In a nutshell

Google has launched a brand new AdSense feature: related search for content pages. This means users will now see clickable search terms that are relevant to the content of the page they’re navigating.

What does this mean?

“The AdSense feature encourages users to engage with internal site searches when browsing content” says senior SEO analyst, Nina-Che Bousquet. “This provides an opportunity to monetise internal search results, as well as increase internal site traffic to related content pages. This could encourage a longer time on site, as users are directed to additional useful content across the same domain.  

“Brands should optimise for this new feature by identifying high volume queries and including them within the related search unit. Pages which target these high-volume searches should be optimised to retain user traffic and grow natural search authority on these topics.”

In a nutshell

Advertisers can now deliver more engaging search ads, as Google improves its ad extensions, making it easier to manage sitelinks, callouts and structured snippet extensions. According to Google, advertisers can now see a 20% higher click-through rate (CTR) on average, when four sitelinks are shown in ads.

What does this mean?

“Automated extensions are a great way to get assets and content into a campaign with Google's help” says Brandon Stevens, senior paid search analyst at iCrossing. “It can save you time with the added benefit of Google's own understanding of your account, fuelling those dynamic assets from a data-driven, performance view. Having them side by side with your manual extensions increases your coverage quickly.

“But remember, account managers have a stronger understanding of what’s best and more relevant for your brand than Google does. There’s always a risk that automated content may not match your brand’s tone, image, or strategy. Additional reporting features help eliminate some of these worries, as you can review automated extensions.”

The key takeaway? Brandon recommends that you review, assess, and action those automated assets to make sure they’re what’s best for your campaigns. Test the dynamic assets and come to your own conclusion on whether their performance aligns with your brand goals.

In a nutshell

Meta is extending its ‘Redirect Initiative’ towards Pakistan and the UK in an effort to prevent the potential radicalisation of people using its app. This means that when Facebook users search for content related to organised hate or violent extremism, they’ll be redirected to resources and support.

What does this mean?

According to Meta, research has shown that challenging violent, extremist views with positive counterspeech is one of the most successful ways to combat such attitudes. However, counterspeech is most powerful when it comes from credible organisations. For this reason, Meta has partnered with various non-governmental organisations and community groups, such as Exit UK.

"To see a platform as powerful and influential as Meta implementing this sort of counter speech initiative is fantastic, and frankly, necessary. Some might ask why only now?" comments Rosie Fleming, senior digital marketing analyst. "This action feels overdue, and there is plenty more to be done to prevent harmful communities forming online. Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see social media platforms taking responsibility over how their platforms are used and making moves to protect their users."

In a nutshell

Most new digital products and services end in failure. But with our experts’ guidance you can maximise your chances of success, following the right approach. iCrossing has created a useful step-by-step guide to help you launch a successful digital product, including everything from case studies to advice on avoiding common product development risks.

What does this mean?

Roger Barr, iCrossing UK’s chief digital officer says: “Over the years at iCrossing, we’ve been lucky enough to get involved in creating digital products for a gloriously diverse mix of clients – from global brands to start-ups and everything in between. We’ve observed, and been part of, some success stories, and of course some that fail. The aim of this guide is to make you aware of some of the common pitfalls with practical guidance on how to avoid them”.