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Category: Google

Unlock Enhanced Ad Performance with Google’s New Conversion Beta
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:
- Recover conversions that may escape website tags.
- Enhance measurement resilience.
- Deliver more exhaustive data for automated bidding.
- Simplify data integration through the Data Manager.
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 Analytics imported conversions.
- URL-based conversion actions.
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:
- Transaction ID.
- Conversion date and time.
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.
June 18, 2026
Discover the Power of Google’s New AI Agent for Ad Manager

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.

June 18, 2026
New Google AI Opt-Out: A Smart Move or Risky Gamble?

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.

June 18, 2026
How UK Authorities Are Challenging Google’s Search Practices
I recently came across an intriguing development regarding Google and its operations in the UK. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has taken a proactive stance, requiring Google to not only allow site owners a way to opt out of AI Overviews but also to clarify how they rank search results.

In addition, Google is required to enable users to port their search data to specific third-party services, a move aimed at increasing data portability.

Transparency on search rankings. The CMA’s demand for Google is to enhance transparency and fairness in ranking search results, with an implementation deadline of six months.

Many UK businesses have voiced concerns to the CMA, claiming that Google’s ranking practices lack fairness and transparency. They argue that changes are implemented without sufficient notice, impacting their operations without providing them with adequate avenues to express their concerns.

Yes, we cover Google search updates frequently, and it’s evident that Google is constantly refining its algorithms to make search results more relevant and to deter manipulation attempts.

According to the CMA, Google must:
- Establish clear processes for businesses to voice concerns about Google’s ranking methods, ensuring these concerns are addressed effectively.
- Use objective and non-discriminatory criteria to rank ‘organic’ search results, which includes AI Overviews but excludes sponsored results.
- Offer businesses greater transparency on ranking mechanics and provide advance notice of significant changes.
Data portability. The CMA also seeks Google’s cooperation to “Allow users to port their search data to authorized third parties, such as rewards platforms or businesses offering personalized offers or discount codes”, aiming for this within three months.

The potential for third-party companies to access Google’s search data could open new avenues for personalized services, such as tailored travel suggestions and more relevant shopping deals, enhancing consumer experiences.

Why we care. Despite these orders, I’m skeptical that Google will comply, as doing so might compromise its highly valued search ranking algorithm, risking exposure to competitors and potential manipulation.

This isn’t the first time such demands have been made and undoubtedly won’t be the last. Google is likely to resist these orders firmly.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
June 17, 2026
Preventing Google Penalties: The Costly Truth of Recovery
Recovering from a manual action is no quick fix; it can take months of rigorous cleanup and multiple reviews. I’ve learned that regular compliance audits are key to avoiding a crisis altogether.

Google penalties—or manual spam actions—are those unpredictable disruptions that can shake up a thriving online business overnight.

For businesses like mine that rely heavily on organic traffic, the impact is quite severe. It goes beyond just losing rankings; revenue takes a hit, customer acquisition costs spike, expansion plans are halted, and the effects linger long after the policy issues have been addressed.

With Google’s consistent 90% market share, it remains my main source of traffic, much like it is for many publishers, e-commerce platforms, and lead generation companies.

Unfortunately, direct traffic seldom makes up for significant visibility losses, and Bing isn’t enough to fill the gap. This means a manual spam action is not just an SEO risk but a grave operational concern.

Manual Actions Aren’t Algorithm Updates

It’s essential for me to clarify that manual spam actions and algorithmic updates are two different beasts. Manual penalties result from specific violations identified against Google Search Essentials and demand entirely different responses.

Manual actions involve considerable internal review at Google. When violations are suspected and verified, these actions are taken, because proven policy breaches aren’t taken lightly by Google.

The real issue lies in recognizing accumulated policy violations over time, something I’ve seen many businesses fail to address adequately.

How Penalties Develop

The journey to a manual penalty often begins in non-obvious ways, with compliance erosion happening gradually.
- An e-commerce company might start with aggressive link-building strategies that accumulate unchecked spam links over the years.
- A publisher engages in commercial partnerships involving sponsored content, integrating these into their main site structure.
- A SaaS business expands into new markets with low-quality location pages.
- Lead generation companies scale supplemental SEO content without thorough editorial oversight, simply adhering to industry standards.
Though these tactics might initially boost visibility and revenue, they often fall out of line with Google’s quality standards over time.

