.
• They capture the success of Brooks Brothers, a fashion brand that recorded a whopping 15.9% view-through rate for their Father’s Day campaign.

Source: PPC Land

11. Google Ads discontinues text ads

• Google announces to advertisers in an email that text ads, expanded text ads and Dynamic Search Ads will cease working from May 31, 2024.
• They are advised to transition to responsive search ads by that date.
• This update comes after a rule in 2022 which stopped advertisers from creating or editing expanded text ads.

Source: Search Engine Journal

12. Study reveals LinkedIn’s most effective posting strategies

• Social Insider’s new study reveals that posts with multiple images in the lead have the highest number of engagements on LinkedIn, hitting a 3.84% YoY in 2024.
• These types of posts also generate the highest likes and comments for pages with large audiences.
• The report also notes that video content gets the most shares on the platform, leading to more brand awareness.

Source: Social Insider

13. Meta advertisers disclose that sales are poor due to glitchy system

• Meta advertisers complain that there have been lower returns and higher prices due to glitches in Facebook and Instagram’s algorithms.
• Meta noted a few technical issues but maintained that their ads system is running smoothly for most advertisers.
• This issue has forced some advertisers to switch to alternative platforms.

Source: Search Engine Land

14. Instagram explains the decline in content reach

• Instagram’s Head, Adam Mosseri, clarifies that users’ content might not reach all followers because they may not be active on the app when posts are being made.
• It could also be because they are unable to view your posts due to the volume of posts displayed by the app
• Mosseri adds that views and likes counts are more appropriate metrics for page growth, rather than follower counts.

Source: Search Engine Land

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1. ChatGPT launches Custom GPT Actions to replace Plugins

• ChatGPT launches Custom GPT, allowing users to create actions such as scanning PDFs, creating files and building travel itineraries.  
• ChatGPT Plugins already enabled users to carry out these functions, but have been scrapped for redundancy. 
• There may also be a GPT store available soon. 

Source: Target Internet

2. Amazon addresses AI advertising errors

• Amazon addresses advertising errors when its automated system charged an American user, Rob Robinson, for ads of merchandise that he had stopped selling. 
• Due to this error, he was charged thousands of dollars while he made no profit in November, December and January. 
• Amazon assured sellers to make refunds and fix its advertising operations. 

Source: Bloomberg 

3. Google improves ad transparency 

• Google improves advertising transparency after Adalytics reported that their ads were displaying on pornography and pirate software sites. 
• Hence, Google enables users to see what sites their ads are displayed on, effective from March 4, 2024. 
• Stakeholders are hoping to see if this update would include ad type and location of Performance Max clicks in the nearest future. 

Source: Target Internet

4. LinkedIn expands Thought Leader Ads opportunities 

• LinkedIn expands Thought Leader Ads to allow advertisers promote content from brand advocates, customers, or industry experts and not just employees. 
• The rationale for this is for brands to explore innovative ways to connect with their target audience, such as with customer testimonials. 
• To begin, the brand has to login to Campaign Manager to set up their Thought Leader Ad, after which they would search for the content they want to promote. 

Source: LinkedIn

5. Google revamps their SEO Guide

• Google revamps their Search Engine Optimisation Guide first launched in 2008 after multiple revisions. 
• The document provides a guide on several tools such as Search Essentials, site organization and usage of descriptive URLs. 
• It also includes some insights for digital advertisers on how Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trust (EEAT) works. 

Source: Google

6. TikTok expands monetisation opportunities for creators

• TikTok creates enhanced resources and tools to expand monetisation opportunities for creators. 
• They upgraded the Creator Portal to the Creator Academy which provides a comprehensive guide for monetisation features, tools and content skills. 
• TikTok also launched the Creator Rewards Program to incentivise original content, as well as introduce Live Subscriptionsfor creators. 

Source: TikTok

7. Meta launches new ad formats for Advantage+ campaigns

• Meta introduces new compelling video ad features on their Advantage+ campaigns.
• The Advantage+ creative optimisation can automatically create different variants of an ad for Reels, Facebook or Instagram. 
• Advertisers can also use Advantage+ creative with Advantage+ catalog ads to display their best products to improve performance. 

Source: Meta

8. Google partners with Disney to maximize CTV performance 

Google’s Display and Video 360 ads will now appear on Disney platforms thanks to a new collaboration with Disney’s DRAX. This partnership allows advertisers to leverage Disney’s extensive media network, including Hulu and YouTube, to enhance their campaign reach and effectiveness.

Source: Google

9. TikTok introduces new e-commerce solutions

• Tapping into the app’s influence on shoppers, TikTok introduces new e-commerce solutions for users. 
• They launched their video shopping ads alongside TikTok Shop for business owners to display their products. 
• They also introduced a paid ad feature to promote businesses called Shop Ads. 

