I recently discovered that Google is enhancing Vehicle Ads with a click-to-call feature. This update gives potential car buyers a direct and seamless way to connect with dealers, turning search behavior into swift, live conversations.
Why does this matter? Vehicle Ads typically attract buyers who are already showing a strong intent to purchase. Removing obstacles with the new click-to-call feature meets shoppers at the precise moment they’re ready to engage with a dealership.
The big picture reveals a shift in automotive advertising towards instant human interaction. Buyers are more interested in real-time conversations rather than filling out additional forms. With call-enabled Vehicle Ads, connecting search to dialogue has never been easier.
In this evolving landscape, advertisers now bear a greater responsibility. Since the ad itself has become a conversion point, the quality of call handling, as well as staffing levels, can greatly affect performance. Dealers who prioritize phone interactions as a main conversion method will prevail, while those who do not may experience a decline.
Credit goes to Google Ads specialist Thomas Eccel for spotting this update first and sharing it on LinkedIn.
The bottom line is simple: Vehicle Ads have not only gained more visibility but have also come closer to facilitating actual sales.
I recently discovered that Google is planning to lift its previous restrictions on ads for prediction markets in the U.S., starting January 21st. This is exciting news as it opens a previously restricted category on Google Ads, though with stringent rules in place.
Google will only permit ads from entities that are federally regulated. These developments mean that only Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) authorized by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are eligible. Additionally, brokerages registered with the National Futures Association (NFA) offering access to products listed by qualifying DCMs can also participate. However, advertisers need to become Google certified to run these ads in the U.S.
Why am I interested in this? Because prediction markets have historically been a restricted area on Google Ads. The new policy could greatly benefit advertisers, providing access to a target-rich, high-intent audience, yet within set compliance and regulatory confines. The strict eligibility criteria mean less competition—only those meeting stringent compliance standards need apply.
All advertisements must comply with local laws, financial regulations, and Google Ads policies. This new policy is already available for preview in the Advertising Policies Help Center, specifically in the Financial Services and Gambling and Games sections.
Looking at the more prominent perspective, it’s evident that Google is carefully extending its policy by acknowledging prediction markets as regulated financial products, yet keeping unregulated platforms at bay.
Google Ads has introduced exciting updates to its Creator Partnerships, making it easier for me to manage collaborations with YouTube talents on a larger scale.
With the introduction of Creator Search, I can now effortlessly find YouTube creators by utilizing keywords or channel handles. This tool allows me to refine my search based on subscriber count, average views, location, and their availability for contact. It’s a game-changer, significantly cutting down the manual work involved in discovering and reaching out to creators.
In addition to the search feature, Google has unveiled a new Management section. This centralizes all communications with creators, allowing me to view their names, the status of inquiries, subjects, the latest updates, and scheduled response dates—all in one place with the convenience of direct email access.
Why this matters to me. As creator-led campaigns become a core aspect of media strategies, having better tools to identify the right collaborators and maintain organized partnerships is crucial. The latest enhancements to Google Ads’ Creator Partnerships (beta) cater to these needs perfectly.
First sightings. This update made headlines when Google Ads Specialist Thomas Eccel shared it on LinkedIn, making industry professionals eager to explore its capabilities.
The big picture. These upgrades are pushing Creator Partnerships closer to a comprehensive workflow tool, aiding teams like mine to manage creator collaborations with the same efficiency and accountability that we apply to other paid media endeavors.
Bottom line. By enhancing both discovery and organization, Google’s updates to Creator Partnerships empower me to execute creator campaigns at scale with ease.
In 2025, the PPC landscape evolved at breakneck speed, marking an unprecedented shift in the industry. During SMX Next, I had the opportunity to hear from experts discussing the evolution, what’s working, what’s not, and what to prepare for as we move into 2026.
The insights shared were eye-opening, especially how Google interacted with advertisers in new, responsive ways. Ameet Khabra from Hop Skip Media particularly noted Google’s surprising openness to feedback, especially regarding Performance Max.
Chris Ridley from Evoluted emphasized 2025 as the year AI truly took center stage, with platforms like Perplexity and ChatGPT dominating conversations. It’s evident that AI integration in paid media is reshaping the landscape.
