I’m thrilled to share how you can seamlessly bring Profound into your Slack workspace. Imagine asking questions and launching projects without switching platforms. It’s a game-changer!
With Profound, you can streamline your workflow, making collaboration smoother and more efficient. Being able to create and manage projects directly from Slack simplifies our daily tasks and fosters a dynamic work environment.
Inspired by this post on Try Profound Blog.
I’ve noticed something remarkable about how we, as Americans, are searching for information these days. Pew Research Center recently reported that 60% of us are now reading AI-generated summaries at the top of our search results, while approximately 40% have turned to chatbots for finding information.
It’s fascinating to see that AI-generated answers are appearing more and more, whether in traditional search results or dedicated chatbot platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot, as Pew discovered.
AI summaries reach most searchers. According to Pew, six out of ten American adults have read AI summaries at the top of search results. Surprisingly, three out of ten haven’t, which suggests room for growth.
Interestingly, another 10% are unsure if they’ve read AI summaries. It seems some of us may not clearly recognize them when they pop up in our search results. The research also found that men are slightly more inclined than women to read these summaries, with 63% versus 57%. Those of us aged 65 and older are less likely to engage with them.
Chatbots are search tools. Chatbots are increasingly becoming popular search tools. About half of American adults have used AI chatbots, which is a jump from one-third back in 2024. What’s more, about one in four of us make use of them daily.
The most common reason we use chatbots? Searching for information. Around 40% of adults turn to chatbots for this purpose, more than for entertainment, media creation, or even advice on fitness and medical matters. Interestingly, work-related tasks follow closely behind, with 38% of employed adults utilizing chatbots at their jobs.
ChatGPT dominates. ChatGPT remains the most popular chatbot by a significant margin. Pew indicates that 44% of U.S. adults have now engaged with ChatGPT, which is up from 34% last year and over twice the number reported in 2023.
Gemini takes second place, with about a quarter of us using it, followed by Copilot and Meta AI. Tools like Grok, Claude, and Character.ai have a much smaller audience, with only about one in ten of us using them, if at all.
Why we care. In today’s world, finding information doesn’t just mean looking at traditional search results. We now also find answers through AI summaries and chatbot responses, which is a fact worth noting, especially when it comes to understanding where people are sourcing their information.
Dig deeper. For more insights on AI search adoption and consumer trust, check out the study.
About the data. Pew Research Center gathered this data by surveying 5,119 American adults from February 17-23, 2026, via its American Trends Panel. The margin of error for this study is plus or minus 1.6 percentage points.
The report. For a more detailed look at the survey, visit Americans and AI 2026: Chatbots, Smart Devices and Views on Impact.
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
In a significant move, Google Ads has launched a beta feature that allows advertisers like me to connect additional data sources directly to website conversion actions. This innovative step gives us a chance to enhance tag-based measurements using our backend conversion data.
The new feature equips advertisers to merge conversion signals gathered through Google tags with transactional data from various platforms, such as CRMs, order databases, and e-commerce systems.
What’s new. Now, I can append an additional data source to an existing website conversion action via Google Ads Data Manager or through the Data Manager API.
Designed to enhance—not replace—website tagging, this beta allows us to send conversion data from backend systems into the same conversion action utilized for campaign measurement and optimization.
Why we care. This beta is crucial for filling conversion measurement gaps by fusing Google tag data with our first-party data from backend structures like CRMs. It helps us capture conversions that might be overlooked due to browser limits, privacy settings, or ad blockers, providing a fuller view of campaign performance.
Why Google launched it. Google indicates that combining tag-based measurement with backend conversion data allows advertisers to construct a more comprehensive picture of conversions, subsequently boosting campaign performance.
Here’s what this feature helps achieve:
How it works. The system combines website conversion data captured by Google tags with conversion records uploaded from an advertiser’s backend systems.
To avoid duplicate reporting, Google utilizes transaction IDs to identify and de-duplicate conversions between the tag and the supplementary data source within the same conversion action.
What advertisers need to know. The beta is currently restricted to website conversion actions that implement Google tags or Google Tag Manager.
It’s not available for:
Google advises attaching an additional data source to an existing conversion action rather than initiating a new one to eschew potential double-counting across campaign goals.
Data requirements. Each upload must encompass:
Advertisers need to supply at least one attribution identifier, like hashed customer data or a Google click identifier.