Source: TikTok

10. YouTube introduces mandatory AI content disclosure tool 

• YouTube introduced a new tool called the Creator Studio mandating creators to disclose to their audience when realistic content is created with AI
• Such content must include the likeness of a realistic person, altered footage of real events or places and realistic scenes. 
• This disclosure is not required for animated or unrealistic content. 

Source: YouTube

11. TikTok launches Creator Search Insights

• TikTok launched a new tool called Creator Search Insights which aims to help creators find topics that people are searching for on the app.
• Creators can, therefore, make content based on popular searches and improve performance.
• You can find these insights by searching “Creator Search Insights” on TikTok and it will soon be available directly in the app’s settings.

Source: TikTok

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1. YouTube Premium hits 100 million

• YouTube announces that YouTube Music and Premium have hit and surpassed 100 million subscribers eight years after launch.
• YouTube has racked up 2 billion active users, but this achievement shows that only 5% of their users are willing to pay for the premium version, highlighting the shortcomings of monetising social media.
• The premium version offers users music streaming services, background play, and downloads free from ads.

Source – YouTube Blog

2. Google AI’s search ads

• Google AI introduces responsive search ads to provide relevant ads for varying customer needs.
• It features campaign-level headlines and descriptions, enabling you to associate up to three headlines and two descriptions and choose start and end dates for the campaigns.
• Google AI also shows your best-performing ads to deliver ads with more engagement to users.

Source – Google Ads

3. Meta reports growth in Q4 2023

• Meta released a full report of the fourth quarter and full year of 2023, recording a 25% increase in revenue and a 201% increase in net income.
• Facebook hits a whopping 2.11 billion daily users, a 6%-year-over-year increase.
• The app’s ad impressions increased by 21% year-over-year and 28% for the full year of 2023.

Source: Meta

4. Google introduces new Solutions templates

• Google Ads’ Solutions script templates help advertisers generate rapid reporting and efficient campaign management.
• The feature allows users to confirm link functionality, adjust campaign budgets automatically and receive notifications on account performance changes.
• It is available under the “Bulk Actions” option and then “Solutions” tab.

Source: Search Engine Land

5. Pinterest releases 2023 report

• Pinterest’s fourth quarter surged by 12% year over year to $981 million.
• Their global monthly active users increased by 11% to 498 million, with the revenue reaching $3,065 million.
• Brands are using the platform’s products to enhance their ad campaign performance which is reported to contribute to its revenue growth.

Source – Pinterest

6. Google suspends cookie deprecation

• Following the implementation of the UK Competition and Markets Authority Sandbox, Google suspends its plans to deprecate third-party cookies.
• Google’s Privacy Sandbox, the proposed replacement, is on hold until the second half of 2024.
• Feedbacks are allowed until February 27, 2024.

Source: Search Engine Land

7. Google renames Bard

• Google’s AI tool, Bard, has been renamed to Gemini, enabling texts, images, audio, video and code to create seamless conversations and functions.
• Gemini 1.5 Pro can reason through about 100,000 lines of code to provide useful solutions.

Source – Google DeepMind

8. Google updates Web Stories

• Google has updated the availability of its Web Stories feature to align the documentation with how the feature appears in the search engine.
• Google Extended now affects Google Extended which doesn’t influence Google searches.
• The crawl frequency for Dynamic Search Ads has been updated to reduce stress on sites.                                                   

Source – Google                                                                

9. ChatGPT Memory begins test

• ChatGPT is testing a new feature called ChatGPT Memory which allows the AI to remember details you tell it to improve conversations.
• A limited version of the feature was rolled out to a few ChatGPT free and Plus users to test its effectiveness.
• You can turn off this feature in the settings by clicking on Personalisation and then, the Memory menu.

Source: Open AI

10. GoDaddy launches AI tool    

• GoDaddy launched a new AI domain registry service for small businesses called Airo.
• Airo can perform a range of functions including logo generation, website, email and social campaign creation.
• Businesses that use the tool are projected to record 28% more sales.

Source –  Marketing Dive

11. Reddit partners with Google

• Reddit sold its data for $60 million per year to Google to allow users to get better search results on the search engine.
• Users can get forum links that deliver real, human conversations matching their Google searches.

Source: Social Media Today

12. Pinterest announces ad partnership with Google 

• Google becomes the second third-party ad partner for Pinterest after Amazon in 2023.
• This collaboration allows Google ads to integrate into Pinterest so users can be directed to the advertiser’s website to make a purchase.
• Businesses stand the chance of getting increased conversion rates and return on investment.

Source: Search Engine Land

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The world of digital marketing is abuzz with updates and news every second, and we started the year in the same light. In this article, you will get all the latest January 2024 updates from Google AI allegations, the new ChatGPT Team, and the cancellation of Google Business Profile websites.

