From Clicking to Thinking: PPC News April 2024

Our mission is to empower you not just to survive, but to thrive. With insights from this blog, you'll be primed to tackle PPC with confidence, adapting strategies like a pro. We're committed to delivering the freshest PPC news, top-tier updates, optimization tactics, and game-changing tips each month. Let's get into it 👇
Blog post main image
Laura Probstnerová
May 10, 2024

Google Analytics 4

Google Ads Budget Recommendations

Google Analytics 4 now includes proactive Google Ads recommendations, such as "increase budget" prompts for high-traffic days, directly in the interface. These appear under the "Advertising Snapshot" menu when an account misses at least 5% of potential traffic from the previous week. Users can view details or adjust their budgets by navigating directly to their Google Ads account from the prompts. (source)

Google Ads

Enhanced Control with 'Ad Group Settings' in Demand Gen

Google Ads enhances user experience in Demand Gen campaigns with the new 'Ad Group Settings' button. This addition, along with the previously introduced 'Campaign Settings' at the campaign level, streamlines adjustments and improves navigation. (source)

High-Quality Images with AI in Demand Gen

Demand Gen campaigns now feature generative AI tools, enabling advertisers to create custom, high-quality image assets from prompts or existing images. These AI tools provide full control over the images integrated into campaigns and are currently available in English globally, with additional languages coming soon. (source)

Changes to Audience Signal Exclusions in Google Ads Pmax Campaigns

Google Ads has discontinued the use of Audience Signal Exclusions in Performance Max (Pmax) campaigns. Previously set exclusions, such as excluding purchasers, are no longer effective. A new alert in the platform recommends shifting to New Customer Acquisition bidding for targeted strategies. (source)

'Ad Intents' for Sponsored Links

Google's Auto Ads program has expanded with a new 'ad intents' format, integrating sponsored links directly into publisher content. While this creates new monetization opportunities, concerns arise about potential traffic diversion from publishers' main sites. (source)

AI-Generated Summaries Enter Beta Testing

Google Ads' interface now includes an AI-generated summary section in beta on the Overview page, allowing for a comparative analysis of performance data week-over-week. This tool promises to evolve into a more robust analytical feature. (source)

Updated Review Process Post-Campaign Publication

Following the launch of a new campaign, Google Ads users will encounter a page titled 'Your ads will go live after a review,' indicating a 1-2 business days review process. Additionally, a 'Google Tag' setup page may appear for accounts to address tracking setups. (source)

'AI Essential' Offers Smart Optimization Recommendations

The new 'AI Essential' feature in Google Ads uses artificial intelligence to deliver strategic recommendations for campaign optimization. While promising, the feature currently lacks detailed descriptions and clarity on its specific impact within Google Ads. (source)

Google Tests New "Card" Shaped Search Ads in Europe

Google is experimenting with a new "Card" shaped Search Ad format across Europe. These visually distinct ads feature either Image Extensions or Text assets, potentially testing layouts for Single's Page Extensions (SGE) to analyze click-through rates. There has been no official statement from Google about this new ad format yet. (source)

Google Delays Chrome's 3rd Party Cookie Phase-out to 2025

Google has announced the postponement of phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome until early 2025. This decision stems from challenges in aligning diverse feedback from industry stakeholders, regulators, and developers. Google remains committed to closely engaging with the entire ecosystem as it navigates this transition. (source)

YouTube

New Ad Options for YouTube Shorts

Google has launched new ad products for YouTube Shorts, including YouTube Select Shorts—a curated selection for advertisers. This initiative taps into YouTube Shorts' vast reach of two billion monthly users and 70 billion daily views, allowing brands to feature their ads alongside top-performing content in categories like Entertainment, Beauty, and Gaming. (source)

Meta

Expanded Audience Controls

Meta now allows audience controls to be applied to all campaign types, not just Advantage+ shopping campaigns. This update enables advertisers to specify location and minimum age restrictions more broadly across their ad account. (source)

Introduction of 'Opportunity Score' 

Meta has launched an 'Opportunity Score' in Ads Manager to help advertisers gauge the optimization level of their campaigns. This score is determined by the adoption of recommended actions that can boost performance. (source)