Why Historical Violations Still Matter

Manual spam actions are disruptive partly because old policy violations can persist without being flagged for years. Google doesn’t forget historical footprints in its search system, meaning unresolved past SEO practices can become today’s liabilities.

Practices like paid placements, commercial guest posting, or directory spam from years ago can remain risks until they’re addressed, creating vulnerabilities that must not be ignored.

Reputation Abuse and Publisher Liability

When a trustworthy brand allows unsupervised content from third parties, the site’s credibility might suffer. Once a manual spam action hits, the entire site can lose visibility—even the genuinely valuable sections suffer.

Recovery from such penalties is not simple or cheap. It often demands structural changes and more stringent editorial and technical controls, as I can attest from my own experiences.

The Risks of Scaled Content

Google is now more vigilant about large-scale publishing systems that lack originality and value. I’m aware of how easily businesses, unintentionally, slide into creating repetitive, low-value content.
- Affiliate networks proliferating nearly identical comparison pages.
- Local SEO operations using cookie-cutter service pages across numerous regions.
- AI-driven workflows publishing large amounts of unfounded information.
- Mass-produced travel destination content lacking unique insights.
Most businesses don’t cross these lines deliberately. However, without ongoing reviews and updates, significant issues can fester under the radar.

Compliance Requires Ongoing Oversight

For me, regular compliance reviews are non-negotiable. It takes external expertise to assess true compliance comprehensively. Even powerful internal SEO teams can miss potential exposure points if left unchecked.

I’ve found that organizations integrating compliance into governance see considerable advantages. Regular audits and assessments can preempt violations and protect critical search traffic, especially during pivotal business moments.

In essence, prevention through regular audits is a more efficient and less painful approach than dealing with recovery after a penalty.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
June 16, 2026
How Google’s New Ad Policy Impacts Advertiser Reach

I’ve recently discovered that Google is expanding its Limited ad serving policy across its Search platform. This change gives Google more control to restrict ad impressions from advertisers deemed unqualified or who might create confusion for users.

The implication of this update is significant. For newcomers, brands receiving negative feedback, or those not clearly presenting their identity in ads, the frequency of ad appearances could be affected.

What’s changing? As of this month, Google is rolling out an expanded policy affecting more search scenarios, which it plans to continue implementing through 2028.

This updated policy allows Google to limit ads on searches they believe might lead to poor user experiences.

How Google decides: User feedback is becoming crucial. Advertisers with frequent complaints about misleading content or practices could face limits on where their ads appear.

Additionally, if an ad makes it challenging to recognize who the advertiser is, Google might also impose restrictions.

Why we care: It’s not just about policy compliance anymore. Google is placing more emphasis on advertiser trust signals and branding clarity. Advertisers who don’t make their brand identity clear or have negative feedback histories might see reduced reach.

This shift underscores the importance of brand transparency in Search ads. Advertisers should reevaluate their ad copy and branding to ensure it’s evident who they are and their ad’s purpose.

What advertisers should do: To align with this update, advertisers are encouraged to enhance brand visibility in ads and landing pages, avoid overly generic messages, and clarify any brand affiliations.

Including a domain headline in the first position of responsive search ads can also help in making the advertiser’s identity more apparent.

The bottom line: Google’s updated policy prioritizes advertiser trustworthiness and clarity, potentially limiting visibility for those creating confusion with their identity or practices.

First spotted: Anthony Higman, Founder of Adsquire, first noticed this update. He expressed his concerns on LinkedIn.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