1. Google debunks AI allegations

• Google debunks allegations that they are boosting AI content to rank highly on the search engine.
• Google states that news-related content can be sorted based on recency rather than relevance.
• They also affirm in their Twitter statement that their priority is the quality of their content and production.

Source – Twitter

2. John Mueller addresses complete re-indexing

• Google’s John Mueller answers stakeholders stating that it is currently impossible to recrawl and reprocess a website simultaneously
• He assures them that search engines will, however, automatically update significant changes made to a website over time

Source – Seach Engine Journal

3. ChatGPT Team is now available

• OpenAI launches ChatGPT Team, a new subscription plan that offers features such as collaborative features, advanced GPT models, and a secured workplace for teams.
• It costs $25 per team member and aims at amplifying productivity in the workplace.

Source – Open AI

4. Google shuts down Business Profile Websites

• Google announces that from March 1, 2024, their Business Profiles will be discontinued and customers have to transition to other platforms (such as WordPress or Wix) to maintain their online presence.
• Google advises companies that have custom domains that direct traffic to their Google Business Profile websites to redirect them to their alternative websites.

Souce – Google

5. Google cancels contract with Appen

• Appen, a provider of data for AI and machine learning, announces the termination of their contract with Google, effective March 19, 2024.
• This decision results from their measures to cut costs and has caused the number of search quality raters to drop drastically.

Source – Rest of World

6. Meta seeks to protect brands’ IP

• Meta launched an updated version of Brand Rights Protection and a new Intellectual Property Reporting Center to help businesses reduce the impact of intellectual property infringements.
• Brand Rights Protection features new updates such as saved searches, cross-surface searching, and an expanded reference library to help businesses monitor the misuse of their brands.
• The new Intellectual Property Reporting Center enables them to report violations by saving relevant account information and keeping report history.

Source – Meta

7. LinkedIn discontinues lookalike audiences feature 

• LinkedIn reveals to advertisers that new lookalike audiences cannot be created and old ones cannot be edited starting February 29, 2024.
• They recommend using predictive audiences, or Audience Expansion to enable active campaigns to continue building dynamic audiences.
• After 30 days, inactive campaigns will be archived, and after expiration, they will be deleted.

Source – LinkedIn

8. Meta plans to give EU users more control

• Meta discloses plans to give Facebook and Instagram users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland more choices in compliance with the Digital Marketers Act.
• Users who have connected their Facebook and Instagram accounts will be asked if they want to continue connecting their accounts or not so that their information will not be shared across platforms.

Source – Meta

9. Facebook launches Link History

• Facebook has launched a new feature called Link History, which documents websites users visit on the platform to enhance targeted advertising.
• This feature, which users can choose to turn off, is in a bid to protect the privacy of users and ditch cookies.

Source – The Times of India

10. Google Ads launches Gemini

• Google Ads launches Gemini, their largest AI model, to streamline campaign creations and enhance the effectiveness of ads.
• It includes a conversational experience, which would help advertisers build better search campaigns via a chat-based feature.
• Beta access is now available to English-language advertisers in the US and UK.

Source – Google

11. Meta removes more targeting options for ads

• Meta advertisers are to note that the platform will be removing some of its detailed ad options for campaigns for reasons such as being too granular, not widely used, or based on topics that may be sensitive to people.
• These options are likely to relate to topics on race, health, and ethnicity.

Source – Social Media Today

12. LinkedIn’s promoted article feature

• LinkedIn now allows companies to promote articles posted on their pages and reach a wider audience
• The option to promote it will include a call to action such as “Unlock Article” which requires users to sign up before reading the full article.

Source – Search Engine Land

13. Google makes important snippet update 

• Google announces that snippets are automatically created from the content of the page but will sometimes use the meta description if it is more relevant than the on-page content.
• You can stop Google from showing snippets or prevent specific parts of your page from showing on search results. 

Source – DMNews

14. Google removes FAQ and How-to sections again

• Google has removed the FAQ and How-to snippets again after running tests to provide a cleaner and more consistent search experience.
• This comes after they reported last year that these features reduce the CTR for some web pages.

Source – Twitter

15. Instagram tests new public “Collections” feature

• Instagram has started a test for an extension of the Collections feature to enable users to share curated collections of their posts
• The purpose of this extension is to provide insights into a person’s interests and help users interact with pages with similar interests.
• Although there is no launch date yet, this is also aimed at businesses using the feature to promote their products.

Source – Social Media Today

16. GroupM launches Ad Innovation Accelerator program

• GroupM has partnered with industry giants like YouTube, Disney, and NBCUniversal to provide a new ad format for viewers who prefer ad-free experiences.
• This collaboration aims to help advertisers provide interactive ads on supported streaming platforms.

