The latest look: Google updates paid search ads

Google just announced some changes to the way search results appear on mobile devices. Although small on the surface, these changes are being made in the name of user experience. That, and ensuring people continue using the search engine and its ad features. But user experience always comes first!

The way search results were shown before on mobile was identical to how they currently look on desktops. All appearing on Google’s search results page, both organic and paid have the classic headlines in big, bold and blue letters followed by the description in a smaller gray font, as well as the URL. Paid search ads used to show to users with a bold “Ad” label right text next to the headline, but for some listings, the website where a search result comes from isn't immediately clear for everyone.

With the recent update, users now know exactly what website they're visiting. Ads are shown with a label at the top saying "Sponsored" in bold black text. Then each listing shows both the name of the associated website and logo, so users are able to identify a source quickly instead of having to locate the website URL. This change in appearance will also be applied to the organic listings.

Over the past year or so, Google has been testing out different features, like showing more imagery in paid search listings. Now they’re making a permanent appearance change for search engine results page on mobile devices.

With this change, Google wants to make it easier for users to identify information, with an emphasis on adding as much context to search results as possible. Especially when misinformation can be spread so easily, showcasing the website, business name and logo first makes the experience feel more natural and reliable.

Since Google is making this change with user experience in mind, we anticipate it’ll lead to more engagements on the search results page—if you target the right audience and provide users with the best information about your business, of course. The change is slowly being released, but if you don’t have it yet, you will soon.

To learn more about this latest change and how your business can use it to its advantage, get in touch with us today.