From Clicking to Thinking: PPC News March 2024

Our mission is to empower you not just to survive, but to thrive. With insights from this blog series, 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 👇
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Laura Probstnerová
April 4, 2024

Google Analytics 4

GA4 Enhanced Conversions for Google Ads Now More Widely Available

GA4 Enhanced Conversions feature is now accessible in additional properties, offering a comprehensive view of cross-device conversion measurement and attribution through first-party data. This leads to an approximate 10% increase in recorded conversions. However, it's not recommended for advertisers who utilize Big Query. (source)

Google Analytics Officially Adopts "Key Events" Terminology

Google Analytics has formally transitioned from "conversions" to "Key Events". Key Events in Google Analytics 4 are designed to track critical interactions, such as purchases or newsletter sign-ups, and are prominently featured in analytics reports. These Key Events can be transformed into conversions to enhance ad campaign measurement and optimization, ensuring seamless integration and bidding eligibility across Google Ads and Google Analytics. (source)

Google Ads

WhatsApp Number Extension for Google Ads

Google Ads is experimenting with an ad message extension that enables the inclusion of a WhatsApp number in ads. When users click the extension, it initiates a WhatsApp chat with a customizable opening message. The development of this feature and its impact on tracking conversions from conversations are eagerly anticipated. (source)

Limitations on Google Ads Campaign-Level Location Exclusions

Google Ads has imposed restrictions on campaign-level location exclusions, capping them at a maximum of 120 locations per campaign. Existing campaigns exceeding this limit remain unaffected, provided no changes are made to their location exclusions. (source)

"Price Transparency" for EEA Publishers

Google Ads' new "Price Transparency" feature allows EEA publishers to access ad pricing details, like earnings per ad and associated fees, not the spending of other advertisers. Opting in requires agreeing not to share this data or, if sharing with publishers, to include payment amounts, Google's deductions, and calculation metrics. This move aligns with the Digital Markets Act's transparency goals. (source)

Google Ads Enhances Demand Gen with Direct Placement and YouTube Channel Exclusion

Google Ads has recently added Direct Placement and YouTube Channel Exclusion capabilities to Demand Gen Campaigns, enabling advertisers to streamline optimization by directly excluding specific placements and channels. (source)

Enhancements to Google Ads Conversion Diagnostic Tabs with Privacy Emphasis

Google Ads has refined its Conversion Diagnostic Tabs, introducing a "3rd party cookie depreciation" filter to spotlight privacy-centric measurement tools like Enhanced Conversions. Advertisers can now monitor the effectiveness of their conversion actions under Enhanced Conversions, including those migrated to the account level, with statuses ranging from "Excellent" to "No recent data." Google suggests regular weekly checks of the Diagnostic Tab to advance privacy measurement strategies, indicating ongoing enhancements to provide more comprehensive data and insights. (source)

Google Ads Introduces "Customer Types" for Refined Audience Categorization

Google Ads' latest feature, "Customer Types," offers advertisers enhanced audience segmentation capabilities. Notably, each customer type can only be linked to one list, and modifications to customer types for GA4 audiences are not yet possible, indicating the importance of careful planning when using this new tool. (source)

AI-Driven Logo Suggestions for Performance Max Campaigns in Google Ads

Google Ads now offers an AI-powered feature that recommends logos for Performance Max (Pmax) campaigns, drawing from the advertiser's website final URL. The system suggests logos with a 4:1 aspect ratio, allowing advertisers to upload as many as five logos for each Pmax Asset Group. (source)

Minimum Daily Budget Requirement for Demand Gen Campaigns

For the first time, Google Ads has implemented a "Minimum budget" requirement during the setup of Demand Gen campaigns with a Max Clicks bidding strategy. However, advertisers can adjust back to their preferred daily budget after the campaign goes live, suggesting this might be an upselling tactic by Google. (source)

Meta

New 'Engaged Customers' Segment Enhances Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns

Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns now feature a 'Engaged Customers' segment, allowing advertisers to target individuals who have interacted with their brand but haven't purchased yet, such as website visitors or product viewers on social media. This segment joins 'New Customers' and 'Existing Customers' to provide richer performance insights. Results can be segmented in Ads Manager, though budget caps are exclusive to 'Existing Customers.' Additionally, UTM parameters enable detailed third-party tracking, like with Google Analytics 4. (source)

Meta Introduces 'Advertising Settings' Page

Meta has introduced a unified 'Advertising Settings' page, consolidating all ad creation settings in one location. This page allows advertisers to:

  • Specify their business industry to unlock tailored features, guidance, and support.
  • Configure account controls to manage ad visibility and placement.
  • Toggle Advantage+ creative test optimizations on or off.
  • Assign default beneficiary and payer details for EU ads.
  • Identify target customer groups for Advantage+ shopping campaigns.
  • Designate naming conventions for campaigns, ad sets, and ads for better organization.

