68 Latest Digital Marketing Updates October 2024

Digital Marketing Updates: Let us take a ride to the world of the internet and discover the latest Digital Marketing Updates October. If you missed last month’s digital marketing updates, you could click here to read them. Here is a list of #NewThingsInDigital for September 2024.

1. YouTube Pulls Music by Big Name Artists in Latest Licensing Dispute

In a recent development, YouTube has removed music from several big-name artists amid an ongoing licensing dispute. This contentious decision affects a wide range of popular tracks, impacting content creators who rely on these songs for their videos. As negotiations continue, the situation underscores the complexities surrounding music licensing on digital platforms. Creators may now face challenges in finding suitable alternatives.

2. Meta’s AI Bots Run Counter to the Value of Social Media

While Meta’s AI bots aim to enhance user experience through personalisation and automated interactions, they simultaneously dilute genuine human engagement and community connection. Critics argue that reliance on AI-driven content and interactions can lead to a less authentic social media space, impacting trust and user satisfaction. 

3. Google Search Console Recommendations Not Fully Rolled Out

Google has announced that not all enhancements to the Search Console recommendations have been fully rolled out. While some features are live, others are still in testing phases, impacting how webmasters receive guidance on optimising their sites for better search results. Users are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates and changes, as Google continues to refine its tools for website management and performance monitoring. 

4. Sticky Google Search Console Performance Report Filters

In the latest update on Google’s Search Console, the Sticky Performance Report Filters feature enhances the user experience by keeping selected filters visible while scrolling. This functionality allows marketers to better analyse data trends without losing sight of their chosen metrics. Users can apply multiple filters, such as queries, pages, and countries, and the report will retain these selections, streamlining the workflow. 

5. Google rolls out new AI-organised search results, AI Overview links

Google has introduced AI-organised search results and new AI Overview links, enhancing the user experience and search efficiency. This innovative feature allows users to access concise summaries of search topics, enabling quicker access to relevant content. By leveraging advanced AI algorithms, Google aims to streamline the information retrieval process, making searches more intuitive. Marketers should optimise their content to align with these changes, ensuring better visibility in search results.

6. Google Search Location Carousel Moves Map On Scroll

Google has enhanced the user experience of its Search Location Carousel by allowing users to scroll through maps seamlessly. This change enables more intuitive navigation when searching for local businesses and points of interest, making it easier for users to discover relevant locations. The updated interface prioritises usability, offering a cleaner look that encourages engagement. 

7. Google Testing Search Instead For Section

Google is currently experimenting with a new feature called “Search Instead For,” aimed at enhancing user experience during searches. This innovative option appears when a user’s query might be better suited for a different search term, prompting Google to suggest alternatives. This feature is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to refine search capabilities, ensuring users find what they are looking for more quickly and effectively. 

8. Google Tests Videos In Knowledge Panel Image Carousels

In a significant update, Google is testing the integration of videos into the Knowledge Panel image carousels, enhancing the way users interact with information. This feature allows videos to appear alongside images, providing a dynamic means of content consumption directly within search results. By facilitating access to video content related to specific queries, Google aims to improve user engagement and the overall search experience. 

9. Google Search From The Web Carousel Cards

Google has introduced a new way to display diverse content more visually appealingly within search results. This feature showcases carousel cards that aggregate information from various websites, enhancing the user experience by allowing users to swipe through multiple options seamlessly.

10. Bing Testing Bing Button

Bing is currently testing a new feature known as the “Bing Button,” aimed at enhancing user engagement. This button will allow users to instantly access Bing search functionalities from various third-party websites, streamlining the search experience. The initiative is part of Bing’s broader strategy to expand its reach and improve convenience for users by integrating search more seamlessly into their online activities. 

11. Google Tests Local Services Ads Without Attorney Photos

In a recent development, Google is testing local services ads without attorney photos, a significant shift in how legal services are marketed online. This change aims to streamline the ad experience and focus on service offerings rather than emphasising individual attorneys’ images. By potentially removing photos, Google seeks to drive more qualified leads to law firms while ensuring a more uniform presentation of services. This move could impact consumer trust and engagement as firms adapt to these new guidelines.

12. Google Ads Send Message On WhatsApp Tests

Google is enhancing user engagement with its latest test of the “Send Message on WhatsApp” feature in Google Ads. This initiative enables advertisers to integrate a direct messaging option within their ads, streamlining communication with potential customers. Users can click a button to initiate a chat on WhatsApp, providing a more immediate and personal connection. This new functionality aims to improve conversion rates and customer interaction, reflecting a broader trend towards instant messaging in marketing strategies. 

13. Google Shopping Ads Now Available In Google Lens Results

Google Shopping Ads are now integrated into Google Lens results, marking a significant shift in how consumers discover products. This enhancement allows users to visually search for items using their smartphone cameras and receive relevant product listings directly from ads. By streamlining the shopping experience, Google aims to connect consumers with retailers more efficiently. 

14. Google Officially Launches Ads In AI Overviews

In a significant development for digital advertising, Google has officially launched ads in AI overviews, revolutionising how advertisers engage with potential customers. This new feature allows brands to embed advertisements within AI-generated content, providing a seamless and integrated experience for users. Advertisers can leverage AI to enhance ad relevancy and target audiences more effectively, marking a shift towards personalised advertising at scale. 

