Google Ads has test a new campaign setting called “Promotion Mode,” powered by Smart Bidding Exploration. It is currently in beta and isn’t available in all accounts yet.

This was first noticed by Vivek Gupta, who posted about it on LinkedIn along with a screenshot.

He wrote:

Update: Google Ads has introduced a new feature in the campaign settings called “Promotion Mode”, powered by Smart Bidding Exploration.

With this feature, advertisers can increase their campaign reach and ramp up spending during promotional periods to capture more sales opportunities.

You can now:

• Set specific promotion start and end dates.
• Adjust your Target ROAS tolerance during the promotional period.
• Assign an extra daily budget (optional) to capture additional traffic.
• Once the promotion ends, your campaign will automatically return to its original Target ROAS and budget.

This could be quite helpful for eCommerce advertisers running seasonal sales, festive offers, and other promotional campaigns.

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Source:: searchenginewatch.com

Google is now showing the Google Translate feature directly within AI Overviews. A few days ago, when I searched for something related to Google Translate, I didn’t see this. But today, when I searched for a translation, Google showed the Translate tool directly inside the AI Overview. This feels new.

Here is a screenshot of this.

This doesn’t seem like great news for third-party websites that offer translation tools, since users may no longer need to leave Google to get a translation. Google did something similar previously with emoji lookups, and now it looks like translation may be getting the same treatment.

Image Credit: flickr

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Source:: searchenginewatch.com

Google is testing a sponsored product grid in the SERP, and it looks like this may be replacing the organic product grid entirely. This was first spotted by Brodie Clark, who posted about it on X.

He wrote: “Wow, I bet the CTR on this new product grid ad unit from Google is going to skyrocket. They’ve essentially just replaced the organic product grid with a ‘sponsored products‘ title (not disclosed enough IMO) that blends in massively and will confuse users.”

Here is the screenshot he shared.

I agree with Brodie on this one. Google appears to have replaced the original organic product grid with a sponsored version, and the labeling isn’t distinct enough. Users could easily miss the “Sponsored products” title and click through without realizing they’re engaging with an ad rather than an organic result.

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Source:: searchenginewatch.com

Google is emailing some Business Profile owners when it detects a spike in spam reviews, according to a September 22 report by Barry Schwartz at Search Engine Roundtable. The message says Google has removed the reviews and temporarily paused new ratings, reviews and other user contributions on the affected profile.

The email says Google expects the pause to last a few days while it addresses the risk. It tells owners that no action is required, but they can request a review if legitimate feedback was removed. Schwartz’s report includes a screenshot of the email shared by local SEO professional Antoine Cameron. Google has not separately announced the email rollout.

The review pause was announced in April

Google’s April 16 Maps announcement described the same sequence: remove a sudden spike of spam reviews, pause new reviews on the profile, alert the owner and show consumers a banner explaining why contributions are temporarily paused. Google said the protections would roll out globally in the coming weeks.

Google’s current help page on missing reviews also says it may temporarily disable user-created content, including reviews, on certain profiles or categories to protect business owners. Its review reporting guidance acknowledges that automated spam detection can mistakenly remove legitimate reviews and directs owners to contact support. Businesses can also use the Reviews Management Tool to appeal eligible removal decisions.

The September email shows owners are receiving the alert Google described, rather than announcing a new September feature. It also says the interruption should be temporary. Google’s published material and the reported email give no count of affected profiles or rate of mistaken removals. The consumer banner matters because a pause can otherwise look like a broken review link or a business that has stopped accepting feedback.

Source: SER

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Source:: searchenginewatch.com

Google users in the United States could start seeing ads for certain gun accessories in Search this October, under a six-month test announced by the company. The pilot includes products such as sights, bipods, slings, mounts and braces. Google says the ads will remain prohibited on its other surfaces and outside the US.

Google published the notice on September 21. Barry Schwartz covered it for Search Engine Roundtable the following day, ahead of the planned October start.

Users will have an opt-out

Google says people who prefer not to see these ads will be able to opt out and manage their preferences through My Ad Center. The announcement does not give an exact launch date or show the controls for this category.

Firearms, ammunition and regulated parts remain prohibited. The exclusions also cover accessories requiring a permit or licence, or regulated at state or federal level.

Google is changing which accessories qualify

Google’s existing policy already permits ads for safety equipment such as gun locks and trigger locks. It explicitly lists bipods and sights among its prohibited examples, however. Both appear in the October pilot announcement.

That comparison shows where Google is loosening its rules: selected products previously excluded because they support or enhance a gun’s functionality. For advertisers, the distinction is product-specific. A retailer selling both safety equipment and other accessories cannot treat the pilot as permission to advertise its entire catalogue.

Source: SER

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Source:: searchenginewatch.com