June 12, 2026
Revolutionary Walmart-Google Ad Partnership Boosts Retail Success
I’ve discovered something exciting about how Google and Walmart are teaming up to enhance our advertising experiences. They’re enabling advertisers to tap into Walmart shoppers through YouTube, using Display & Video 360 (DV360) to measure sales more effectively. It’s a game-changer for those of us who focus on retail success.
This collaboration means I can access valuable shopper data from Walmart while also tracking whether my YouTube ads are translating into sales. It’s a win-win, giving me more control over my advertising efforts and results.
What’s happening? For brands like mine, this integration is a breakthrough. I can activate Walmart Connect audiences within DV360, reaching potential shoppers through YouTube with precision.
With closed-loop measurement now possible, I can directly connect the dots between ad exposure and purchasing actions at Walmart, making my advertising dollars work harder.
Why do I care? The amalgamation of Walmart’s rich shopper data with YouTube’s vast audience reach allows me to focus on real retail behavior rather than mere inferences, optimizing my targeting strategies.
Crucially, I can move beyond just monitoring views or clicks. I now have the capability to trace if my ads are actually driving Walmart sales, which helps justify my investments and refines my video advertising strategies.
Understanding the bigger picture, retail media networks are increasingly venturing beyond their platforms, delivering shopper insights and measurement capabilities into broader digital advertising spaces where I’m channeling more of my budget.
Reading between the lines, Walmart Connect’s ambition stands out, as they’re pushing to make their audience and analytics tools compatible with more advertising platforms. The conclusion of their exclusivity with The Trade Desk last year certainly paved the way for such integrations.
What do advertisers gain? As an advertiser, I unlock access to Walmart’s audience insights, can reach 150 million weekly U.S. customers via YouTube, and gain precise sales attribution tied to Walmart transactions—all streamlined within DV360.
What’s next for us? The initial focus is on YouTube campaigns, but I’m eager to see how Google and Walmart will expand this integration to cover more inventory over time.
The bottom line? This partnership is a powerful alignment of retail data, media activation, and sales measurement, offering advertisers like me a direct way to connect our YouTube ads with consumer behaviors at Walmart, both in-store and online.
Dig deeper
- We’re bringing Walmart Connect to Display & Video 360.
- Walmart Challenges Amazon With New Google Deal
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
June 11, 2026
Understanding Google’s New Rules for Demand Gen Audience Targeting
Recently, I discovered that Google has updated its personalized advertising policy documents. This change clarifies how restrictions on sensitive audience targeting are applied to Demand Gen and Discovery campaigns, especially when promoting sensitive products or services.

The big picture. The update is part of Google’s “Restricted targeting in Personalized Advertising” policy documentation. It focuses on providing a clearer understanding of potential ad serving limitations rather than implementing new policy restrictions.

What’s changing. In June, Google updated its help documents to offer more insights on how Demand Gen and Discovery campaigns intersect with personalized advertising restrictions.

These changes particularly address campaigns targeting products and services associated with sensitive interest categories.

The fine print. It’s important to note that this update serves as a clarification of existing policy guidance and is not a new policy announcement.

Google states that the revised documentation now includes more information regarding the serving implications when advertisers use audience targeting for products or services falling into restricted categories.

Sensitive interest categories can include areas such as:
- Health conditions
- Financial hardship
- Personal difficulties
- Other topics that Google considers sensitive under its personalized advertising policies
Between the lines. In using Demand Gen campaigns, I heavily rely on audience signals and personalized targeting to reach users on platforms like YouTube, Discover, and Gmail.

As the usage of Demand Gen grows, the need for clarity on how Google’s sensitive interest policies affect audience eligibility, reach, and campaign delivery has become more critical.

Google’s documentation update indicates a response to these inquiries by providing us with clearer guidance on when targeting restrictions might limit campaign performance.

Why now. This clarification arrives as Demand Gen becomes a major component of Google’s advertising ecosystem and more advertisers are reallocating budgets from Discovery campaigns to Google’s AI-powered audience products.

Why we care. For those of us running campaigns in regulated or sensitive industries, understanding these restrictions has become pivotal in our campaign planning and audience strategies.

What to watch. If you’re handling Demand Gen campaigns in sectors like healthcare or financial services, it’s vital to review the updated guidance to see if targeting choices might affect your reach or ad delivery.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
June 5, 2026
Discover Google’s New Search Profiles for Publishers
Hey there, have you heard about Google’s latest feature within Google Discover? They’ve just launched Search profiles in the U.S., and it’s a game-changer for publishers like me. These profiles act as enhanced landing pages where my audience can not only follow me but also see a collection of my latest articles, videos, and social media posts all in one convenient spot.

Google has been working on this for quite some time, refining and testing it over several months. They’ve even made some tweaks, such as adding shortnames, which make it even easier to share these profiles.

What are Search Profiles? According to Google’s description:

“Search profiles give publishers and creators a central place to showcase their latest articles, videos, and social posts. People can easily follow sources from their profile, so they’re more likely to see that content on Discover, found on the home screen of the Google app.”

It’s described as a “new way for publishers and creators to shape their presence on Search. Search profiles are a dedicated, shareable space to highlight content across platforms and help audiences find accurate, up-to-date information about sources on Search.”