(source)

Promo Codes Now Featured in Instagram Ads

Instagram has globally launched ads that include promo codes, providing users with instant access to the best deals directly through the platform. These ads ensure that valid discounts from preferred brands are either automatically applied at checkout or presented for users to enter manually, streamlining the shopping journey on both Instagram and Facebook. (source)

TikTok Rolls Out Video Shopping Ads

TikTok is enhancing its e-commerce capabilities with the introduction of Video Shopping Ads and a dedicated Shop Tab. These updates aim to simplify the online and in-app shopping experience for users while increasing revenue opportunities for brands. (source)

Meta Advantage+ Unveils New AI-Driven Advertising Features

Meta is introducing AI-enhanced advertising capabilities within Advantage+, featuring video integration in catalogue ads, dynamic storytelling across the Advantage Suite, and innovative ad formats such as Reminder ads and Product Tag ads. These advancements are designed to assist retailers in crafting more captivating content, fostering stronger customer connections, and boosting sales with tailored, dynamic advertising approaches. (source)

Meta Enhances Visibility of Recommendations and Alerts in Ads Manager

Meta has made recommendations and alerts for ads more visible within the Ads Manager, encouraging users to carefully consider these suggestions in light of their ongoing ad performance. Notably, 'Top Recommendations' now feature a '+ points' indicator, hinting at Meta's development of ad optimization scores akin to Google Ads' system. Users are advised to critically assess and decide on the applicability of these recommendations to their campaigns. (source)

Refining Target Audiences in Meta's Advantage+

Meta has introduced a feature within Advantage+ audience settings that allows for the exclusion of individuals based on specific detailed targeting criteria. This addition, located under 'Detailed targeting,' enables advertisers to more precisely sculpt their target audience for optimal campaign performance. (source)

Catalog Selection Caution in Advantage+ Creative Optimization

When adjusting the Advantage+ creative optimization settings, pay attention to the automatic catalog selection indicated by a notification. It's crucial to verify the pre-selected catalog for the 'Add catalog items' creative optimization feature, especially if managing multiple catalogs within your business manager account. Proper catalog review and selection ensure that only relevant items are featured in your ads, avoiding the display of unrelated products. (source)

Pre-Order Feature Launches on Facebook and Instagram for US Businesses

Businesses in the US can now utilize a pre-order feature when using checkout on Facebook and Instagram. This allows companies to offer products in advance of their availability, helping to accurately assess customer interest and manage production accordingly. By leveraging pre-orders, businesses can avoid overproduction or stock shortages. This functionality is accessible through Commerce Manager, streamlining the process of setting up pre-orders for future product deliveries. (source)

Introducing 'Basket Insights' for Retailer-Partner Collaborations on Meta

Meta has rolled out 'Basket Insights' for retailers collaborating with partners, offering a deeper understanding of customer purchases. To enable this feature, navigate to Partners in the Meta Collaboration Center, choose your partner, and activate 'Basket Insights' under Premium options. This tool tracks additional products purchased alongside the advertised item on a retailer's site, attributing these purchases to the brand's campaign if the brand's product is part of the transaction. This insight aids in understanding the broader impact of advertising campaigns on consumer buying behavior. (source)

Microsoft

Generative AI Powers Microsoft Advertising's New Insights Navigator

Microsoft Advertising introduces Insights Navigator, a generative AI tool aimed at boosting sales enablement through enhanced efficiency, creativity, and customer service. Utilizing real-time campaign data, this innovation arms sales and service teams with comprehensive insights for better client results. Insights Navigator marks a pivotal move in integrating generative AI into advertising, promising a new era of smarter, data-informed advertising strategies. (source)

Global Rollout of Performance Max by Microsoft Ads

Microsoft Advertising has expanded its AI-driven Performance Max campaigns to a global audience, simplifying ad creation, targeting, and optimization across its diverse advertising platforms. (source)

Microsoft's New Feed Labels Simplify International Ad Management

Set to launch in mid-March, Microsoft's Feed Labels feature will enable retailers to streamline ad management for multiple countries by categorizing products from various feeds based on shared characteristics. (source)

Sync Google Merchant Center with Microsoft Advertising

Microsoft Advertising now offers the capability to import and synchronize your entire Google Merchant Center, including your Shopping Feed, directly into your Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) account.