Source – GroupM

What is there to take away?

As business owners running digital ads, it can be a challenge to keep up with the constant changes in digital marketing. But not when you follow Primeclick media. Follow Primeclick Media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn so you will never miss a thing!

The post Primeclick Media’s Monthly Roundup – January 2024 appeared first on Primeclickmedia.

2023 marked a year of many highs and lows; successes and losses, as well as developments in the digital advertising space. From social commerce tips to Meta AI, we have curated the trends and updates in the industry that made December 2023.

1. Google moves to remove cookies from sites

• Google seeks to limit cross-site tracking of cookies. Users will not be tracked on websites henceforth.
• Google introduces a new feature called “Tracking option”, which limits access to default third-party cookies.
• This feature will be introduced to 1% of Chrome users worldwide by the second half of 2024.

2. Meta introduces AI across its platforms in 20 different ways

•  Meta AI is an in-built virtual assistant that answers questions, creates photorealistic images and answers other requests on command.
• The AI also works on group chats by answering questions asked by members, giving content recommendations and linking posts that people find helpful.
• Meta is slowly onboarding users by asking admin members to apply to be on the waiting list for this feature.

3.  Shopify Audiences introduces new updates

• Shopify introduces Audiences v2.1 which helps merchants reach their best-performing digital advertising algorithms.
• This feature has new benchmark data that helps them see how they are performing compared to competing merchants with similar business models and targets.
• With Audiences v2.1, users can decrease customer acquisition costs by as much as 50%
• The platform will expand from Google, Meta and Pinterest to Snapchat, TikTok and Criterion

4. Google celebrates 25 years in search

• Google hits a milestone celebrating 25 years in the search for global information
• They release Google Trends’ annual Year in Search for 2023, highlighting the topics that were most searched locally and internationally
• Google also created a time capsule which gives a historic cache of the trends and cultural milestones over the past 25 years and the impact of search engines in shaping our interests.

5. Google makes an update to Google Business Profile suspension emails

• Google adds a new update to their Google Business Profile suspension emails by allowing businesses to appeal their suspension directly from the email.
• The update now has a blue appeals button with which they can appeal and provide appropriate information to help their case.

6. TikTok set to soar US social commerce sales past $100 billion by 2025

• A forecast by Insider Intelligence reveals that social commerce in the United States is set to rise past $100 billion by 2025 due to the rising domination of TikTok and increased buying on the app on TikTok Shop, its social commerce outfit.
• Categories such as beauty and personal care account for about 85% of TikTok Shop sales, according to NielsenIQ.
• The rising adoption of TikTok, however, creates a new challenge of counterfeit products and dependence on low-cost items from China.
• Meta partners with Amazon to focus on shoppable ads.

7. 1 in 3 Gen Zers have bought from an influencer-owned brand 

• Statistics by Morning Consult disclose that 33% of US Gen Z consumers have purchased from brands founded by influencers, with millennials at 29% and Gen Xers at 15%.
• According to the Piper Sandler Report, Alix Earle and Mr Beast rank as the leading influencers among US teens in fall 2023, with Mr Beast already selling his products and Earle about to launch her brand.
• This report showcases the impact of influencer marketing on the rising Gen Z customer base and how brands can leverage it to increase sales.

8. 79% of top marketing executives report a boost in ROI with AI tools

• 84% of marketing leaders are reported to have utilised AI tools in their digital advertising strategies, with 79% recounting a boost in their return on investment, per BrightBid.
• Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT in particular, rank as the favourite among the AI technologies.
• 64% of marketing executives plan to use more of these tools in their marketing campaigns.

9. Advertisers will increase spending on creators in 2024

• A report by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and TalkShoppe reveals that 44% of surveyed advertisers plan to ramp up spending on content creators by about 25%.
• The digital creator economy worth $250 billion in 2023 is projected to hit $480 billion by 2027, with creator ads having tremendous impacts on brand loyalty, consumer research and consideration.
• 39% of consumers report watching more creator content, while 22% reported the same for studio-made content.

10. Coinbound makes 12+ predictions for the tech marketing world in 2024

• Coinbound makes predictions for the tech marketing world bordering on a surge in enhanced personalization through AI, immersive technologies such as AR/VR, a heightened emphasis on optimising for voice search, and a significant focus on sustainability and ethical marketing practices. 
• The marketing landscape will be shaped by the decentralized web and Web3 marketing, coupled with escalating concerns about data privacy.
• There are also projections on video content and influencer collaborations assuming a central role, and the proliferation of 5G internet speeds for data-intensive strategies, along with the prominence of virtual events and webinars, persist.

