Google Ads Update Tracker
Google Ads is always changing. We help you stay ahead of the curve so your business never misses a beat with the latest platform updates.
Six most recent Google updates
All Google Ads updates and details
Google Adwords updates and changes used to mean better ads, better targeting, and higher ROI from your PPC campaigns. Now with Google Ads, it seems that 9/10 changes are in favor of Google’s stock price and increasing their massive profit margin. At Granular, we help you navigate each change by helping you understand the risks and opportunities that come with each core change to Google Ads.
Click into each of the Google Ads updates below to learn more about what they mean for your PPC account, but more importantly what they mean for your business.
Reach more guests with Performance Max for travel goals
Introduced
Mar 07, 2023
Impact Rating
Medium
On March 7, 2023, Google announced that it is introducing Performance Max for travel goals, an AI-powered campaign tool designed specifically for hotel suppliers. This new feature aims to help hotels increase their reach and drive direct bookings by serving relevant ads across multiple Google channels and inventory. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Testing new designs to improve your workflows
Introduced
Mar 02, 2023
Impact Rating
High
On March 2, 2023, Google Ads announced that it is testing new design updates to improve navigation and usability. These changes aim to make tools and features more accessible and intuitive, addressing feedback from users. The experiment will initially roll out to a small number of accounts. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
A new way to buy and measure YouTube’s masthead
Introduced
Mar 01, 2023
Impact Rating
Medium
On March 1, 2023, YouTube announced that it is introducing a new buying option for its masthead ad format, the Cost-Per-Hour (CPH) Masthead. This complements the existing Cost-Per-Impression (CPM) Masthead. Alongside this, new measurement capabilities have been added to enhance campaign tracking and performance evaluation. More about the YouTube update and what you need to know:
Unlock the power of your Search ads with new tools
Introduced
Feb 27, 2023
Impact Rating
Medium
On February 27th, 2023, Google has introduced new AI-powered tools to enhance Search ads, including automatically created assets and a new customer acquisition goal. These updates improve ad relevance, optimize performance, and help businesses connect with new customers, driving growth and revenue. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
What’s new in Performance Max campaigns
Introduced
Feb 23, 2023
Impact Rating
High
Google’s new features for Performance Max campaigns on February 23, 2023, including account-level negative keywords, campaign-level brand exclusions, page feeds, and advanced video creation tools, enhance ad performance and provide better control and optimization. New experiment capabilities and detailed reporting help advertisers measure incremental conversion uplift and optimize budget utilization for stronger ROI.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
The Ads Privacy Hub helps you measure performance more effectively
Introduced
Feb 06, 2023
Impact Rating
Medium
The Ads Privacy Hub, launched by Google on February 6, 2023, provides businesses with resources to navigate the evolving privacy landscape and enhance ad performance. The hub offers insights into privacy changes, strategies for building first-party data, and planning tools for privacy-preserving ad campaigns. Advertisers can use these resources to stay compliant, optimize their ad spend, and improve overall ad performance.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Building More Durable and Effective Audience Strategies in Google’s Ads Platforms
Introduced
Nov 01, 2022
Impact Rating
High
Google is transitioning to automated audience strategies, phasing out similar audiences by August 2023. This shift leverages optimized targeting, audience expansion, and Smart Bidding to connect with relevant audiences and drive growth while adapting to privacy changes.
Deliver More Helpful Search Ads by Adding Your Business Information
Introduced
Oct 14, 2022
Impact Rating
High
Google’s update allows business names and logos in mobile Search ads, enhancing ad visibility. It requires meeting eligibility criteria and undergoing verification. This feature aims to create a more visually engaging ad experience.
Making it Easier to Manage Automatically Applied Recommendations
Introduced
Sep 13, 2022
Impact Rating
High
Google Ads introduces a new “Manage” tab, enhancing control over automatically applied recommendations. This update includes customizable bundles for maintaining or growing ads, detailed recommendation descriptions, and quick help resources.
Upgrade your Smart Shopping campaigns to Performance Max
Introduced
Jul 21, 2022
Impact Rating
High
Upgrade your Smart Shopping campaigns to Performance Max for enhanced automation and better reach. Utilize new features, including video formats, and access detailed insights to optimize your PPC strategy ahead of the holiday season.
Recap of Product Announcements from Google Marketing Live 2022
Introduced
May 24, 2022
Impact Rating
High
Google Marketing Live 2022 unveiled new ad features including YouTube Shorts integration, Performance Max updates, new insights reports, enhanced ad relevance tools, and privacy controls. These innovations aim to boost ad performance and user engagement across Google’s platforms.
Reminder: Support for Expanded Text Ads Ends on June 30, 2022
Introduced
Mar 02, 2022
Impact Rating
High
Starting June 30, 2022, expanded text ads can no longer be created or edited. Transition to responsive search ads (RSAs) for improved performance. RSAs can increase conversions by 7-20% when paired with broad match and Smart Bidding. Follow best practices for optimal ad strength and performance.
The New Privacy Sandbox Proposal: Topics for Interest-Based Advertising
Introduced
Feb 22, 2022
Impact Rating
High
Google’s Topics API in the Privacy Sandbox replaces FLoC, enhancing user privacy while enabling effective interest-based advertising. Topics are curated, transparent, and locally stored for three weeks, allowing user control and minimizing fingerprinting risks.
Google Partners: Evolving our partnership to serve you better
Introduced
Feb 02, 2022
Impact Rating
High
Google has revamped its Partners program to enhance partner growth through new benefits focused on education, support, and recognition. Premier Partners gain exclusive access to product betas, advanced support, and executive events.
Plan Across Your Entire Account with Performance Planner
Introduced
Nov 30, 2021
Impact Rating
High
Performance Planner simplifies campaign planning by estimating clicks, conversions, and values. Updates allow more comprehensive account planning, better bid and budget insights, secondary metrics addition, and customized historical conversion rates, enhancing PPC managers’ ability to optimize performance across campaigns.
Customer Match is now widely available and easier to use
Introduced
Nov 15, 2021
Impact Rating
High
Google has expanded Customer Match access and simplified its use, enabling advertisers to leverage first-party data effectively. Key features include targeting, observation, and similar audiences, with a new upload preview tool enhancing usability.
Drive conversions across Google’s ad channels with Performance Max campaigns
Introduced
Nov 02, 2021
Impact Rating
High
Performance Max campaigns unify ad buying across Google channels, optimizing with AI for increased conversions. Advertisers see a 13% boost in conversions. Set goals, use varied assets, and provide audience signals for best results.
Link Your Zapier Account in the Google Ads UI
Introduced
Oct 27, 2021
Impact Rating
High
Integrating Zapier with Google Ads automates tasks like CRM linkage, offline conversion imports, and Customer Match updates, saving time and enhancing campaign efficiency for brands like ServiceTitan and Fluent.
Unlock Performance Insights with Enhanced Conversions
Introduced
Sep 30, 2021
Impact Rating
High
Enhanced conversions enhance performance insights by using consented user data to improve conversion tracking and optimization in a privacy-safe manner. Implemented by ASOS, it led to significant ROAS uplift. Partnerships with platforms like Tealium simplify integration.
Matching the Most Relevant Keyword to Every Search
Introduced
Sep 23, 2021
Impact Rating
High
Google’s enhanced broad match and Smart Bidding improve keyword relevance and predictability, driving better performance for advertisers. Practical examples and case studies show significant revenue increases through these strategies.