Fullscreen Video Player on Facebook 

All videos on Facebook, including Reels, long-form, and live videos, will now play in fullscreen on iOS and Android in the US and Canada, with a global rollout planned in the coming months. (source)

'Instagram Profile Reels' as a New Ad Placement

Meta is rolling out 'Instagram profile reels' as a new ad placement option, allowing ads to be shown within the Reels feed of public Instagram profiles, similar to existing profile feed placements. (source)

'Ads that Click to Subscribe' Feature

Meta introduces a new way to engage users with marketing messages via Messenger. Ads with the 'Send marketing messages' template will prompt users to opt-in to receive up to one marketing message per day. (source)

Region-wide Reporting for Advantage+ App Campaigns

Advertisers can now access detailed regional reports for their Advantage+ App Campaigns, enhancing geographic insights within their campaign management. (source)

New Facebook Group Reporting Preset

A new reporting preset for Facebook Groups shows metrics related to join requests, helping administrators track engagement and manage group growth effectively. (source)

AI-Generated Backgrounds for Catalog Ads

Meta's new AI-powered feature for generating backgrounds in Catalog ads is now available to more advertisers, enhancing visual presentation in Sales campaigns. (source)

Increased Daily Budget Flexibility

Meta is extending 'daily budget flexibility' to more ad accounts, allowing up to 75% overspend on daily budgets to maximize campaign opportunities, with safeguards to prevent excessive weekly spending. (source)

Enhanced Campaign Insights with 'Actions' Tab

The new 'Actions' tab in campaign charts provides actionable insights into errors, warnings, or recommendations, complete with links for easy resolution. (source)

Reminder Ads with Website Links

Reminder ads now support a secondary call-to-action that links to the advertiser's website, providing an additional engagement opportunity after a reminder is set. (source)

Notifications via Messenger for Ad Updates

Advertisers can opt to receive various notifications about their ads or ad account directly in Messenger, enhancing communication and response capabilities. (source)

Preview Advantage+ Creative Optimizations

When creating ads, the preview now includes creative variations with Advantage+ optimizations applied, allowing for immediate review and adjustments. (source)

Simplified Performance Comparison in Ads Manager

An updated 'Compare in chart' icon in Ads Manager makes it easier to compare multiple campaign performances side by side. (source)

'Engaged Customers' Segment Renamed to 'Engaged Audience'

Reflecting its purpose more accurately, this segment targets individuals who have shown interest in products but haven't purchased, providing clearer insights into potential customer behavior. (source)

Microsoft

Copilot Integrated into Microsoft Advertising Editor

Microsoft Advertising continues to integrate Copilot across its platforms, now adding it to the Microsoft Advertising Editor as of April 2024. This tool aids advertisers in crafting and refining search ads, following its initial rollout and subsequent updates throughout 2023. (source)

Expansion of Maximize Conversion Value Strategy

Microsoft has broadened the availability of its 'Maximize Conversion Value' bid strategy, extending it from smart shopping campaigns to all search and shopping campaigns. This strategy aims to optimize the value of conversions achieved through bids. (source)

Transition from Manual CPC to Enhanced CPC

Starting April 30, Microsoft Advertising will begin phasing out manual CPC bidding for new native ad campaigns, shifting to enhanced CPC (eCPC) to improve bidding efficiency. By May 17, all existing image and feed campaigns on manual CPC will also convert to eCPC. (source)

Automatic MSCLKID Tagging for Enhanced Tracking

To enhance conversion tracking and address browser restrictions on cookies, Microsoft has implemented automatic MSCLKID tagging for new accounts and is activating it for existing eligible advertisers. This feature appends a unique click ID to URLs, crucial for precise conversion analytics. (source)

AI-Powered Smart Image Cropping

Microsoft Advertising now includes AI-driven smart image cropping for Audience ads and extensions, which automatically adjusts image crops to highlight the most important elements, enhancing visual impact and simplifying asset creation. (source)

Microsoft Ads Adds Five New Languages

To better serve advertisers targeting Southeast Asia and India, Microsoft Advertising has added Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino, and Hindi to its platform. This expansion allows for campaigns to be tailored in local languages, improving engagement with diverse audiences. (source)