Meanwhile, Reva Minkoff of Digital4Startups dubbed it “the year of the max,” due to the sheer volume of features such as Performance Max emerging in the space. This whirlwind of innovation has left us both excited and challenged.
Reflecting on what’s effective, going back to basics with campaign structure and maintaining quality signals rings true. Minkoff emphasized the importance of controlling your search campaigns and making sure they reach your intended audience.
Khabra shared insights on the role of automation with a human touch, using scripts to ensure issues are addressed before they escalate. Meanwhile, Ridley highlighted the value of authentic user-generated content in crafting more relatable campaigns, resisting overly polished AI creations.
Communication with clients and understanding their objectives beyond the figures remains critical, as Ridley suggested. Knowing their business goals can lead to more comprehensive success.
On the flip side, the problematic nature of Automatic Created Assets (ACAs) was a focal point, bringing up concerns about brand safety and losing control over content narratives. Both Khabra and Minkoff voiced this sentiment, emphasizing the need for alignment in brand messaging.
There are ongoing frustrations with user interfaces and prolonged learning periods, which complicate efficiency and adaptability for advertisers managing time-sensitive campaigns like Black Friday.
Looking at surprises from 2025, the announcements from Google Marketing Live were intriguing, particularly A/B testing developments and the adaption of Performance Max features like Waze pins. AI advancements, especially their rapid rollout, caught many by surprise, showing no sign of slowing down.
Looking ahead to 2026, there are so many possibilities. Whether it’s the unknown technological advances or the impacts of legal scenarios like the Google antitrust trial, the landscape is brimming with potential shifts.
I’m excited about the ongoing evolution of PPC and the combined potential of AI and strategic human oversight. The only certainty in PPC is indeed uncertainty, but that dynamic is what keeps it exciting and full of opportunities for those who adapt and remain proactive.
For a deeper dive, check out the full panel discussion from SMX Next 2025 below.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the endless clicks in Google Ads’ change history, hunting through reports, campaigns, and ad groups? I know I have! But there’s good news—a ‘Go to…’ button has been introduced to streamline this painstaking process. It’s a subtle change that significantly speeds up audits and troubleshooting.
Discovering What’s New: Google has integrated a ‘Go to…’ dropdown within the Change history report. This feature allows me to leap directly from a logged change to the relevant campaign or ad group, saving precious time, especially when dealing with bulk edits or script-driven updates.
How It Works:
First, I select one or more changes from the Change history report.
Then, I use the ‘Go to…’ dropdown to directly navigate to the impacted entity.
This eliminates the need to manually sift through the account structure.
Community Insights: PPC Specialist Arpan Banerjee was the first to notice this update, sharing it on LinkedIn.
Hana Kobzová, founder of PPC News Feed, observed that this feature “cuts down the steps in troubleshooting and quickens navigation, especially when reviewing bulk changes or those made with scripts or Google Ads Editor.”
Why This Matters: For anyone managing extensive accounts or leveraging scripts and Google Ads Editor, this feature greatly reduces the hassle of identifying and locating changes. It saves me time during audits and troubleshooting, allowing for more efficient account management.
The Bottom Line: While it might not be the most glamorous update, for those of us who frequently work in Change history, this shortcut is a true time-saver.
This past year, PPC has been anything but static – it has evolved. As I explored the insights from 2025, I found these articles resonated deeply. They addressed crucial questions like maintaining a competitive edge, eliminating wasteful spending, collaborating with automation, and gearing up for the future.
Join me as I take you through the links to the top 10 most-read PPC columns on Search Engine Land from 2025, crafted by our incredible experts.
Though it might seem challenging, even the smallest businesses can carve out their niche and captivate customers. Discover the strategies that make this possible. (By Sophie Logan. Published Sept. 16.)
Update your optimization techniques for 2025 with innovative approaches to keywords, Performance Max, and audience targeting. (By Pauline Jakober. Published Feb. 6.)
With increasing CPCs, understanding the pace of this inflation and comparing it to the consumer price index is essential for shaping your ad strategies. (By Mark Meyerson. Published April 16.)