To initiate the sync, you have two methods:

Method 1

  1. Navigate to "Merchant Center" within your Bing Ads account.
  2. Choose "Import an existing store from Google Merchant Center."
  3. Log in to your Google Account.

Method 2

  1. Import your Pmax campaign, which includes Shopping Products, into Bing Ads.
  2. Opt to import shopping products during the process.
  3. Log in to your Google Ads Account.

Once synced, the Microsoft Merchant Center integrates seamlessly with your Bing Ads Account, enabling feed setup, targeting adjustments, and reporting directly within the platform. (source)

What's new in Dotidot

New feed exports for Skroutz and Everysize

Everysize.de is a well-known German online platform specializing in footwear, offering a diverse selection of products. Skroutz.gr is a widely used (not only in Greece) website that allows you to shop online and compare prices for a wide range of products. Do you know what these two have in common? You can now create and export their native feeds via Dotidot.

Pricing page redesign

We've heard your feedback. In an effort to create a more transparent and easy-to-understand pricing page, we've implemented several changes. With the updated layout, we've also renamed the Starter and Starter+ plans to Essential and Starter, respectively. Additionally, you can now easily view the advantages and limitations of all plans.

Google API scopes update

This is a change that you may not have noticed, which was our goal. Due to Google verification requirements, we needed to update our API scope for listing Google Sheets in the app. In general, we've altered the process for selecting and importing Google Sheets in Dotidot.

Improvements

  • Users can now export CSV feeds with or without header
  • Time restrictions were remade to be more user-friendly and offer now more options
  • Minor app performance improvements 

Google Analytics 4

GA4 Enhanced Conversions for Google Ads Now More Widely Available

GA4 Enhanced Conversions feature is now accessible in additional properties, offering a comprehensive view of cross-device conversion measurement and attribution through first-party data. This leads to an approximate 10% increase in recorded conversions. However, it's not recommended for advertisers who utilize Big Query. (source)

Google Analytics Officially Adopts "Key Events" Terminology

Google Analytics has formally transitioned from "conversions" to "Key Events". Key Events in Google Analytics 4 are designed to track critical interactions, such as purchases or newsletter sign-ups, and are prominently featured in analytics reports. These Key Events can be transformed into conversions to enhance ad campaign measurement and optimization, ensuring seamless integration and bidding eligibility across Google Ads and Google Analytics. (source)

Google Ads

WhatsApp Number Extension for Google Ads

Google Ads is experimenting with an ad message extension that enables the inclusion of a WhatsApp number in ads. When users click the extension, it initiates a WhatsApp chat with a customizable opening message. The development of this feature and its impact on tracking conversions from conversations are eagerly anticipated. (source)

Limitations on Google Ads Campaign-Level Location Exclusions

Google Ads has imposed restrictions on campaign-level location exclusions, capping them at a maximum of 120 locations per campaign. Existing campaigns exceeding this limit remain unaffected, provided no changes are made to their location exclusions. (source)

"Price Transparency" for EEA Publishers

Google Ads' new "Price Transparency" feature allows EEA publishers to access ad pricing details, like earnings per ad and associated fees, not the spending of other advertisers. Opting in requires agreeing not to share this data or, if sharing with publishers, to include payment amounts, Google's deductions, and calculation metrics. This move aligns with the Digital Markets Act's transparency goals. (source)

Google Ads Enhances Demand Gen with Direct Placement and YouTube Channel Exclusion

Google Ads has recently added Direct Placement and YouTube Channel Exclusion capabilities to Demand Gen Campaigns, enabling advertisers to streamline optimization by directly excluding specific placements and channels. (source)

