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Category: Google

Discover Google Ads API v24.1: Enhance Reporting & Security

I’ve recently delved into Google’s exciting release of Ads API version 24.1, and it’s packed with valuable updates for advertisers. This version brings us advanced reporting capabilities, expanded AI campaign testing, and improved security measures.

In this update, Google has prepared us for their upcoming data retention policy changes, which will commence next year—something I believe every developer should be ready for.

Why we care. The latest release highlights three crucial areas: performance visibility, creative control, and testing automation, which are becoming vital for advertisers like me.

What’s more, brands now have greater control over creative displays in Demand Gen campaigns, overcoming the typical limits imposed by automation. It’s a significant update that I’m excited to explore further.

Those of us who lean heavily on reporting infrastructures should also be mindful of Google’s impending 37-month data retention limit, set to impact historical performance analysis come 2026.

Mobile reporting gets more granular. One of the features I’m most thrilled about is the new mobile device platform segment that allows for reporting by operating system.

With the new segments.mobile_device_platform field, I’m able to differentiate performance across iOS and Android, a game-changer for app marketers and ecommerce advertisers alike.

Demand Gen adds classic image support. I love how Google is providing us with more creative control in Demand Gen campaigns, specifically through the classic_display_images field.

This new field allows us to upload and display static image ads exactly as designed, which is perfect for maintaining branding consistency without AI alterations.

Passkeys come to Google Ads. Security is always a top concern of mine, so I’m pleased to see the inclusion of the passkey_enabled field to boost account security through passwordless authentication.

Experiment support expands. I’ve noticed that Google has significantly enhanced the support for Experiments, allowing us to run and analyze tests across AI Max, Video, Demand Gen, and Performance Max campaigns.

This update also enables us to view metrics such as clicks and conversions more transparently, making experiment analysis straightforward and insightful.

A major data retention change is coming. From June 1st, Google Ads and related APIs will enforce a 37-month data retention limit, something I must prepare for to avoid disruptions in performance analytics.

The release includes a new error code: DateRangeError.REQUESTED_DATE_GRANULARITY_NOT_SUPPORTED, and it’s essential that I update reporting workflows accordingly.

What’s next. I’ve already checked out the updated client libraries and code samples for v24.1, and I plan to participate in Google’s live walkthrough on Discord, YouTube Live, and LinkedIn Live for additional insights.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 14, 2026
Google’s New Merchant Advisor: Revolutionizing Retail Management

Recently, I’ve discovered that Google is stepping up its game in AI tools for advertisers and retailers.

They’re testing something quite futuristic called Merchant Advisor, an AI assistant integrated directly into the Merchant Center. This tool aims to simplify the process of setup, troubleshooting, and optimization for us all.

What’s happening. As someone who watches Google’s every move, I’ve noticed them testing Merchant Advisor, a cutting-edge AI-powered chatbot right within Google Merchant Center. Although in beta, its purpose is clear: to offer personalized recommendations and support, making my experience smoother than ever.

How it works. The Merchant Advisor acts like a proactive assistant, offering tasks and suggestions like setting up a returns policy or finalizing account setup steps. It feels like having an assistant who is always available to enhance my feed quality and account health.

The bigger trend. This development is part of Google’s strategy to weave AI assistants throughout its marketing products, reminding me of earlier launches like Google Ads Advisor and Analytics Advisor. The AI co-pilots are evidently becoming the norm for managing campaigns and analytics.

Between the lines. Let’s face it, Merchant Center can be a technical labyrinth, especially for smaller retailers juggling feeds, policies, and diagnostics. But now, with an embedded AI guide, I’m finding it less daunting to get onboarded quickly and spot optimization opportunities I might have overlooked.

Spotted by. This feature first caught the eye of Tamara Hellgren during a Google Ads Decoded podcast episode that focused on retail innovations.

The bottom line. It’s clear to me that Google is transforming the Merchant Center into a more intuitive, AI-assisted environment, which reflects a larger trend towards automation within its advertising landscape.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 13, 2026
TurboQuant: Revolutionizing AI with Entity-Driven SEO

I believe the launch of TurboQuant will revolutionize AI and SEO as we know it. This cutting-edge algorithm from Google drastically reduces the computing power and energy needs by allowing the massive compression of LLMs and vector search engines.

Imagine using six times less memory and achieving eight times the speed without compromising accuracy. That’s how TurboQuant dramatically lowers the cost of running AI tasks.