AI is bridging the gap between organic and paid search. Learn how integrating SEO and PPC can enhance your visibility and brand presence. (By Jen Cornwell. Published Oct. 6.)
PPC scripts have limitations, but with vibe coding, you can remove obstacles and transform complex seasonal data into practical planning tools. (By Frederick Vallaeys. Published Aug. 21.)
Streamline your ad creation process without losing your core message. Leveraging generative AI can help craft engaging, personalized copy that truly connects. (By Jason Tabeling. Published Aug. 1.)
Discover filtering techniques that refine targeting, reduce unnecessary clicks, and reveal new keyword opportunities. (By Menachem Ani. Published July 22.)
Enhance your campaign management with Google Ads scripts. Uncover insights, actionable tips, and use cases for leveraging automation to improve performance. (By Frederick Vallaeys. Published Jan. 9.)
As clicks become scarcer, maintaining visibility requires precise targeting and value-based bidding. Achieving this ensures your prominence in both paid and organic searches. (By Sarah Stemen. Published Oct. 7.)
With Google’s environment becoming more automated, some PPC tactics are now obsolete. Discover what to eliminate and what to focus on for the coming year. (By Sarah Vlietstra. Published Nov. 4.)
2025 was a whirlwind year for those of us in the pay-per-click (PPC) marketing world, with changes coming fast and growing increasingly complex.
I noticed how significant many of Google’s updates were throughout the year, from the introduction of deeper automation with AI Max to ads being integrated directly into AI Overviews and more transparency and control being offered with Performance Max campaigns.
There were also key updates to Google Tag Manager and conversion tracking that really changed how I trust and collect data, not to mention the effects of policy shifts, automatic content extraction, and major advertisers like Amazon and Temu pulling back from Google Shopping, shaking up auction dynamics.
Now that 2025 is coming to a close, let me walk you through the headlines that caught my attention, ranked by pageviews.
10. Google changed how Tag Manager works with Google Ads
On March 10th, Google updated Google Tag Manager, ensuring that the Google tag would load before any events, thereby improving tracking accuracy and data collection from April 10th onwards. For me, this meant GTM automatically loaded the Google tag for containers with Google Ads and Floodlight tags, allowing simplified access to Enhanced Conversions and cross-domain tracking directly within tag settings.
9. Google Performance Max campaign API placement exclusions
On January 28th, Google revealed we can actually control Performance Max campaigns using API-based placement exclusions, overturning prior documentation and support guidance that stated otherwise. I found research from ad tech firm Optmyzr confirming that these API exclusions effectively blocked spending on excluded placements, providing stronger programmatic control over PMax campaigns.
8. Search Terms visibility in Google Performance Max campaigns
On March 21st, Google gave us the ability to see which search terms were triggering ads in Performance Max campaigns and introduced the option to add negative keywords directly from the Search Terms report, enhancing transparency and giving us more control.
7. Google Ads AI Max for Search campaigns beta
On May 6th, Google introduced AI Max, a one-click enhancement for Search campaigns, offering us the power of advanced AI to expand reach and dynamically generate ads, while adapting creative elements in real time.
6. Google AI Overviews ads
Starting May 22nd, Google began placing ads directly within AI Overviews, marking a significant shift in monetizing its generative search experience. This new feature was confirmed during Google Marketing Live 2025.
5. Google Ads allowed multiple ads for the same business on one results page
On March 31st, Google allowed the display of multiple ads for the same business on a single results page, provided they appeared in different locations, thereby opening up opportunities for larger brands to increase their visibility.
4. Google launched automatic marketing content extraction
On April 3rd, Google introduced a feature that automatically pulls existing marketing content from merchants to boost visibility across Search, Shopping, and Maps. Merchants were auto-enrolled, but could opt-out anytime?
3. Temu pulled its U.S. Google Shopping ads
On April 14th, Temu’s abrupt withdrawal of its U.S. Google Shopping ads revealed the heavy reliance on paid acquisition. This move, coinciding with increased tariffs and strict enforcement of import regulations, significantly impacted its market presence.