11. MikMak unveils platform innovations such as one-click purchasing options

• A software company called MikMak unveils some innovations to MikMak 3.0, its e-commerce analytics platform.
• MikMak partners with Circana to provide brands with insights into how to use digital advertising to help offline sales.

12. Threads by Meta is now available in Europe

• On the 14th of December, Meta announced that they have finally launched their Threads app in Europe via the CEO, Mark Zuckerburg.
• Zuckerburg addressed some of the challenges of retaining users because of the lack of a “trending topics” feature like X, stating that keeping the app more positive and free from spammers is more important to them.

13. YouTube shares tips for successful campaigns

• YouTube shared the secret to the most successful campaigns in 2023 with collaborations with creators being the top recommendation.
• They revealed that YouTube Shorts produced 10% to 20% more conversions than extremely long ads or ads in landscape format.
• YouTube also recommends storytelling to attract the audience and using AI to create unique content.

14. Multi-profile options may be a big social media feature in 2024

• Instagram is launching a new feature called “Flipside” that enables users to create another version of their profile and share it with people they want to.
• Alessandro Paluzzi, a software developer at X, also shared a sneak peek of a similar feature on X.
• This feature is likely to fix the problem of creating multiple separate social media profiles and optimising them all into one.

15. Microsoft provides comprehensive media solutions to advertisers

• Microsoft offers full-funnel media solutions to advertisers with Microsoft Audience Network
• This platform enables advertisers to connect to their target audience through smart TVs, online video, display, product and search ads.

16. Search results become volatile days after Google November 2023 recap

• Days after the Google November 2023 reviews update was completed on the 7th of December, Google search results experienced high volatility and intense fluctuations.
• While the online community and SEO professionals analyse the impact of this update, this shows the effect of optimising websites for better visibility.

17. Rumours on Google’s Search Algorithm Update

• The SEO community was abuzz with rumours on New Year’s Eve about the possibility of a Google algorithm update.
• There were spikes and dips in rankings however, Google has neither confirmed nor debunked this rumour.

Conclusion 

The digital marketing world stays dynamic every day, and it is important to keep up with the trends to keep your business afloat. While some are tips from top companies, others are new features that you can incorporate. Stay up to date with all the latest trends on Primeclick Media.

Follow Primeclick Media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for more exciting updates like this.

The post Primeclick Media’s Monthly Roundup – December 2023 appeared first on Primeclickmedia.

The digital marketing world keeps evolving and it’s important to be ahead of your competitors. In this edition, we’ve got a quick rundown of the most important news and happenings in November 2023. From insights on YouTube delaying load time for ad blocker users to X (Formerly Twitter) selling inactive usernames for $50,000, and much more. Spare just 4 minutes to glance through the changes that happened last month.

1. Google Bard Enhances YouTube Video Search

• Google Bard has introduced a feature enabling it to summarize YouTube videos when integrated.
• Users can initiate conversations such as “How do I make cranberry sauce? Show me a video.”
• In response, Bard provides a selection of relevant YouTube video suggestions.

2. YouTube Shorts Ads Go Public

• YouTube has moved its Shorts ads from beta to general release.
• An increasing number of digital marketers are now seeing Shorts ads as an option to include in their advertising.
• If it is not currently available on your account, you are advised to check back in a couple of weeks.

3. Google Rolls Out November 2023 Core Update

• Google has initiated a core update in November 2023, with the rollout expected to take a few weeks.
• Although it is different from the previous month’s core update, Google advises content creators to continue producing quality content without specific actions.
• The guidance remains consistent with previous core updates, emphasizing the importance of content quality.

4. OpenAI Pauses New ChatGPT Plus Subscriptions

• Due to overwhelming demand, OpenAI has temporarily halted new subscriptions for ChatGPT Plus.
• This pause is aimed at preserving the quality of service for existing users, reflecting the popularity and demand for ChatGPT Plus.
• Interested users can sign up for a notification list to receive updates on when new subscriptions will be open again.

5. OpenAI Announces New Products

• OpenAI has introduced new features and products for ChatGPT developers and users.
• These include GPT-4 Turbo, Assistants AI, Multimodality, Fine-Tuning, and price reductions for various services.
• These enhancements reflect OpenAI’s ongoing commitment to advancing AI technology and making it more accessible.

6. TikTok Users Favor Longer Videos

• Contrary to expectations, TikTok users are dedicating half their time to watching videos that last one minute or longer.
• Over the past 6 months, creators who opt for longer video formats have experienced a substantial 5x growth rate in followers.
• This shift towards longer videos provides increased opportunities for advertising placements on the platform.

7. YouTube Delays Load for Ad Blocker Users

• To combat ad blockers, YouTube has deliberately slowed down its website load times for users employing these technologies.
• The intention is to encourage users to support the diverse ecosystem of creators by allowing ads on YouTube or opting for an ad-free experience with YouTube Premium.
• Users with ad blockers might experience suboptimal viewing, with reported wait times of five seconds or more.

