Google Updates Definition Of ‘Top Ads’ In Search Results
April 17, 2024
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Google has changed how it defines top ads in search results.
In a public service announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Ginny Marvin, the Google Ads Liaison, stated:
“To better reflect how ads can appear in Google Search today, we’ve updated the definition of top ads.”
An FYI: To better reflect how ads can appear in Google Search today, we’ve updated the definition of top ads.
— AdsLiaison (@adsliaison) March 27, 2024
Note that this is a definitional change (as ads can appear above the organic result or below for certain queries) and doesn’t affect how performance metrics are…
This update is a definitional change and does not affect how performance metrics are calculated.
The updated definition, reflected in a Google Help Center page, now reads:
“Top ads are adjacent to the top organic search results. Top ads are generally above the top organic results, although they may show below the top organic results on certain queries. Placement of top ads is dynamic and may change based on the user’s search.”
Understanding Top & Absolute Top Metrics
Google’s support page provides further insight into top and absolute top metrics, which are a set of prominence metrics that give advertisers a sense of their ads’ placement on the page.
The two key metrics are:
- Search top impression rate – “Impr. (Top) %”
- Search absolute top impression rate “Impr. (Abs. Top) %”
Search top impression share (Search top IS) and Search absolute top impression share (Search abs. top IS) help advertisers understand the opportunity for their ads to improve triggering among top ads or in the first position among top ads.
Unlike average position, these metrics don’t reflect the order of ads compared to other ads but the actual placement of ads on the SERPs.
How This Could Help You
As an advertiser, you can use these metrics to set your bids to increase the percentage of your ads that either show anywhere among top ads or at the first position among top ads.
By monitoring your Search top impression share and Search absolute top impression share, you can identify opportunities to improve your ad placement and drive more traffic to your website.
Additionally, understanding the metrics related to lost impression share due to budget or Ad Rank can help you identify areas for improvement in your campaign management.
Optimizing your budget and Ad Rank can increase your chances of appearing among the top ads and improve your overall campaign performance.
In Summary
Google’s definition of top ads now includes the possibility of ads appearing below the top organic results for specific queries.
Top and absolute top metrics provide insight into ad placement on the search results page, helping advertisers monitor performance.
Advertisers can use these metrics to set bid targets, identify budget limitations, improve Ad Rank, and conduct competitive analysis to refine their advertising strategies.
Tags :
Ads, Google Ads, Google Update, Performance Marketing
Abdul Rasheed PC
Performance Marketer
Performance marketing is my playground, and I'm passionate about helping businesses of all sizes achieve their marketing goals. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood guide, here to break down complex strategies and ignite your campaigns with actionable tips and tricks.
