If you are one of the many advertisers who received Google’s Aug 29th email on the changes to ad rotation, like most you are probably wondering what exactly does this mean, and more importantly what will the impact be on performance and return within your account.
Unfortunately for most of us Google’s official response, is unsurprisingly vague, and while ad rotation may seem like a minor consideration it can have a big impact if not effectively managed.
Judgement Day – The Rise of the Machines Begins September 25th, 2017.
Sci-fi references aside, Google has made it very clear that the future of many of its algorithms are and have been relying on deeper implantation of machine learning. The same style of statistics and patterns that feed your GPS and tell you traffic problems, are at play in the AdWords platform.
The machines are learning, and fast. But the truth is that while powerful, machine logic is still in its infancy and needs some guidance by human hands. We recently found a perfect example of this when we noticed ads using the abbreviation for horsepower (hp) were limited on possible trademark violation for Hewlett Packard (HP). Ironic, but it shows that if that fantasy war between man and machine ever does happen, we do have a chance at survival.
Google claims that previous ad rotation did not provide enough data into the decision making process. Off the record, we do find that often these types of changes do have a direct impact on financial gain by Google, and advertisers may see increases in clicks without equivalent increases in performance.
The official word – and what it really means
According to Google’s official email:
“There will only be two ad rotation settings
- “Optimize” will use Google’s machine learning technology to deliver ads that are expected to perform better than other ads in your ad group.
- “Rotate indefinitely” will deliver your ads more evenly for an indefinite amount of time.
But this actually leaves us with some questions. – what are you optimizing for? Clicks, cost, conversions, conversion rate, return on ad spend? – all of these have a different impact on ad placement, performance and return.
After a phone conversation with reps from Google, we learned that “optimize” – means different things in different networks. For search, unfortunately it appears to be optimized for clicks, However for Display the optimize is geared toward conversions.
Admittedly, this feels a little backwards. Traditionally the search network has been highly successful at driving leads and optimizing for “clicks” in the past usually meant an increase in traffic, along with a potential increase in cost. On the other hand, the thought of a more conversional display network may be a game changer for many advertisers. Display has traditionally been far more beneficial as a branding play with limited conversions and far to easy to spend excessively without return. The thought of a more profitable display network is certainly intriguing, but time will tell, and expectations on this changing should probably stay low.
Here is What You Can Do to Prepare for and Mange These Changes
The biggest thing to keep in mind with any change, if you have a good foundation you can minimize the damage. Here are a few specifics that can make a proactive difference in your account rather than waiting out the storm:
- Smart bidding
If you are not already employing bidding tactics like Target CPA, Target ROAS, Maximize conversions, or Enhanced CPC – You should start. Google’s machine learning is taking stronger signals from bidding strategies and seeing more success when they are in play.
- Manual efforts
Simple and regular manual review of the ads in your account has been a best practice for a long time. Check which ads have the best click through rates, the lowest cost per conversion and the best return on ad spend. Pause the poor performers, but also spend the time trying to figure out the messaging that chimes the best with your users. What words, features or benefit is making the difference in performance – test new ads regularly, but try to keep to 3 good performers and 2-3 test ads.
- Regular Review
Check it, then check it again. Schedule a review if you need to. Problems creep up in an account when you aren’t looking, so do it frequently. Platform changes are less frequent and there is usually a warning, but competition moves, regional and local factors can also make an unforeseen impact on your account. As an example, I’m pretty sure ad engagement in Houston, TX dropped off during the floods, sure that’s an obvious, but what other outside factors are affecting your account?
Overall, you should be cautious of Google’s statement of “You do not need to take any action at this time”. Be proactive. Your agency may have already reached out to you regarding the changes and effective action plans. If not, then feel free to get a new agency (may we suggest Techwood Consulting). For most advertisers there shouldn’t be a negative impact of this change, but it never hurts to be prepared.