Welcome to this month’s digital roundup! Each month, we bring you the latest platform developments that are crucial for your marketing strategies. This month we see the latest updates from Google Ads, TikTok Ads, SEO and the latest social media trends. Dive into the key November updates that you need to know about, all outlined below.
Perplexity AI Ventures into E-Commerce
AI-powered search engine Perplexity is stepping into e-commerce with a new feature available to its paid subscribers in the United States. This innovative tool (very similar to Google Shopping results) directly integrates shopping recommendations into search results, allowing users to browse and even make purchases without visiting a retailer’s website.
However, what this feature has up on Google Shopping, is that for shopping-related queries, users will see product cards featuring pricing, seller details, pros and cons, and reviews. By merging product discovery with transactions, Perplexity positions itself as a competitor to Google and Amazon in the shopping search space.
Did You Lose GA4 Data Last Month?
For a few days around 13 November 2024, users of Google Analytics 4 (GA4) reported delays in data availability, with some accounts missing partial data altogether.
While the issue doesn’t seem universal, many profiles were impacted. If you think you had some bizarre-looking data reported, last month, it’s worthwhile re-reporting on the month and seeing if data has re-calibrated on your account.
Google Introduces “Trending This Week” Labels
Google Search has added a new variation to its trending labels: “Trending this week”. These labels, displayed in shades of grey, green, and purple, highlight popular topics in search results.
Search Console Simplified: Page Experience Report Retired
Google has streamlined its Search Console by removing the Page Experience Report while retaining critical tools such as Core Web Vitals and HTTPS monitoring. Core Web Vitals and HTTPS reports will now operate as standalone tools. Simplifying the interface reduces clutter, making it easier for webmasters and SEO professionals to focus on essential metrics.
Meta Rolls Out “Less Personalised Ads” in Europe
In response to regulatory pressures from the EU, Meta is giving Facebook and Instagram users in Europe the option to view “less personalised ads”.
This move aligns with growing demands for privacy-focused advertising and marks a shift in how tech giants manage user data. These ads will remain targeted but they will rely on session-based context rather than broader behavioural tracking.
The November 2024 Core Update is Here
Google has launched its November 2024 core update.
Core updates occur multiple times a year, and focus on improving search algorithms to prioritise high-quality, genuinely useful content over material optimised solely for SEO. Rankings may fluctuate during this core update, so website owners should monitor their performance metrics closely.
Performance Max Gets Brand Guidelines Settings
Google’s Performance Max (PMax) campaigns now include brand guidelines settings in select accounts. Initially announced at Google Marketing Live, these tools allow advertisers to customise their branding more effectively.
Customisable features include:
- Business name (required).
- Logos (square required, landscape optional).
- Custom colours and fonts for video and display ads.
As these settings roll out more widely, advertisers can expect greater control over their campaigns.
YouTube trials new ‘Jewels’ tipping system to challenge TikTok.
The new ‘Gifts, Powered by Jewels’ system acts as a competitor to TikTok’s gifting system. It follows a similar formula whereby viewers of vertical livestreams on mobile devices can pay for Jewels, and then send gifts to the creator, which will appear on the screen of the livestream.
The creator earns Rubies from these gifts, with each Ruby equal to one cent in real money. An introductory scheme shows YouTube mean business, offering qualified creators a 50% bonus on gift earnings up to $1,000 a month for the first 3 months.
The system is currently in the BETA phase and is only available in the US for members of the YouTube Partner program, but it will be rolled out in more countries soon.
That’s it for now, we hope you found this useful. For more help with your digital marketing, contact us at info@socialb.co.uk or +44 1223258000 for a quick chat to see how our consultants can assist.