What it looks like: Curious to see it in action? Here’s a video demonstration:

Managing Your Search Profile: If you’re a publisher or creator with a significant following on a major social or video platform, you’re in luck! You’ll be able to claim your Search profile, personalize it with an avatar, bio, and links to your website and social media platforms.

Once you claim your profile, it might even create a Knowledge Panel for you, or enhance your existing one with updated details and a direct link to your profile.

If you’re interested in setting up your own Search profile, check out this guide for creating a profile, claiming an existing one, and managing it.

Availability: Currently, this feature is available in the U.S. for users and publishers who meet a certain follower threshold. Here’s what you need:
- TikTok: 300,000 followers
- YouTube: 100,000 subscribers
- Instagram: 100,000 followers
- X: 100,000 followers
Why This Matters: As a publisher, I’m always looking for ways to get more visibility. Google’s new feature allows us to increase our reach not just on Google platforms but across our entire digital presence. It’s an exciting time, though one has to ponder whether this will be enough in the fast-paced world where AI continues to evolve.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
June 4, 2026
Navigating Google’s Evolution: The New Era of AI and SEO

As I delve into Google’s expanded candidate set, I can’t help but sense a transformative shift in how search systems evaluate content. It’s fascinating to see how AI systems now approach broader pools of information, with visibility increasingly relying on verification, semantic relationships, and trust signals rather than just keywords.

This evolution pushes SEO from simply focusing on retrieval and ranking mechanics to something akin to forensic architecture. This approach gears systems to help machines verify and trust information on a larger scale.

Recently, I read an article on Google’s expanded candidate set, and it felt like the culmination of my five-year journey through the depths of AI and digital ecosystems. It’s reassuring to see the industry moving towards what I’ve been passionate about.

Throughout my 30-year career, I’ve always strived to meet current demands while anticipating future trends. This experience has honed my ability to identify emerging patterns and make proactive decisions aimed at where the industry is heading.

To grasp why this "selection crisis" is happening, it’s important to differentiate between a crawler and an AI agent. When Googlebot first emerged, it acted like a mechanical fetcher, following simple, rules-based logic to record, not understand, content.

Over time, this mechanical clerk has transformed into a forensic investigator, with advances like RankBrain, BERT, and the recent Gemini AI enhancing its capabilities immensely. These technologies herald a new age where AI systems synthesize broad content pools to deliver unique answers effortlessly.

The advent of ChatGPT in 2022 was a catalyst for shifting towards answer engines. This change, which I term the "selection crisis," now requires AI to selectively curate information, democratizing access to high-quality information regardless of user familiarity with search processes.

Those of us immersed in this transition quickly realized that AI systems now value information gain and atomic facts as primary currencies. In essence, succinct and precise information now carries greater weight than verbose content.

This understanding didn’t come overnight but from decades of dealing with problematic zombie facts and constant trial and error in high-stake industries like online pharmacies. Trust is fundamental here; it’s not just a catchy phrase but the backbone of sustained business.

In these industries, I learned early on the need for systems that not only find but also understand our digital presence. This realization led me to develop tools that address gaps in content credibility and reliability.

One significant hurdle I faced was the "commodity crisis." Managing multiple ecommerce sites selling identical products taught me the necessity of presenting unique, verified information that distinguishes us from the competition.

While building solutions like the E-E-A-T engine, atomic sandwich architecture, and forensic IG evaluator, I realized the tools must integrate seamlessly to address larger systemic issues like context debt and trust gaps.

In conducting a recent forensic audit across 28 digital entities, I confirmed this crisis of selection has infiltrated the general web. Now more than ever, systems evaluate not just keyword proficiency but verify the trustworthiness of sources at an unprecedented scale.

To tackle this, I’ve employed three pillars of forensic engineering: cryptographic authority using JSON Web Signature standards, semantic graphs that optimize relationship reading, and regulatory alignment mapping to the EU AI Act.

These pillars demonstrate the evolving landscape of answer engines, demanding that entities not only rank but also build credible and intelligible systems for AI to depend upon.

The SEO landscape is drastically changing, requiring us to go beyond retrieval to support machines in understanding and trusting your content’s credibility. It’s time to embrace this new frontier, assembling public domain frameworks into reliable AI-friendly structures.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

June 4, 2026

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