In this week’s digital news, Google’s AI Mode counts toward the totals you see in your Search Console Performance report, starting today. OpenAI updated ChatGPT search to improve its ability to handle longer conversations and answer more complex search queries.
Google Ads has added a new “Conv. value (incl. predicted)” metric that blends actual and forecasted data, giving advertisers a forward-looking view of performance. The world’s biggest video platform, YouTube, is sabotaging your stream, unless you play by their ad-fueled rules.
Ads are coming to WhatsApp, Meta is release status ads to WhatsApp prompting users to engage with advertisers via the app’s messaging features. Pride in PR alumni explain how the comms industry has evolved and the new challenges in continuing outward support of the LGBTQ+ community.
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Google AI Mode traffic data comes to Search Console
Google AI Mode rolls out to all US users, Search Console now includes AI Mode data to report on clicks, impressions and position within AI Mode. Google updated their help docs to confirm how metrics for AI Mode will be reported in Search Console:
- Click – a click on any external link in AI Mode
- Impression – if your page appears in Google’s AI Mode response, this counts as an impression
- Position – each component within an AI Mode answer will have it’s own position (link card, image block or carousel) depending on whether it qualifies under Google’s standard search element rules
Google also confirmed that when users ask a follow up question, this will count as a brand new search.
Read more here.
OpenAI rolls out update to ChatGPT Search
OpenAI have rolled out an update to ChatGPT Search to improve its capabilities to hold longer, more complex conversations. Whilst they haven’t released many details about what has changed, the OpenAI changelogs noted improvements in quality. The ability to hold longer conversations in context, as well as improved search capability and more robust instruction following capability to reduce repetitive responses.
Read more here.
Google Ads adds new “Conv. value (incl. predicted)” metric
Google Ads has quietly introduced a new metric “Conv. value (incl. predicted)” without official documentation, drawing interest from advertisers. This metric appears to blend actual and predicted conversion values, likely using machine learning to offer a more forward-looking view of campaign performance. Its arrival could help advertisers evaluate campaigns earlier, especially for long sales cycles. However, with little guidance from Google, there’s uncertainty around its methodology, making cautious use advisable until further clarification is provided.
Read more here.
Google is waging war on ad blockers. Throttling YouTube to force users back in line
Google is intensifying its crackdown on ad blockers on YouTube. Recently, reports revealed that videos won’t play, or will face interruptions, for users with ad blockers enabled. Some users also experience black screens or delays during videos. While receiving prompts to disable their blockers or face being unable to watch. Google states that ad blockers violate YouTube’s terms of service and is closing loopholes that allowed ad free viewing without Premium. This ongoing “cat-and-mouse game” reflects Google’s aggressive strategy to encourage paid subscriptions and preserve its advertising model. Leaving users increasingly frustrated with the stricter measures.
Read more here.
Social media updates you should know about
Instagram is now giving users new ways to organize their profile through its IG grid reorganization tool. Users can highlight more than just pinned posts. They can curate content and organise their profile based on what they want their followers to see first.
Meta is bringing ads to WhatsApp at last. The app’s creators had expressed aversion to advertising, but that was before Meta purchased the platform in 2014. Meta said it will run status ads, prompting users to engage “with the advertisers via the app’s messaging features,” according to CNBC. The ads can be in picture, text or video format and will run under the “Updates” subsection “Status” for 24 hours before disappearing.
Read more here.
5 years in PR pride: what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and what still needs improvement?
Over the past five years, Pride in PR has helped increase visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ professionals in the communications industry. Highlighting the importance of authentic allyship and inclusion in the workplace. It has showcased over 120 individuals and encouraged agencies to embed support into their everyday practices. Not just during Pride Month.
However, the article notes that while progress has been made, there’s still work to do. True inclusion must happen year-round, and PR professionals are being called on to take an active role in countering anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and ensuring that advocacy doesn’t fade after June.
Read more here.
For more information on any of this week’s stories or for support with your digital marketing efforts, our friendly team would be more than happy to discuss your requirements. Drop us an email to team@modo25.com