8. Anthropic Unveils Claude 2.1

• Anthropic, an AI startup, has introduced Claude 2.1, featuring an extensive 200k context window.
• This context window allows for a significantly larger amount of information input, offering in-depth and nuanced responses.
• In comparison to standard AI APIs, Claude 2.1 represents a major advancement in the capabilities of AI assistants.

9. Snapchat Tests Ad-Free Subscription

• Snap, Inc. is testing an ad-free subscription service in Australia, priced at $10.50 per month.
• While this service promises an ad-free user experience, it retains ads in sponsored places and AI responses.
• Users also have the option to subscribe to Snapchat+ at a reduced cost and continue receiving ads.

10. Google Shifts to Prioritize First-Hand Knowledge in Rankings

• Google is introducing personalization features aimed at prioritizing content demonstrating first-hand knowledge in search rankings.
• Users can utilize the new “Follow” feature to tailor search results, allowing Google to present relevant articles, videos, and timely notifications.
• This shift reflects Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience through more personalized and relevant search results.

11. Google’s Experiment: “Notes” in Search Labs

• Google is rolling out a new opt-in experiment in Search Labs named “Notes.”
• This feature allows individuals to share their knowledge and opinions directly within search results.
• The experiment aims to provide access to insights from both experts and everyday users, enhancing the information available in search results.

12. Google Expands Search Generative Experience (SGE)

• Google has expanded the Search Generative Experience (SGE) to 120 countries, adding support for four new languages.
• These languages include Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, and Indonesian, making the SGE accessible to a more diverse audience.
• Additionally, SGE now offers multiple translations for words with more than one meaning, enhancing its linguistic capabilities.

13. TikTok Integrates with Music Streaming Platforms

• A new feature in TikTok enables users to add tracks heard in TikTok clips directly to their music library on their preferred streaming service.
• This feature enhances the music discovery experience on TikTok and bridges the gap between content discovery and music streaming.
• Research shows that 75% of TikTok users discover new artists through the app.

14. X Unveils Timestamp Links for Video Uploads

• X has introduced timestamp links for video uploads, enabling users to link to specific points within long videos.
• Currently available on iOS, this feature is expected to roll out to other platforms in the future.
• This feature provides users with a convenient way to share and navigate to specific moments in videos.

15. Meta Partners with Amazon to Streamline Conversions

• Meta has rolled out a new feature designed to enhance the conversion process for Amazon sellers.
• This feature includes improvements in targeting, optimization, and creative personalization for better conversion rates.
• To take advantage of this integration, sellers need to link their Prime account to their Meta account.

16. Meta’s Ad-Free Subscription Restricts Running Ads

• Users in the EU subscribing to Meta’s ad-free service will not be able to run their own ads.
• While Meta notifies users in advance about this limitation, it is crucial information often found in the fine print.
• Users must choose between an ad-free experience or the ability to run their own ads.

17. AdSense Changes Revenue Sharing Structure

• Google has announced changes to its AdSense revenue-sharing structure, shifting from per click to per impression.
• This change is set to take effect next year, with Google emphasizing that most publishers should experience a similar payout.
• The transition aligns with industry standards and aims to provide a fair compensation model for AdSense publishers.

18. Yelp Ad Revenue Rises 12%

• Yelp has reported a 12% increase in total revenue, reaching $345 million, primarily driven by a significant gain in ad revenue.
• Ad revenue contributed $330 million, showcasing the importance of advertising to Yelp’s overall financial performance.
• Yelp has also reported a 9% increase in ad clicks year over year, indicating sustained growth in user engagement with ads.

19. SEMrush Returns to Profitability in Q3

• SEMRush has reported its first profitable quarter since Q1 2021, with Q3 revenue reaching $78.7 million, a 20% YoY increase.
• The company anticipates breaking even or achieving profitability for the full 2023 fiscal year.
• This financial turnaround follows a loss of almost $34 million in 2022 and reflects improved customer acquisition and retention.

20. Musk Launches Chatbot “Grok” to Compete with ChatGPT

• Elon Musk’s X has launched its first chatbot named “Grok,” currently in testing.
• Elon Musk claims that Grok will surpass ChatGPT in accuracy because it extracts information from X.
• This is established on the updated user agreement of X, which indicates that individuals give their consent to the use of their posts for AI training.

21. WordPress 6.4 Is Released

• WordPress has released version 6.4 (“Shirley”) with several notable updates.
• The new default theme, 2024, includes 35 web page layouts, providing users with more design options.
• Additional features include new keyboard shortcuts, a navigation toolbar, and over 100 performance improvements, collectively contributing to an enhanced user experience.