As search engines evolve from simply listing links on a SERP to providing immediate AI-generated overviews, it’s crucial for us in the SEO industry to adapt. We need to focus on creating meaningful, trustworthy content and understand its impact on searches.

Before AI became prevalent, SEO was grounded in basic keywords and topics, which inefficiently represented user intent. High costs and energy consumption hindered mapping true meaning across the web, but now TurboQuant uses an advanced compression method, PolarQuant, to transform data into manageable coordinates. This breakthrough allows Google to process complex ideas far more efficiently.

TurboQuant can match exact search meanings in real time, thanks to its ability to understand user intent using past searches and real-world contexts.

The near-zero indexing lead time of TurboQuant eradicates delays between publication and ranking. Trusted publishers will gain instant recognition for their expertise, while the system also blocks manipulation and spam from appearing.

We must prepare for the fast-approaching era where AI summaries become the norm in responding to most queries. Thin content, which adds no original value, will vanish because AI can now summarize the web almost instantly, making unique viewpoints and genuine data irreplaceable.

Developing trust and authority with original thoughts, data, and experiences will prove essential, as AI-generated summaries merely consolidate existing information.

The focus of our SEO strategies should be to become a source AI recommends reliably, not just rankings based on keywords. TurboQuant maintains a more reliable index of facts by validating them against its real-time knowledge base.

This new system tracks a brand’s strength across various platforms, reinforcing the necessity of improving our knowledge graph as a trusted source.

With TurboQuant handling vast information without delays, hyper-personalization is set to explode in ways we’ve previously not imagined. AI agents could remember extensive user interactions to provide extensive personalization.

TurboQuant’s capability to integrate various signals into a cohesive perception of a brand’s value demands a strategic shift toward consistent, omnichannel representation.

We’ve prioritized quantity over quality for far too long in this industry. TurboQuant signals the end of this era, as it necessitates creating high-quality, meaningful content that establishes us as trusted entities.

Delivering a reliable message with a clear voice will guide how our messages are distributed and our brand credibility.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 13, 2026
Google Discover Bug Leads to Misleading Data in Search Console

Have you recently noticed a decline in clicks and impressions around May 7th to May 8th? Don’t worry; it’s just a reporting glitch.

I discovered that Google has confirmed a bug affecting the Discover report in Google Search Console. It turns out there was a ‘logging’ error with the data, which has resulted in a drop in clicks and impressions during May 7th to May 8th, 2026.

Google assures us that this is merely a ‘data logging only’ issue, and it hasn’t impacted the actual positioning in Google Discover.

The issue: Google stated once again that a data logging error caused the discrepancies in the Discover report between May 7th and 8th, 2026.

As per Google’s post, this bug might have caused a ‘decrease in clicks and impressions in the Discover performance report.’

Why it matters: Numerous publishers, possibly including myself, saw a dip in performance metrics. It’s crucial to note that this is likely due to this bug.

Make sure to annotate your reports and inform your stakeholders that the Discover data from May 7th to May 8th is inaccurate and should be disregarded.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 12, 2026
Explore Google’s New AI Search Link & Citation Updates

Have you noticed a change in how Google displays links and citations in its AI search features? I recently learned about five key updates that aim to enhance our experience with AI Mode and AI Overviews.

According to Hema Budaraju, VP, Product Management at Google, these upgrades are designed to help us connect with authentic voices and access valuable information across the web. She detailed these updates in a recent article.

Let’s dive into the updates rolling out:

(1) Suggested angles at the end of AI responses. Google now suggests further reading options at the end of AI responses. These link to unique articles or analyses that deepen our understanding of the topic. It’s like having a roadmap to satisfy our curiosity!

Here’s a preview of this feature:

(2) Easier access to your news subscriptions. With this update, Google displays links from our news subscriptions prominently. This means I can quickly access content I trust, maximizing the value of my subscriptions. During Google’s early tests, these subscription links significantly boosted click-through rates.

If you’re a publisher, check out the documentation to enable this feature.

Here’s what this looks like in action:

(3) Social media and online discussions now include creator details. When AI features cite social media, Google includes not only the website’s name but also the creator’s name, handle, and community name. This transparency helps me spot firsthand sources at a glance.

Here’s a glimpse of how this plays out:

(4) More links, next to relevant text. Google is increasing the number of links shown directly within AI responses, strategically placing them next to relevant text. This makes it tempting for me to explore these sources further.