2. Amazon pulled out of Google Shopping ads
On July 25th, Amazon’s unexpected cessation of Google Shopping ads shook the market, given its historical role in driving auction competition and ad revenue. A month later, it resumed internationally but remained absent in the U.S.
1. Google Ads simplified conversion tracking with new tag manager feature
Google Ads, on February 5th, simplified conversion tracking within Google Tag Manager by introducing a wizard-style setup for creating conversion events without manual coding, revolutionizing my approach to tracking and optimization.
PPC in 2025 was undoubtedly dominated by major headline-worthy updates, largely centered around Google’s changes. Moving forward, I expect 2026 to bring even deeper AI integration. The real game-changer will be how expertly we can apply AI strategically.
I’ve got some exciting news to share—Google has just added Maps to the Demand Gen channel controls, giving us advertisers more flexibility than ever. Now, I can choose to run Demand Gen ads on Google Maps alongside other channels or even as a standalone placement!
Personally, this expansion opens up incredible opportunities for me to target users with intent-driven ads while having better control over where my ads show up. Google Maps, in particular, is a fantastic addition if you’re aiming for those crucial location-based placements.
What’s new. Now, I can select Google Maps as a channel within Demand Gen campaigns, either pairing it with other channels or running exclusively Maps-only campaigns. This gives me the strategic flexibility to mix and match, depending on my campaign goals.
Why we care. As advertisers, we get a powerful, location-focused tool in Demand Gen campaigns. It allows us to craft campaigns that cater to high-intent situations like local searches and navigation, marking a vital move towards precise channel control in campaigns traditionally managed more automatically.
Response. The advertising community is buzzing with excitement over this update. Like many others, Anthony Higman, CEO of AdSquire, has eagerly awaited such features for years. It’s an anticipated change that could redefine how I approach location-centric ads.
Between the lines. This move by Google signifies a shift towards greater transparency and control for advertisers. It’s a response to our demands, offering more modular and selectable distribution channels in Demand Gen, which I believe will enhance campaign efficiency.
What to watch. I’m keen to see how Maps placements will perform in comparison to other channels, such as YouTube, Discover, and Gmail. Also, I’ll be monitoring whether Google expands its reporting or optimization tools specifically for Maps inventory.
First seen. This update was initially spotted by Francesca Poles, a Search Marketing Specialist, when she shared it on LinkedIn. It’s great to have marketers like her keeping us all in the loop.
Bottom line. The inclusion of Google Maps in Demand Gen channel controls is a game-changer. For someone like me, it offers fresh strategic avenues, especially for crafting campaigns that are centered around location-based engagement.
Starting in January 2026, I’ll see Google updating its Pharmaceutical policy for AdMob Authorized Buyers. This update allows ads for prescription drugs and services in certain markets without needing Google certification. However, they will tighten restrictions on what remains prohibited.
What’s changing? Google’s policy will now be called “Pharmaceutical products and services.” This change permits Authorized Buyers to promote prescription drugs and services legally in specific countries, without requiring Google certification as is usually demanded in Google Ads.
Although access is broadening, the basic rules remain stringent. The policy modifications intend to enhance clarity and readability rather than reducing enforcement.
Why do I care? This update lets me tap into pharmaceutical advertising inventory without needing Google certification, creating fresh opportunities and competition in programmatic auctions. However, it places more compliance responsibility on my shoulders, increasing the risk of policy violations if geo-targeting and creative controls aren’t precise.
I should consider that even non-pharma advertisers might experience changes due to increased demand and ad presence affecting pricing, brand safety, and placement strategies.
What’s still banned? Ads related to clinical trials, miracle cures, illicit drugs, addiction services, crisis hotlines, and experimental treatments remain banned across Google Partner Inventory.
Looking deeper. While Google is opening access, it’s also transferring responsibility to me as a buyer. By removing certain certification requirements for Authorized Buyers but maintaining strict controls, compliance risk is pushed firmly onto buyers and publishers.
What should I do now? As an app publisher using AdMob, I should review category blocking and ad controls to ensure unwanted pharma ads are excluded, especially as more inventory becomes permissible. I need to prepare for enforcing rules country-by-country and carefully audit creatives.