Google Analytics 4

Google Ads Budget Recommendations

Google Analytics 4 now includes proactive Google Ads recommendations, such as "increase budget" prompts for high-traffic days, directly in the interface. These appear under the "Advertising Snapshot" menu when an account misses at least 5% of potential traffic from the previous week. Users can view details or adjust their budgets by navigating directly to their Google Ads account from the prompts. (source)

Google Ads

Enhanced Control with 'Ad Group Settings' in Demand Gen

Google Ads enhances user experience in Demand Gen campaigns with the new 'Ad Group Settings' button. This addition, along with the previously introduced 'Campaign Settings' at the campaign level, streamlines adjustments and improves navigation. (source)

High-Quality Images with AI in Demand Gen

Demand Gen campaigns now feature generative AI tools, enabling advertisers to create custom, high-quality image assets from prompts or existing images. These AI tools provide full control over the images integrated into campaigns and are currently available in English globally, with additional languages coming soon. (source)

Changes to Audience Signal Exclusions in Google Ads Pmax Campaigns

Google Ads has discontinued the use of Audience Signal Exclusions in Performance Max (Pmax) campaigns. Previously set exclusions, such as excluding purchasers, are no longer effective. A new alert in the platform recommends shifting to New Customer Acquisition bidding for targeted strategies. (source)

'Ad Intents' for Sponsored Links

Google's Auto Ads program has expanded with a new 'ad intents' format, integrating sponsored links directly into publisher content. While this creates new monetization opportunities, concerns arise about potential traffic diversion from publishers' main sites. (source)

AI-Generated Summaries Enter Beta Testing

Google Ads' interface now includes an AI-generated summary section in beta on the Overview page, allowing for a comparative analysis of performance data week-over-week. This tool promises to evolve into a more robust analytical feature. (source)

Updated Review Process Post-Campaign Publication

Following the launch of a new campaign, Google Ads users will encounter a page titled 'Your ads will go live after a review,' indicating a 1-2 business days review process. Additionally, a 'Google Tag' setup page may appear for accounts to address tracking setups. (source)

'AI Essential' Offers Smart Optimization Recommendations

The new 'AI Essential' feature in Google Ads uses artificial intelligence to deliver strategic recommendations for campaign optimization. While promising, the feature currently lacks detailed descriptions and clarity on its specific impact within Google Ads. (source)

Google Tests New "Card" Shaped Search Ads in Europe

Google is experimenting with a new "Card" shaped Search Ad format across Europe. These visually distinct ads feature either Image Extensions or Text assets, potentially testing layouts for Single's Page Extensions (SGE) to analyze click-through rates. There has been no official statement from Google about this new ad format yet. (source)

Google Delays Chrome's 3rd Party Cookie Phase-out to 2025

Google has announced the postponement of phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome until early 2025. This decision stems from challenges in aligning diverse feedback from industry stakeholders, regulators, and developers. Google remains committed to closely engaging with the entire ecosystem as it navigates this transition. (source)

YouTube

New Ad Options for YouTube Shorts

Google has launched new ad products for YouTube Shorts, including YouTube Select Shorts—a curated selection for advertisers. This initiative taps into YouTube Shorts' vast reach of two billion monthly users and 70 billion daily views, allowing brands to feature their ads alongside top-performing content in categories like Entertainment, Beauty, and Gaming. (source)

Meta

Expanded Audience Controls

Meta now allows audience controls to be applied to all campaign types, not just Advantage+ shopping campaigns. This update enables advertisers to specify location and minimum age restrictions more broadly across their ad account. (source)

Introduction of 'Opportunity Score' 

Meta has launched an 'Opportunity Score' in Ads Manager to help advertisers gauge the optimization level of their campaigns. This score is determined by the adoption of recommended actions that can boost performance. (source)

Fullscreen Video Player on Facebook 

All videos on Facebook, including Reels, long-form, and live videos, will now play in fullscreen on iOS and Android in the US and Canada, with a global rollout planned in the coming months. (source)

'Instagram Profile Reels' as a New Ad Placement

Meta is rolling out 'Instagram profile reels' as a new ad placement option, allowing ads to be shown within the Reels feed of public Instagram profiles, similar to existing profile feed placements. (source)