Here’s what it looks like:

(5) Hover over inline links for a quick look. Now when I hover over an inline link in Google’s AI features, I get a sneak peek of the website. This could just be the nudge I need to click through and explore further. I remember seeing Google test this back in February and thought it was a brilliant idea.

Here’s an example of the feature:

Why this matters. Google is committed to ongoing testing and refinements, ensuring these features serve us better. I truly believe these changes will promote more engagement with the cited pages, presenting an exciting step forward for both users and the web ecosystem. The real question is, will they meet my expectations?

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 6, 2026
Google’s UCP Checkout Revolutionizes Search Shopping

I find it fascinating that Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), which was initially limited to AI Mode, is now expanding into regular search results. It’s not just a fleeting trend; some retailers have already begun integrating this technology into their listing pages, making our online shopping experience even more intuitive.

Earlier this year, Google rolled out UCP for AI-agents to facilitate direct purchases from search results. It first launched exclusively within Google’s AI Mode but now, we’re seeing it implemented in Google’s main search results for retailers who support UCP.

Discovering what the UCP checkout looks like was made easier thanks to a post by Brodie Clark. He shared a screenshot showing how Wayfair’s listings on Google Search now feature a UCP-powered ‘Buy’ button. This button is a game-changer because it allows purchases directly from Google’s interface without navigating to Wayfair’s website.

The UCP protocol is paving the way for seamless transactions by establishing a common language for AI agents and commerce systems. No longer do we have to worry about bespoke integrations across different platforms.

Collaboratively developed with big names like Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, and Target, UCP aligns with existing standards, such as Agent2Agent and Agent Payments Protocols, creating a more cohesive digital commerce space.

What really excites me is the potential for profit growth for retailers who embrace this technology. Although Wayfair might miss out on direct site traffic for specific searches, their affiliation with Google through UCP can still result in conversions.

While it’s clear that not everyone will bypass the traditional shopping journey, as many of us still prefer exploring products on the retailer’s site, the option to ‘Buy’ directly adds a layer of convenience. It’s definitely something worth monitoring as its prevalence in search results increases.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 5, 2026
Google’s New Tools to Enhance Measurement in Advertising
When I heard that Google is unveiling new measurement tools, I was eager to see how these could empower advertisers to connect data more effectively, prove their impact, and make smarter decisions.

Google’s latest tools are designed to give advertisers a better grasp of performance across increasingly complex customer journeys. As AI evolves in transforming campaigns, creative strategies, and targeting, Google is offering updates in data integration, experimentation, and media mix modeling. This helps us, as marketers, convert fragmented signals into actionable insights.

The reason why this matters to me is that while automation has simplified campaign management, understanding what truly works has become more complex. These updates aim to facilitate data connections, provide proof of what’s driving results, and enable smarter budget decisions across various channels. As AI manages more execution, robust measurement becomes crucial for performance and growth differentiation.

Data is the foundation here. Google’s expansion of its Data Manager offers a clearer view of data flow across platforms like BigQuery, HubSpot, and Shopify. A new map-based interface will allow us to visualize connections between data sources and address gaps in tracking or configuration. Additionally, updates to the Google tag are designed to simplify setups, enabling advertisers like me to enhance existing tags without additional coding.

The overall goal is to unify signals and improve data quality, which directly influences campaign performance. Google recognizes that advertisers often face more challenges in data setup and integration than in executing campaigns themselves. By streamlining tagging and data flows, Google aims to eliminate one of the biggest hurdles to effective AI adoption.

Introducing Meridian GeoX, Google provides a new geo-experimentation tool to measure incremental impact across regions. Built on an open-source framework, GeoX integrates with Google’s broader Marketing Mix Model, Meridian, offering a more robust way to validate performance — particularly when presenting results to finance teams.

This signifies a shift from merely correlating data to focusing on causal measurement.

As changes in privacy reduce visibility and make attribution more complex, we’re under pressure to prove impact. Tools like GeoX aim to offer that “ground truth” which many attribution models struggle to provide.

To simplify complex Marketing Mix Models (MMMs), Google is launching Meridian Studio, a Google Cloud-powered platform. This helps teams like mine to build, customize, and scale models more efficiently, focusing on making MMMs less resource-intensive and more accessible for enterprise teams handling large datasets.

