New brand settings in Search and Performance Max campaigns
Granular analysis and first look
Google introduces new features for Search and Performance Max campaigns, offering enhanced control over brand traffic. These updates include brand restrictions for broad match in Search campaigns and brand exclusions in Performance Max, enabling advertisers to optimize reach and performance while maintaining brand relevance.
Photo Credit: Google
Photo Credit: Google
Why this matters?
- Targeted Brand Traffic: Brand restrictions in broad match ensure ads only serve on searches related to specific brands, maximizing relevance and conversion rates.
- Enhanced Control: Brand exclusions in Performance Max allow advertisers to avoid unwanted branded queries, improving campaign precision.
- Optimized Performance: These features help advertisers achieve better ROI and conversion value by fine-tuning their ad targeting strategies.
Next Steps/Action Items
- Implement Brand Restrictions: Utilize brand restrictions in broad match campaigns to enhance targeted reach and performance.
- Set Up Brand Exclusions: Apply brand exclusions in Performance Max to avoid irrelevant brand queries and optimize ad placements.
- Monitor Campaign Impact: Track the impact of these settings on campaign performance to ensure optimal results and adjust as necessary.
Helpful links for this Google update
Learn more about past Google updates
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – New AI Max Testing Tools
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – Demand Gen VTC Bidding Changes
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – Language Targeting Simplified
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – New AI Tools Turn Insights Into Action
- Jul 2026 - July 2026 Google Ads Update – Holiday Demand Gen Tools
- Jul 2026 - July 2026 Google Ads Update – Video Campaign Group Controls
- Jul 2026 - July 2026 Google Ads Update – Google Expands AI Transparency Across Ads
- Jul 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – Target Bidding Gets More Predictable
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – YouTube Brand Campaign Measurement Gets Stronger
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – Demand Gen Drop Adds AI Creative Tool
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – Financial Verification Expands Across Europe
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – YouTube Adds Gemini Creator Insights
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – Enhanced Local Services Ads for Home Listings bring homebuyers and local agents together
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – YouTube Shorts Earns MRC Brand Safety Accreditation
- May 2026 - May 2026 Google Ads Update – Ads Decoded Highlights AI’s Marketing Shift
- May 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – Google Display Ads Move Into Demand Gen
- May 2026 - May 2026 Google Ads Update – Asset Studio Adds Multimodal Creative Tools
- May 2026 - May 2026 Google Ads Update – UCP Brings AI Shopping Tools to Retailers
- May 2026 - May 2026 Google Ads Update – AI Bidding and Budgeting Tools for Search and Shopping
- May 2026 - May 2026 Google Ads Update – Gemini Brings New AI Ad Formats to Search
- May 2026 - May 2026 Google Ads Update – Unified Measurement with Meridian and QFCs
- May 2026 - May 2026 Google Ads Update – Ask Advisor Connects Google’s Marketing AI Agents
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