I’ve got some exciting news about Google Search Console that’s just too good to keep to myself. They’ve introduced a branded queries filter that’s rolling out gradually, and trust me, you’ll want to get your hands on it!
With this new addition, I’ve found that filtering performance reports by branded or non-branded queries has never been easier. Google can now show me the percentage of traffic my site gets from either branded or non-branded sources, right from Search Console.
This update made its debut at today’s Google Search Central event in Tel Aviv, and if you’re hearing about it now, it’s because news travels fast, especially from events like these.
Understanding Branded Queries. Google defined branded queries for us: These are search queries that include my brand name, its variations or any brand-related products. For instance, if my brand was Google, related queries could be “Google,” “Gogle,” or even “Gmail.”
This differentiation helps me see how returning users differ from new ones. Focusing on this can lead to higher click-through rates for branded queries. Meanwhile, non-branded ones show how new users find my content organically.
Finding the Filter. Ready to use it? You can locate the branded versus non-branded filter within performance reports under search filters for queries. I love how it works across all search types, whether web, images, video, or news. Metrics like impressions and CTR tailored to my needs are just a click away.
Affiliate marketing is a major driver of revenue, but it also hides significant losses. I’ve seen firsthand how brand bidding, ad hijacking, coupon abuse, and subtler forms of affiliate fraud can erode ROI and distort attribution figures.
The critical issue isn’t whether these challenges exist, but rather understanding how much they’re impacting our business. In this article, I delve into the most prevalent types of affiliate marketing fraud. I’ll also share insights on how modern tools like Bluepear offer advanced affiliate fraud detection strategies that protect our growth, reputation, and budget.
Not all affiliate programs offer the same benefits, nor do they come with the same risks. Particularly in SaaS, where affiliate commissions can be between 20% to 70%, these programs become highly enticing targets for fraudsters.
Fraudsters exploit trust gaps, often bidding on brand terms or using shady tactics like ad hijacking and coupon code misuse to siphon off profits. A staggering 63% of affiliate marketers identify these threats as their primary concern.
Unfortunately, much of this fraud operates under the radar. Affiliates execute campaigns and manage landing pages without real-time monitoring, which means you may end up paying commissions on existing traffic or, worse, funding brand impostors.
Let’s dig deeper into common fraud tactics and how to recognize and counteract them early on. Equipped with strategies, you can shield your program from such threats.
I focus on four primary fraud tactics: brand bidding, ad hijacking, coupon abuse, and non-compliant content. Each poses unique challenges but can be counteracted with the right preventative measures.
Brand bidding occurs when someone purchases ads using your brand name. This diverts potential customers who are actively searching for your product, resulting in needless commission payments. It’s crucial to maintain a detailed list of brand-related keywords in your affiliate terms and monitor for sudden spikes in performance metrics.
Ad hijacking mimics your paid search ads, lowering your campaign visibility. Regular checks and test searches can expose these fraudulent activities.
Coupon abuse is trickier; it manipulates traffic from affiliates who rank high for brand-related coupon searches. Ensuring coupon activity is pre-approved and regularly monitoring search results helps mitigate this fraud.
Non-compliant content can easily escape detection. Cloaking tactics mean users see different content than compliance teams. Establish strong creative guidelines and treat content audits as an ongoing activity.
Defending against affiliate fraud requires continuous vigilance, clear program rules, and leveraging technology. Platforms like Bluepear use automated systems to highlight and eliminate fraud, giving you back control.
For 2026, my focus is on building stronger relationships with affiliates, ensuring transparency, and promoting a culture that prioritizes honesty and clear communications.
Ultimately, affiliate fraud is a continually evolving threat. By understanding these tactics, setting clear expectations, and utilizing advanced tools, we can protect our interests and secure sustainable growth.
I’m excited to share that Google has just introduced its latest AI marvel, Gemini 3. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, described it as ‘our most intelligent model, combining all of Gemini’s capabilities to bring any idea to life.’
As I delve into Gemini 3, I find it fascinating that it’s already powering the AI Mode in Search, bringing more complex reasoning and dynamic experiences right at our fingertips. Sundar Pichai highlighted, ‘This is the first time we are shipping Gemini in Search on day one.’
AI Mode with Gemini 3. I’m thrilled to see how AI Mode in Search has evolved with Gemini 3, offering new generative UI experiences like immersive visual layouts and interactive simulations, all dynamically created based on our queries.
Here’s a video demonstration showing how RNA polymerase functions with generative UI in AI Mode in Search. Watching it helped me better grasp these complex concepts.
Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google Search, emphasizes how ‘Gemini 3 with generative layouts will make it easy to understand anything on your mind.’ It offers state-of-the-art reasoning, deep multimodal insights, and advanced agentic capabilities, making it shine in explaining advanced concepts or even coding interactive visuals instantly.
More on Gemini 3. Diving deeper, I discovered that Gemini 3 features:
State-of-the-art reasoning
Deep multimodal understanding
Powerful vibe coding for seamless transitions from prompts to apps
Enhanced agentic capabilities for executing tasks efficiently
Availability. I’m pleased to report that Gemini 3 is not just limited to AI Mode; it’s also accessible in:
The Gemini app and for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in AI Mode in Search
Developers can integrate it via the Gemini API in AI Studio, on Google’s new agentic development platform, Google Antigravity; and through Gemini CLI
Enterprises can leverage its power through Vertex AI and Gemini Enterprise
Why It Matters. For me, understanding Gemini 3’s impact is crucial as it continues to drive the future of Google Search. Staying ahead of these advancements is vital as they influence search dynamics and potentially impact sites and Google Ads strategies.