Google suggests that I upload conversion data as swiftly as possible and ensure the conversion values match the currency format utilized by website tags.
Bottom line. This beta signifies Google’s ongoing effort to bolster conversion measurement by integrating backend transaction data directly into Google Ads. As we seek more comprehensive performance insights, this feature provides a streamlined means to enhance website measurement using first-party business data.
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
I’m excited to share that Google has taken a significant step in integrating Artificial Intelligence into publisher workflows by launching a new AI agent called Ask Ad Manager. This innovative tool leverages a Gemini-powered assistant to help us analyze performance and take action seamlessly through a user-friendly chat interface.
Google is embedding AI into publisher workflows, making it easier to analyze performance and act on insights from a chat interface.
Incorporating generative AI into Google Ad Manager, Ask Ad Manager is specifically crafted to assist publishers like myself in analyzing performance, troubleshooting issues, and navigating the Ad Manager platform effortlessly by using natural language.
The beta version is set to roll out this month, marking Google’s deeper foray into AI-supported ad operations.
What’s happening. Ask Ad Manager acts as a conversational AI agent dedicated to Google Ad Manager users who are publishers. Unlike conventional reporting tools, it allows us to pose questions in everyday language and receive tailored answers, recommendations, and reports based on our own Ad Manager data.
Google assures that this tool is engineered to help us swiftly transition from analysis to action, drastically reducing the time spent on generating reports, diagnosing issues, and navigating the Ad Manager platform.
What it can do:
Troubleshoot delivery issues. Instead of manually gathering reports to understand why certain line items are underperforming, I can now ask the AI agent questions and receive insights on the possible causes and recommended next steps.
Generate reports on demand. With a simple prompt, I can request customized metrics, benchmarks, and performance reports without the hassle of building multiple reports manually.
Navigate Ad Manager faster. Ask Ad Manager guides me to relevant pages on the platform and automatically applies suitable filters and settings rooted in the ongoing conversation.
Why we care. As a publisher managing large inventories and complex campaigns, having the capability to quickly uncover insights and diagnose issues can significantly reduce operational workloads and speed up decision-making processes.
Moreover, this feature signifies a broader trend in ad tech towards employing AI agents that not only generate information but also enhance workflows and task execution.
Looking ahead. According to Google, Ask Ad Manager marks just the start toward a future they envision as being more “agentic”, enhancing advertising operations comprehensively.
Google plans to unveil additional AI features throughout the year, incorporating developer tools like REST APIs and an MCP server aimed at supporting workflow automation and integration efforts.
They’re also working on developing specialized agents that could assist publishers and agencies in exploring inventory, negotiating deals, and executing campaigns with improved efficiency.
Bottom line. Ask Ad Manager introduces Gemini-powered assistance directly within Google Ad Manager. It offers a novel way for us publishers to access insights, resolve issues, and manage advertising operations all through natural language prompts.
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
Over the past few months, I’ve been diving deep into the world of AI comparison shopping. Let me guide you through how it works and what fuels AI recommendations, so you can enhance your brand’s presence in these AI-driven product comparisons.
Understanding AI’s role in product comparisons is crucial. AI algorithms evaluate vast amounts of data to make product recommendations that are both relevant and tailored to user preferences. My goal is to unravel these mechanisms and equip you with strategies that improve how your brand is perceived in AI shopping lists.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have actionable insights on boosting your brand’s visibility in AI comparisons, a key factor in capturing consumer attention in today’s digital landscape.
Inspired by this post on HiGoodie Blog.
Hey there! Have you ever wondered what GEO is and how it can supercharge your content’s visibility and engagement in AI-based search engines like ChatGPT and Gemini?
I’m excited to share my insights on optimizing your content specifically for these AI platforms. Think of GEO as the key to getting noticed in the digital realm where AI engines are becoming the norm.
By mastering Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), you can pivot your strategy to cater to AI Overviews, boosting your reach by ensuring your content is relevant and easily discoverable. Let’s dive into this transformative journey together!
Inspired by this post on HiGoodie Blog.
When I embarked on my journey with Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), I quickly discovered that, unlike traditional SEO, AEO offers a swifter movement toward visible outcomes. However, I needed to adjust my expectations as enduring results might take more time than initially hoped.
Through my personal experience, I’ve learned that even though the pace of progress with AEO is faster, it still requires patience to witness the lasting impact. Here, I’ll share a realistic timeline and some critical markers to monitor along this pathway.