22. TikTok Launches Updated Events API

• TikTok has announced an updated Events API, specifically designed to help marketers track ad campaign performance.
• The update supports server-to-server integration, allowing marketers to match their data with TikTok for improved optimization and delivery.
• TikTok reports that marketers using the TikTok Pixel with the Events API experience a 19% increase in conversions on average.

23. Report: X Is Now Selling Inactive Usernames for $50,000

• According to Forbes, X is offering dormant handles for sale through a new marketplace.
• The @Handle Team within X has initiated the sale of account names that were left unused by their original registrants. They plan to charge a flat fee of $50,000 for the purchase of these dormant handles.
• Also, Elon Musk has announced that the platform will start freeing up the namespace of 1.5 billion accounts.

Conclusion

Digital marketing is shaped by constant change, and staying informed is vital for businesses to succeed. Several significant developments are worth noting, with more ongoing right now. Keep an eye out for further updates and insights to refine your digital strategies!

Follow Primeclick Media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for more exciting updates like this.

The post Primeclick Media’s Monthly Roundup – November 2023 appeared first on Primeclickmedia.

It’s no news changes happen in the digital marketing world and it’s important to ahead of your competitors. In this edition, you will get a quick summary of the most important updates in digital marketing for October 2023. From insights on ChatGPT Plus unveiling its DALL-E 3 Image Generator to Google Ads tightening its certification procedures and much more. Take 4 minutes to glance through the changes that happened last month.

1. Google completes the switch to mobile-first indexing

• Google completes its transition to mobile-first indexing after a 7-year process. With mobile-first indexing, Google prioritises mobile versions of websites during the crawling process.
• This shift reflects how people use the internet more on their phones, especially for Google searches.
• For websites that are not mobile-friendly, Google will continue to crawl desktop versions, for the time being.

2. ChatGPT Plus adds DALL-E 3 Image Generator

• OpenAI has announced an exciting update for ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise users. DALL-E 3 support is now available.
• DALL-E 3 is a text-to-image generator that allows users to create unique images using prompts.
• The latest version, DALL-E 3, comes with enhancements, including a multi-tiered safety system to prevent the generation of “potentially harmful imagery.

3. Google completes October spam update

• Google’s October Spam Update has been officially rolled out, concluding on October 20.
• The update was prompted by user feedback reporting an increase in spam in search results.
• Google’s effort to combat web spam targets various issues, including sites with hidden text, scraped content, AI-generated content, affiliate content for monetization, and pages with excessive ads that disrupt the user experience.

4. Google Ads introduces stricter certification procedures

• Google Ads now requires stricter certification procedures for users seeking professional certifications from Skillshop.
• New requirements include providing a photo ID, capturing a facial photo, and recording a video of the test environment.
• Live proctors will monitor exams via webcam, and tougher exam guidelines are implemented to maintain certification integrity.

5. Report indicates a decline in usage for X

• A report from Apptopia suggests a decline in daily active users (DAU) for X, with around 121 million DAU.
• This represents a 13% decrease since Elon Musk took over approximately a year ago.
• The rebranding of Twitter to X may have accelerated the drop, as X claims to have 253 million DAU, raising questions about the accuracy of the numbers.

6. X states that posts corrected by community notes will not qualify for revenue sharing

• X’s creator ad revenue share scheme allows X Premium subscribers to earn money from their posts, receiving a percentage of the ad revenue from ads displayed in the post reply stream.
• Elon Musk has announced a change to X’s creator ad revenue share program, where posts that have received corrections through community notes will not count for payment.
• This is being done to prevent participants from sharing sensationalized, divisive, and occasionally false content in an attempt to incite more reactions and thereby enhance their monetization potential.

7. Amazon Ad Service revenue soars by 26%

• Amazon’s ad revenue reached just over $12 billion in Q3, marking a significant increase of 26.3%.
• Notable advertisers on Amazon’s platform include BuzzFeed, Hearst Newspapers, Pinterest, Lifehacker, and Mashable.
• Amazon attributes part of its exceptional Q3 results to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). In India, the company introduced an AI digital assistant to assist small businesses in establishing an online store.

8. Pinterest boosts revenue by 11%

• Pinterest released its Q3 results, reporting strong earnings growth.
• The company’s overall income increased by 11% to $763 million, with ad revenue surging by 8% to $482 million.
• Pinterest credits its success to its ability to attract and retain advertisers and effectively measure the results of advertising campaigns. The company anticipates revenue growth in the range of 11-13% in Q4.

9. LinkedIn reports record levels of engagement

• Microsoft’s Q1 earnings report reveals that LinkedIn is experiencing “record levels of engagement” on the platform.
• LinkedIn boasts 985 million members, with a 12% increase in session numbers.
• The platform’s revenue has also grown by 8%.