'Ads that Click to Subscribe' Feature

Meta introduces a new way to engage users with marketing messages via Messenger. Ads with the 'Send marketing messages' template will prompt users to opt-in to receive up to one marketing message per day. (source)

Region-wide Reporting for Advantage+ App Campaigns

Advertisers can now access detailed regional reports for their Advantage+ App Campaigns, enhancing geographic insights within their campaign management. (source)

New Facebook Group Reporting Preset

A new reporting preset for Facebook Groups shows metrics related to join requests, helping administrators track engagement and manage group growth effectively. (source)

AI-Generated Backgrounds for Catalog Ads

Meta's new AI-powered feature for generating backgrounds in Catalog ads is now available to more advertisers, enhancing visual presentation in Sales campaigns. (source)

Increased Daily Budget Flexibility

Meta is extending 'daily budget flexibility' to more ad accounts, allowing up to 75% overspend on daily budgets to maximize campaign opportunities, with safeguards to prevent excessive weekly spending. (source)

Enhanced Campaign Insights with 'Actions' Tab

The new 'Actions' tab in campaign charts provides actionable insights into errors, warnings, or recommendations, complete with links for easy resolution. (source)

Reminder Ads with Website Links

Reminder ads now support a secondary call-to-action that links to the advertiser's website, providing an additional engagement opportunity after a reminder is set. (source)

Notifications via Messenger for Ad Updates

Advertisers can opt to receive various notifications about their ads or ad account directly in Messenger, enhancing communication and response capabilities. (source)

Preview Advantage+ Creative Optimizations

When creating ads, the preview now includes creative variations with Advantage+ optimizations applied, allowing for immediate review and adjustments. (source)

Simplified Performance Comparison in Ads Manager

An updated 'Compare in chart' icon in Ads Manager makes it easier to compare multiple campaign performances side by side. (source)

'Engaged Customers' Segment Renamed to 'Engaged Audience'

Reflecting its purpose more accurately, this segment targets individuals who have shown interest in products but haven't purchased, providing clearer insights into potential customer behavior. (source)

Microsoft

Copilot Integrated into Microsoft Advertising Editor

Microsoft Advertising continues to integrate Copilot across its platforms, now adding it to the Microsoft Advertising Editor as of April 2024. This tool aids advertisers in crafting and refining search ads, following its initial rollout and subsequent updates throughout 2023. (source)

Expansion of Maximize Conversion Value Strategy

Microsoft has broadened the availability of its 'Maximize Conversion Value' bid strategy, extending it from smart shopping campaigns to all search and shopping campaigns. This strategy aims to optimize the value of conversions achieved through bids. (source)

Transition from Manual CPC to Enhanced CPC

Starting April 30, Microsoft Advertising will begin phasing out manual CPC bidding for new native ad campaigns, shifting to enhanced CPC (eCPC) to improve bidding efficiency. By May 17, all existing image and feed campaigns on manual CPC will also convert to eCPC. (source)

Automatic MSCLKID Tagging for Enhanced Tracking

To enhance conversion tracking and address browser restrictions on cookies, Microsoft has implemented automatic MSCLKID tagging for new accounts and is activating it for existing eligible advertisers. This feature appends a unique click ID to URLs, crucial for precise conversion analytics. (source)

AI-Powered Smart Image Cropping

Microsoft Advertising now includes AI-driven smart image cropping for Audience ads and extensions, which automatically adjusts image crops to highlight the most important elements, enhancing visual impact and simplifying asset creation. (source)

Microsoft Ads Adds Five New Languages

To better serve advertisers targeting Southeast Asia and India, Microsoft Advertising has added Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino, and Hindi to its platform. This expansion allows for campaigns to be tailored in local languages, improving engagement with diverse audiences. (source)

TABLE OF CONTENT
Laura Probstnerová
Link right icon
A monthly boost of marketing news, tips and tricks sent to your inbox.
We will make you a better marketer for free. Our newsletter will keep you updated!
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Related articles

Interviews, tips, guides, industry best practices, and news.

Try Dotidot, the ultimate
performance marketing solution.

Create your account for free, no credit card needed.
Give Dotidot a try
Footer image