As I continue to navigate this dynamic landscape, I’ve pinpointed crucial elements and strategies that help ensure I’m on the right track. Come along as I break down what I’ve observed and how you too can foster a more predictable and successful AEO journey.
Inspired by this post on HiGoodie Blog.
I recently explored Google’s updated guidelines for site moves, specifically about handling all domain variants using their Change of Address tool. This update aims to clarify the process of moving your site from one domain to another, ensuring a smooth transition for all domain variations.
Google’s advice is straightforward: enter every domain variant in their Change of Address tool during a site migration. They emphasize this in their documentation to prevent potential indexing issues.
Google’s Note: They encourage submitting requests for each subdomain and the www and non-www variants of your previous domain. For instance, ensure you submit en.example.com, www.example.com, and example.com if you’re moving to new-example.net, even if these variants aren’t actively used. It’s crucial to have them verified in the Search Console for a seamless migration.
Understanding domain variants is key. These include subdomains and different TLDs, allowing for a comprehensive transition from your old site to the new one without hiccups.
Why It Matters: Proper domain migration ensures that all site variants migrate without issues, which Google confirms as the best practice for SEO. Following Google’s guidelines can significantly mitigate the stress associated with site migrations.
For any SEO practitioner or site owner, site moves can be daunting. However, adhering to these detailed steps can make the transition less overwhelming. The Change of Address tool is designed to expedite this process, so making the most of it is essential.
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
Recently, I discovered that Google introduced an AI opt-out feature, and it got me thinking.
For as long as I can remember, we’ve been pushing Google for more insight into AI traffic and control over our content’s portrayal in AI settings.
Now, this week, Google answered us with new controls allowing site owners to opt out of AI-powered experiences, like AI Overviews and AI Mode, coupled with fresh AI reporting tools in Google Search Console. Although still in early beta, it signals progress.
Despite this being a step forward, it’s sparked a split. Some are excited about the reporting aspect, while others debate whether opting out is wise.
What intrigued me wasn’t the announcement itself, but how swiftly the conversation pivoted from seeking visibility to potentially forfeiting it.
Let’s clarify what Google really launched with their announcement. The new controls don’t hinder AI Overviews or user engagement with AI Mode, nor do they stall AI’s momentum. Users will continue to engage with AI for searching and queries.
Essentially, publishers have a newfound ability to determine whether their content appears in AI-powered experiences. Was it Google’s plan or a response to external pressure, such as the UK Competition and Markets Authority?
This isn’t a debate about AI itself disappearing. What changes is brand eligibility within AI interactions. If a site like Expedia opts out, people will still plan trips—they’ll just find someone else in the AI-generated responses.
The choice is not about AI’s success, but rather about whether your brand remains present when users turn to AI solutions.
I get it—the appeal to opt out stems from fears around lost traffic and how AI uses our content.
Yet, assuming that opting out changes user behavior is where I disagree. Users aren’t concerned about a brand’s participation; they’re using AI to get quick answers.
Opting out may seem like a decision to curb AI adoption, but it more so enhances your competitors’ visibility. They snag the spotlight and gain trust while yours potentially fades.
The goal isn’t just visibility reduction—it’s about evolving with search behavior changes to remain seen.
Google’s announcement didn’t just focus on opting out but also on the new AI data they’re offering. Though imperfect, it’s a step towards greater transparency in AI search interactions.
Despite demands for more comprehensive reports, reality shows SEO has long dealt with imperfect data. Some of SEO’s big wins came from leveraging imperfect data.
Hence, we shouldn’t be stuck waiting for flawless data. While not perfect, it’s more than what we had before and will likely evolve further.
In my approach, reporting must expand beyond traditional SEO metrics, encompassing a wider discovery landscape, including AI and interaction insights.
We need to assess brand mentions, citation frequency, and how they’re perceived across differing AI platforms. Visibility stretches beyond mere traffic metrics.
Ultimately, we must rethink our questioning. Instead of asking, ‘Should I opt out of AI?’, ask, ‘Can I afford to be absent where users find brands?’ They’re already in these spaces—why shouldn’t we be?
Google’s update isn’t just a feature but a strategic pivot. By choosing to opt out, you aren’t erasing AI; you’re simply amplifying someone else’s presence.
Are you ready to adapt, or will you stay behind, longing for Google’s ‘free clicks’?
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