Enhancements to Google Ads Conversion Diagnostic Tabs with Privacy Emphasis

Google Ads has refined its Conversion Diagnostic Tabs, introducing a "3rd party cookie depreciation" filter to spotlight privacy-centric measurement tools like Enhanced Conversions. Advertisers can now monitor the effectiveness of their conversion actions under Enhanced Conversions, including those migrated to the account level, with statuses ranging from "Excellent" to "No recent data." Google suggests regular weekly checks of the Diagnostic Tab to advance privacy measurement strategies, indicating ongoing enhancements to provide more comprehensive data and insights. (source)

Google Ads Introduces "Customer Types" for Refined Audience Categorization

Google Ads' latest feature, "Customer Types," offers advertisers enhanced audience segmentation capabilities. Notably, each customer type can only be linked to one list, and modifications to customer types for GA4 audiences are not yet possible, indicating the importance of careful planning when using this new tool. (source)

AI-Driven Logo Suggestions for Performance Max Campaigns in Google Ads

Google Ads now offers an AI-powered feature that recommends logos for Performance Max (Pmax) campaigns, drawing from the advertiser's website final URL. The system suggests logos with a 4:1 aspect ratio, allowing advertisers to upload as many as five logos for each Pmax Asset Group. (source)

Minimum Daily Budget Requirement for Demand Gen Campaigns

For the first time, Google Ads has implemented a "Minimum budget" requirement during the setup of Demand Gen campaigns with a Max Clicks bidding strategy. However, advertisers can adjust back to their preferred daily budget after the campaign goes live, suggesting this might be an upselling tactic by Google. (source)

Meta

New 'Engaged Customers' Segment Enhances Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns

Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns now feature a 'Engaged Customers' segment, allowing advertisers to target individuals who have interacted with their brand but haven't purchased yet, such as website visitors or product viewers on social media. This segment joins 'New Customers' and 'Existing Customers' to provide richer performance insights. Results can be segmented in Ads Manager, though budget caps are exclusive to 'Existing Customers.' Additionally, UTM parameters enable detailed third-party tracking, like with Google Analytics 4. (source)

Meta Introduces 'Advertising Settings' Page

Meta has introduced a unified 'Advertising Settings' page, consolidating all ad creation settings in one location. This page allows advertisers to:

  • Specify their business industry to unlock tailored features, guidance, and support.
  • Configure account controls to manage ad visibility and placement.
  • Toggle Advantage+ creative test optimizations on or off.
  • Assign default beneficiary and payer details for EU ads.
  • Identify target customer groups for Advantage+ shopping campaigns.
  • Designate naming conventions for campaigns, ad sets, and ads for better organization.

(source)

Promo Codes Now Featured in Instagram Ads

Instagram has globally launched ads that include promo codes, providing users with instant access to the best deals directly through the platform. These ads ensure that valid discounts from preferred brands are either automatically applied at checkout or presented for users to enter manually, streamlining the shopping journey on both Instagram and Facebook. (source)

TikTok Rolls Out Video Shopping Ads

TikTok is enhancing its e-commerce capabilities with the introduction of Video Shopping Ads and a dedicated Shop Tab. These updates aim to simplify the online and in-app shopping experience for users while increasing revenue opportunities for brands. (source)

Meta Advantage+ Unveils New AI-Driven Advertising Features

Meta is introducing AI-enhanced advertising capabilities within Advantage+, featuring video integration in catalogue ads, dynamic storytelling across the Advantage Suite, and innovative ad formats such as Reminder ads and Product Tag ads. These advancements are designed to assist retailers in crafting more captivating content, fostering stronger customer connections, and boosting sales with tailored, dynamic advertising approaches. (source)

Meta Enhances Visibility of Recommendations and Alerts in Ads Manager

Meta has made recommendations and alerts for ads more visible within the Ads Manager, encouraging users to carefully consider these suggestions in light of their ongoing ad performance. Notably, 'Top Recommendations' now feature a '+ points' indicator, hinting at Meta's development of ad optimization scores akin to Google Ads' system. Users are advised to critically assess and decide on the applicability of these recommendations to their campaigns. (source)

Refining Target Audiences in Meta's Advantage+

Meta has introduced a feature within Advantage+ audience settings that allows for the exclusion of individuals based on specific detailed targeting criteria. This addition, located under 'Detailed targeting,' enables advertisers to more precisely sculpt their target audience for optimal campaign performance. (source)

