Automation, full-funnel campaigns, shoppable ads and privacy fueled PPC changes in 2019. In 2019, Google shook up mobile search results pages with a redesign that introduced black “Ad” labels to text ads and favicons for organic listings. It also caused a stir in notifying…
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CES 2020: Samsung Unveils Neon: A Virtual, ‘Artificial Human’ Avatar
Leading up to CES 2020, Samsung teased Neon, an artificial human. Details were sparse, and Samsung said little other than to confirm Neon was an all new endeavor and had nothing to do with their existing AI engine, Bixby. At…
YouTube masthead ads hit TV app
The ads will be available as a reserved placement and purchased on a CPM basis. YouTube is rolling out masthead ads for TV screens, offering brands prominent placement within its TV app. Same as YouTube’s desktop and mobile feed masthead…
Microsoft brings visual search to Windows search bar
The feature lets users take a full or partial screenshot to be processed by Bing Visual Search. Windows users can now initiate Bing visual searches right from the search bar, without having to open up a browser, Microsoft announced on Monday. The…
The PPC changes that bugged and elated marketers most in 2019: An unscientific poll
Close variants changes and poor customer support topped the list of grievances this year. Of the dozens of changes that rolled out across the paid search landscape this year, what had the biggest impact? This was the question I put…
How many people should be on your SEO team? The factors to consider
Why you need to look at the operational needs as well as revenue impact when determining SEO team size. This is the second installment of our series on in-house SEO in which we dig into the operational challenges and opportunities that managing search…
Google and Facebook Face Tougher Rules in the UK Over Ad Dominance
According to Reuters, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) delivered a mixed bag of news for Google and Facebook. On the one hand, the CMA indicated a reluctance to subject the two tech companies to more in-depth investigations, saying that…
Senators Express Alarm Over FBI Secretly Demanding Data From Credit Agencies
Documents have come to light exposing the FBI’s practice of secretly demanding information about Americans from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. According to a report by TechCrunch, the FBI has been using “legal powers — known as national security letters — to compel credit…
Ring Users Should Update Their Passwords In the Wake of Multiple Hacks
In the wake of multiple hacking incidents, Ring is recommending users change their passwords, while at the same time reassuring users the company has not been compromised. In recent days, there have been multiple reports of Ring devices being hacked,…
Apple Threatens to Leave Russia in 2020, Citing Russian Software Demands
The International Business Times (IBT) is reporting that Apple may leave the Russian market next year in response to a new law requiring Russian software alternatives be installed on electronic devices. The new law, which Putin signed on December 5, goes into effect on…