What I’m keeping an eye on:
- Whether simplified tools will encourage wider adoption of MMMs among advertisers
- The effectiveness of GeoX in proving incremental impact
- If improved data visibility will lead to better campaign performance
In summary, Google is strategically shifting focus: in our AI-driven world, it is better measurement — and not just better automation — that will dictate success.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
May 5, 2026
Google Rectifies Search Console Data Glitch — Moving Forward

It feels like a moment of relief as Google recently announced a resolution to a longstanding data logging issue within Google Search Console. This glitch affected data between May 13, 2025, and April 27, 2026, spanning approximately 50 weeks. However, it’s important to note that while the root cause has been addressed, historical data from this period remains unfixed.

Google shared this update in a rather understated post, bringing light to a problem that many of us have been grappling with for quite some time. According to their post, “A logging error prevented Search Console from accurately reporting impressions from May 13, 2025, until April 27, 2026. This issue has been resolved.” It was a relief to hear, but also a bit frustrating knowing that impressions, CTR, and average position data were affected for such a significant period. Thankfully, clicks weren’t influenced by this error, which was some consolation.

As I sift through my Search Console data, I must remind myself of this anomaly, particularly when analyzing metrics from that problematic timeframe. The good news is that any data collected from this point forward should be accurate.

Further confirmation came from John Mueller on Bluesky, who reiterated that past data would not be retroactively corrected, but the issue has indeed been resolved going forward.

This development is crucial for all of us who rely heavily on precise data for SEO strategies. If your impressions appear lower and, consequently, your CTR and average position figures seem skewed during this period, this is likely why.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 4, 2026
Boost Your Data Insights with Google Analytics Task Assistant

When I first heard about Google Analytics introducing their new Task Assistant, I was intrigued. This tool promises to be a game-changer for those of us who want to maximize our use of Google Analytics without needing deep technical know-how.

It’s exciting to see Google simplify such a complex product. Task Assistant is designed to help advertisers and analysts like me gain more value from our data effortlessly.

What’s New. With the rollout of Task Assistant, Google Analytics offers a guided workflow tool that surfaces tailored recommendations. This means improving property setup, data collection, and reporting is easier than ever.

How It Works. Located in the left-hand navigation, Task Assistant organizes recommendations into clear categories like connecting accounts and enhancing reporting. I can mark tasks as complete or skip items not aligning with my goals, making the setup more flexible.

Why We Care. Identifying gaps in tracking quickly helps ensure I’m working with reliable data. Task Assistant minimizes the risk of missed insights or inaccurate reporting, allowing for confident optimization of campaigns and budgets.

Between the Lines. Analytics platforms, as powerful as they are, can be underutilized due to poor configuration. I’m glad Google is turning setup into a step-by-step process rather than leaving it as a daunting manual audit.

The Bottom Line. Task Assistant is all about making Google Analytics more actionable. It guides users toward better data quality and effective measurement, all with less guesswork.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

April 30, 2026
Google’s Preferred Sources Now Available in Every Language

When I learned that Google’s Preferred Sources feature now supports all languages, not just English, I was thrilled. This exciting update means more people can tailor their news experience, regardless of the language they speak.

According to a recent post on Google’s blog, ‘Preferred Sources is now rolling out globally in all supported languages.’ This gives me, and everyone else, more control over the news we see on Search, allowing us to choose our preferred outlets to appear more frequently in Top Stories.

It’s fascinating to reflect on how this feature initially rolled out in December, but was limited to English. Now, it’s a comprehensive tool available globally, no matter the language.

Interesting Stats: Google shared some compelling data with this launch. For instance, readers are reportedly twice as likely to click on a site after marking it as a Preferred Source. Also, over 200,000 unique sites have already been selected by users—from local niche blogs to major global news platforms.

Preferred Sources: This feature lets me star my favorite publications in the Top Stories section of Google Search. By doing so, Google uses that interest to show more stories from those sources. I learned it started in beta back in June and was initially available in the U.S. and India by August, but now it’s part of a worldwide expansion.

How it Works: It’s simple! I just click the star icon next to the Top Stories header in my search results. This allows me to pick preferred sources, provided these sites are constantly updating their content.

Once selected, Google promises to showcase more updates from my favorite sites in Top Stories, provided they have fresh content relevant to my search.

For more detailed information, I can visit this page.

Why it Matters: In the competitive area of Google Search traffic, marking my site as a preferred source can make a significant impact. Google indicated these users are twice as likely to engage, which could help in driving more traffic to my site.

So, I’m adding the preferred source icon to encourage my audience to sign up. If you’re interested, you can make Search Engine Land a preferred source by clicking here.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

April 30, 2026

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