Catalog Selection Caution in Advantage+ Creative Optimization

When adjusting the Advantage+ creative optimization settings, pay attention to the automatic catalog selection indicated by a notification. It's crucial to verify the pre-selected catalog for the 'Add catalog items' creative optimization feature, especially if managing multiple catalogs within your business manager account. Proper catalog review and selection ensure that only relevant items are featured in your ads, avoiding the display of unrelated products. (source)

Pre-Order Feature Launches on Facebook and Instagram for US Businesses

Businesses in the US can now utilize a pre-order feature when using checkout on Facebook and Instagram. This allows companies to offer products in advance of their availability, helping to accurately assess customer interest and manage production accordingly. By leveraging pre-orders, businesses can avoid overproduction or stock shortages. This functionality is accessible through Commerce Manager, streamlining the process of setting up pre-orders for future product deliveries. (source)

Introducing 'Basket Insights' for Retailer-Partner Collaborations on Meta

Meta has rolled out 'Basket Insights' for retailers collaborating with partners, offering a deeper understanding of customer purchases. To enable this feature, navigate to Partners in the Meta Collaboration Center, choose your partner, and activate 'Basket Insights' under Premium options. This tool tracks additional products purchased alongside the advertised item on a retailer's site, attributing these purchases to the brand's campaign if the brand's product is part of the transaction. This insight aids in understanding the broader impact of advertising campaigns on consumer buying behavior. (source)

Microsoft

Generative AI Powers Microsoft Advertising's New Insights Navigator

Microsoft Advertising introduces Insights Navigator, a generative AI tool aimed at boosting sales enablement through enhanced efficiency, creativity, and customer service. Utilizing real-time campaign data, this innovation arms sales and service teams with comprehensive insights for better client results. Insights Navigator marks a pivotal move in integrating generative AI into advertising, promising a new era of smarter, data-informed advertising strategies. (source)

Global Rollout of Performance Max by Microsoft Ads

Microsoft Advertising has expanded its AI-driven Performance Max campaigns to a global audience, simplifying ad creation, targeting, and optimization across its diverse advertising platforms. (source)

Microsoft's New Feed Labels Simplify International Ad Management

Set to launch in mid-March, Microsoft's Feed Labels feature will enable retailers to streamline ad management for multiple countries by categorizing products from various feeds based on shared characteristics. (source)

Sync Google Merchant Center with Microsoft Advertising

Microsoft Advertising now offers the capability to import and synchronize your entire Google Merchant Center, including your Shopping Feed, directly into your Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) account.

To initiate the sync, you have two methods:

Method 1

  1. Navigate to "Merchant Center" within your Bing Ads account.
  2. Choose "Import an existing store from Google Merchant Center."
  3. Log in to your Google Account.

Method 2

  1. Import your Pmax campaign, which includes Shopping Products, into Bing Ads.
  2. Opt to import shopping products during the process.
  3. Log in to your Google Ads Account.

Once synced, the Microsoft Merchant Center integrates seamlessly with your Bing Ads Account, enabling feed setup, targeting adjustments, and reporting directly within the platform. (source)

What's new in Dotidot

New feed exports for Skroutz and Everysize

Everysize.de is a well-known German online platform specializing in footwear, offering a diverse selection of products. Skroutz.gr is a widely used (not only in Greece) website that allows you to shop online and compare prices for a wide range of products. Do you know what these two have in common? You can now create and export their native feeds via Dotidot.

Pricing page redesign

We've heard your feedback. In an effort to create a more transparent and easy-to-understand pricing page, we've implemented several changes. With the updated layout, we've also renamed the Starter and Starter+ plans to Essential and Starter, respectively. Additionally, you can now easily view the advantages and limitations of all plans.

Google API scopes update

This is a change that you may not have noticed, which was our goal. Due to Google verification requirements, we needed to update our API scope for listing Google Sheets in the app. In general, we've altered the process for selecting and importing Google Sheets in Dotidot.

Improvements

  • Users can now export CSV feeds with or without header
  • Time restrictions were remade to be more user-friendly and offer now more options
  • Minor app performance improvements 

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Laura Probstnerová
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