10. Snapchat surpasses 400 million users

• Snap Inc. announces a significant milestone, with Snapchat reaching 406 million daily active users, marking a 12% year-over-year growth.
• Over 200 million users have engaged with the “My AI” chatbot, exchanging more than 20 billion messages.
• The number of Stories has tripled since the previous quarter.

11. Google Search revenue increases by 11%

• Google reports an 11.3% year-over-year increase in search revenue for Q3. YouTube ad revenue also experienced strong growth, rising by 12.5%.
• Although the entire advertising network’s revenue dropped by 2.6%, it’s an improvement compared to the 5% loss in Q2.
• Google generated nearly $60 billion in ad revenue for the third quarter.

12. Microsoft’s strong quarterly results boosted by Search Ads

• Microsoft reports its best-ever quarterly results, with a 10% year-over-year increase in search and news ad income.
• This excludes acquisition costs paid to publishers.
• Total sales for the three months exceeded $56 billion.

13. Google to phase out third-party cookies

• Google announces plans to phase out support for third-party cookies, starting next year.
• In the early phase, this change will affect only 1% of Chrome users, with the goal of eliminating third-party cookies entirely.
• Website owners can use this preliminary phase to assess their sites’ response to the loss of cookie data.

14. New & improved youtube features

• A new version of YouTube has been released with several enhancements.
• New features include Stable Volume, Larger Previews, Enhanced Search, and Animations for the “Like” and “Subscribe” buttons.
• The update is rolling out globally.

15. X tests $1 per tweet charge for new users

• X is testing a program called “Not a Bot,” designed to block bots and spammers.
• Participants in this program have read-only access but can post for $1 per tweet. This new move does not align with some primary advantages of social media, such as open communication, user participation and accessibility without monetary barriers.
• X emphasizes that it’s not meant as a profit driver but as a measure to reduce excessive bot activity.

16. Google stops indenting search results

• Previously, when a search result from the same domain appeared below the main result, it would be indented. However, Google has stopped indenting these results.
• The new search listings now show the results listed without indentation and not in any particular order. However, Google’s “diversity system” still ensures that only two results from the same site are generally shown in the top results.
• This change aims to improve user experience and is part of a larger effort to maintain diversity in search results.

17. TikTok to include auto captions in all videos

• TikTok announces that auto-captions will be enabled by default in videos, starting next month.
• This change aims to enhance accessibility and ensures that the app is inclusive, breaking language barriers.
• Publishers will have the option to edit and delete captions after posting.

18. New WordPress version improves page loading speed

• Previously, JavaScript files in WordPress themes and plugins loaded synchronously, causing delays in page rendering and blocking other downloads.
• The latest update to WordPress, version 6.4, includes changes to how scripts are loaded on the front end, resulting in improved page load times and site performance.
• These changes also address issues with PageSpeed Insights, particularly for pages with complex features and JavaScript code.

19. Google introduces Google Ads Data Manager for first-party data solutions

• Google introduced Google Ads Data Manager to simplify the use of first-party data.
• The tool integrates first-party data across multiple platforms through a single collaborative interface.
• It will be available in early 2024, facilitating tools like enhanced conversions for leads and Customer Match.

20. Google Keyword Planner eliminates keyword forecasting

• Google Keyword Planner discontinues keyword forecasting, affecting non-paying ad users. The choice to discontinue these tools was based on the fact that only a small fraction of advertisers were utilizing them.
• By removing unused features, Google can allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that the remaining tools and functions remain efficient and consistently improved.
• Advertisers can still use campaign-level forecasts and historical keyword data for their keyword research.

21. X partners with Google Ad Manager

• Following a significant drop of 59% in ad revenue in advertising revenue earlier this year, the social platform has chosen to outsource the sale of some of its ad space.
• X is partnering with Google Ad Manager to outsource the sale of its ad space, allowing advertisers to run display ads in the X home feed.
• This offers the chance to tap into X’s extensive audience, which comprises over 200 million actively engaged daily users, using Google Ads’ familiar campaign setup and targeting tools. 

22. Instagram expands marketing API

• Instagram previously added Search Ads placement via the API in May.
• The marketing API now supports product tagging from third-party platforms.
• This streamlines the process for third-party platform users, making it easier for advertisers to utilize Product Tags in both new and existing media posts.

Conclusion

Digital marketing is shaped by constant change, and staying informed is vital for businesses to succeed. Several significant developments are worth noting, with more ongoing right now. Keep an eye out for further updates and insights to refine your digital strategies!

Follow Primeclick Media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for more exciting updates like this.

The post Primeclick Media’s Monthly Roundup – October 2023 appeared first on Primeclickmedia.