I’ve learned that broad match now operates alongside Smart Bidding. It’s fascinating how drift happens, why it’s important, and how to align performance with genuine intent.
Broad match, once synonymous with “more reach, less relevance,” now depends on a machine learning layer to define relevance.
Over time, Google has nudged us, the advertisers, towards fewer complexities like fewer match types and more automation.
Since July 2024, broad match has become the default for new Search campaigns, signaling a shift in how we ought to think about it.
If you’re stuck in the mindset of broad match being the “loosest match type,” you’re stuck in 2016, and that’s where problems like CPC inflation and irrelevant leads arise.
Today’s broad match works within a system, collaborating with query matching, Smart Bidding, conversion signals, and optional tools like audiences and negatives.
Google leverages broad match as a growth mechanism for Smart Bidding campaigns rather than a solitary reach tactic.
In this article, I explore the changes, Google’s motivations behind them, and safe practices to maintain standards while using broad match.
The real risk with broad match isn’t relevance, it’s direction
Broad match tends to drift rather than fail completely.
With shallow optimization goals, broad match coupled with Smart Bidding can find quick ways to meet them, sometimes resulting in:
Queries that trigger cheap forms without real sales potential.
Users who convert but never purchase.
Leads that look good in Google Ads but don’t end up profitable.
Even when everything seems fine in the interface, the account might drift away from commercial intent.
This illustrates why understanding broad match’s current behavior is crucial.
What broad match actually is now
Broad match no longer stands alone as a keyword setting but works within a larger optimization system.
It’s built to work with Smart Bidding
Google specifies that broad match is intended to run with Smart Bidding, as bidding decisions are now made during auctions using signals like:
Device
Location
Time of day
Query context
User behavior
Broad match increases eligible queries. Smart Bidding evaluates which ones merit investment.
Running broad match without Smart Bidding deviates from its intended design.
Google has materially improved broad match matching
Google claims that recent AI enhancements have uplifted broad match campaigns using Smart Bidding by 10%.
This doesn’t imply broad match is inherently safe, but Google feels its matching layer justifies broader use.
It’s no longer positioned as optional
Starting July 2024, new Search campaigns activate broad match by default.
The campaign-level setting enforces broad match when conversion-based Smart Bidding is active, marking a significant paradigm shift.
Why Google wants advertisers to adopt broad match
Google’s rationale is straightforward:
Search behavior is increasingly unpredictable and long-tail.
Manual keyword lists fail to keep up with language and intent shifts.
Machine learning can interpret intent at auction time better than rigid logic.
Google positions broad match as a growth tool for Smart Bidding campaigns, providing algorithms with more opportunities to optimize for conversions.
You might not agree with this philosophy, but when advertising on Google Search, you’re part of this system.
A framework for using broad match without losing control
Broad match expands your reach. Maintaining control requires thoughtful constraints.
Conversion goals that reflect quality, not convenience
Smart Bidding optimizes based on defined conversion actions and values.
If your primary conversions are low-intent, broad match will scale this low intent.
Successful setups often include:
Optimizing for deeper conversion actions.
Applying conversion values to identify lead quality tiers.
Importing offline conversions, like qualifying leads or revenue.
This tackles the issue of associating cheap volume with success.
Intent filters through audience signals
Broad match identifies queries. Audience signals dictate ad visibility for those queries.
Audiences should provide context, not just report data:
Customer lists favor known buyers.
Remarketing lists for measured expansion.
Audience insights to recognize quality-segment correlations.
Even in observation mode, these signals help verify if broad match growth benefits the right areas.
Negative keyword structures that scale
With broad match, negative keywords transform from mere cleanup to structural elements.
Effective accounts often include:
Account-level shared negative lists for terms like jobs, free, definition.
Campaign-level exclusions aligned with intent boundaries.
Regular search term reviews, crucial early on.
Broad match naturally explores, while negatives determine its limits.
Brand controls to protect intent
Google’s brand controls can substantially reduce unwanted behavior in broad match.
These controls include:
Brand inclusions restrict matching to queries featuring specified brands.
