In this week’s digital news, the viral ChatGPT bot is adding shopping features to its powers, extending the reach of its artificial intelligence. Google announced a number of new tag, analytics and data strategies on Friday including a new Google tag gateway for advertisers.
Map platforms like Google, Apple, and Bing Maps now drive 20% of local searches, according to new research. Study reveals 33% of Google users stayed with Bing after trying it for two weeks. Is Google’s dominance driven by quality, or default settings?
Pope Francis, renowned for his humility and courage, left a lasting legacy as a master communicator who made people listen, remember, and believe, even in an age of distraction and doubt. A New law aims to eliminate added costs that can be up to 25% of retail price in the UK.
Table of Contents
ChatGPT AI bot adds shopping to its powers
OpenAI is adding shopping features to ChatGPT, letting users view prices, reviews, and personalised product links directly in the chat. The recommendations are not paid ads. This update expands ChatGPT’s role in search and shopping, placing it in closer competition with Google, Amazon, and review platforms. OpenAI’s search tool, launched last year, now sees over a billion weekly queries. The update also includes live sports scores and improved answer citations. OpenAI aims to help users quickly find, compare, and buy products, with the feature rolling out to all users over several days.
Read more here.
Google Tag Gateway for advertisers & more
Google has introduced new tagging and analytics tools, including the Google tag gateway for advertisers, which lets users run Google tags via their own infrastructure (e.g. CDN or server) to improve ad performance and conversion accuracy. New diagnostics help verify correct setup using first party data. Google also launched two app campaign updates: on device conversion tracking using deidentified app data for better iOS results, and integrated measurement with third-party partners for more accurate, real-time insights.
Read more here.
Google & Apple Maps drive 20% of local searches
Research from BrightLocal shows that 20% of local searches now start in map apps, such as Google, Apple and Bing Maps, as opposed to traditional search engines. Google Maps is the second most popular platform for local searches, behind Google Search, with younger consumers being more comfortable using Maps to discover new local businesses. Therefore, businesses should ensure they have complete and accurate map listings across all platforms to have the best chances at being visible in these apps.
Read more here.
33% of Google users stuck with bing after a two-week trial
A study has revealed that 33% of Google users stayed with Bing after a two week trial period. Challenging Google’s market dominance. When users have exposure to Bing, as opposed to sticking with default settings, the study shows that this improves users’ perception of its quality. Leading to several of the participants to continue using Bing once the paid trial period ended.
Read more here.
Was Pope Francis a model for masterful communication?
Pope Francis was known for many things including his humility, compassion and willingness to confront difficult issues. Perhaps one of his most enduring legacies is how effectively he communicated. Whether addressing global audiences, speaking to world leaders, or sharing reflections online, Pope Francis understood that communication is more than answering questions or delivering messages. It was about making people listen, remember and believe. In an age when attention is scarce and skepticism is high, Francis’s approach offers strategic lessons for communicators everywhere.
Read more here.
UK bans £2.2bn ‘sneaky’ fees and fake reviews for online products
Sneaky fees that are estimated to cost consumers £2.2bn a year are to be banned from today under new consumer protection laws. Businesses, including travel websites, ticket agencies and food delivery apps, will be required to include any mandatory fees in the headline price. Research has found these fees can be more than 25% of the product price.
The ban comes into force under reforms in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024, passed under the previous government. The new laws also impose bans on the use or commissioning of fake reviews.
Read more here.
For more information on any of these stories, or for support with your digital marketing. Get in touch with our team of digital specialists. If you’re looking for an improved results with your PMax campaigns using PPC or for long term SEO strategies. Send us an email to team@modo25.com