15. Google Ads With Images & Map Carousel

In the latest update on Google Ads, the introduction of swipeable images in the Map Carousel feature transforms how businesses can engage with customers. This revamp allows brands to showcase multiple images alongside their map listings, creating a more interactive and visually appealing experience. With users increasingly drawn to visual content, this feature helps businesses capture attention and drive foot traffic to physical locations. 

16. Bing Testing Replacing Ad Label With Sponsored Label

Bing is currently experimenting with a new labelling system for its ads, testing a change from the traditional “ad” label to a “sponsored” label. This shift aims to enhance transparency for users, clearly distinguishing between paid placements and organic search results. By adopting the “Sponsored” tag, Bing hopes to create a more user-friendly experience that aligns with industry standards, similar to what other platforms utilise

17. YouTube Tests Removing the ‘Dislike’ Button From the Main Shorts UI

YouTube is testing a new “Save” button for Shorts to make it easier for viewers to bookmark their favourite clips. To make room for the “Save” button, YouTube is moving the “Dislike” button to the 3-dot menu. This could impact the Shorts feedback loop, as users will need to dig deeper to signal their dislike of a video. 

However, YouTube’s Shorts algorithm already factors in engagement signals like watch time, so it may still be able to infer dislikes. The change suggests Shorts viewers aren’t actively using the dislike option as much as the like button, prompting YouTube to deprioritize its visibility. 

18. Instagram Tests WhatsApp Sticker To Facilitate DM Connection

Instagram is testing a new WhatsApp sticker feature to help brands prompt direct message (DM) conversations with customers. The sticker will be available to businesses that have connected their WhatsApp Business number to their Instagram account. This integration aims to drive more DM engagement, as both WhatsApp and Instagram DMs have seen rising usage in recent years. 

The new sticker feature aligns with Instagram’s broader focus on enhancing private messaging as the key connective element of the platform, as more user activity shifts away from the main feed.

19. YouTube Adds New Shorts Options, Landscape View for Studio Mobile

YouTube has introduced several new features for its Shorts platform, including the ability to create Shorts up to 3 minutes long, instead of the previous 60-second limit. Additionally, YouTube Studio Mobile now supports landscape view, allowing creators to better analyse their performance data and insights. 

These updates provide more flexibility for creators to produce engaging Shorts content and access detailed analytics, helping them optimize their YouTube strategy. The expanded Shorts length and landscape Studio view demonstrate YouTube’s commitment to supporting creators and enhancing the overall Shorts experience. 

20. Google Shopping “Researched with AI – Experimental” Answer

Google is testing a new “Researched with AI – Experimental” answer in its Google Shopping interface. This AI-powered feature provides a summary of product information and recommendations, similar to Google’s existing AI Overviews. The experimental label indicates the feature may not always be accurate. 

This update is part of Google’s broader efforts to leverage AI to enhance the shopping experience, including personalized product recommendations and deal tracking. As Google continues to refine its AI-driven shopping tools, digital marketers should monitor these developments to optimize their strategies. 

21. Google Tests Sponsored Ad Label Variations 

Google is currently testing multiple variations of the sponsored ad label in its search results. These new labels are more subtle than the previous “ad-sponsored” labels. The variations include adding “by” or special characters like “|”, “•”, or “:” between the “sponsored” label and the site name or domain. 

According to the report, the “Sponsored by” label seems more descriptive. Google is continuously experimenting with ways to make the distinction between ads and organic results more clear for users. These label tests are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the search ad experience. 

22. Google Search Tests List Articles 

Google is testing a new format for search results that features a dedicated section for list-style articles. This experimental layout highlights articles presented in a list format, making it easier for users to quickly scan and identify relevant content. The goal is to provide a more organised and visually appealing way to surface list-based content, which is often popular and shareable. 

This update aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience and surface high-quality, engaging content. Digital marketers should monitor these tests and adapt their content strategies to this potential new search feature. 

23. Google Ads Adds Negative Keyword Tab in Keyword Planner 

Google has added a new negative keyword tab to its Keyword Planner tool, providing advertisers with enhanced capabilities to refine their keyword research and campaign targeting. This integration allows marketers to seamlessly incorporate negative keyword planning into their overall keyword strategy, helping them exclude irrelevant search terms and improve ad relevance. 

Advertisers can now easily view, add, and manage negative keywords directly within the Keyword Planner interface, streamlining the process of identifying and excluding unwanted keywords. This update addresses a long-standing need for more efficient negative keyword management, empowering advertisers to optimise their campaigns and enhance return on investment.

24. Google Drag & Drop Reorder Your Restaurant Menu Items

Google has rolled out a new feature that allows restaurant owners to quickly reorder their menu items using a drag-and-drop interface in their Google Business Profile. This feature makes it much easier for businesses to organise and update their online menus, which can be a time-consuming task. 

Small businesses in particular can benefit from this streamlined menu management tool, as it saves them valuable time and effort. Google is continuously improving its offerings for local businesses, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the success of SMEs in the digital landscape. 

25. Google Search Tests Most Mentioned Places Carousel

Google is testing a new local search carousel called “Most Mentioned Places” that displays local retail stores relevant to the user’s search query. The carousel shows Google Business Profile listings, including the business photo and review summaries. This feature aims to surface the most popular and frequently mentioned local businesses for a given product or service. 

According to reports, clicking on the individual listings opens the full Google Business Profile, similar to a normal local pack result. This update could be beneficial for local businesses looking to increase their visibility and discoverability in Google Search. 

26. Google Tests Card Style Knowledge Panel Desktop Design 

Google is testing a new card-style design for knowledge panels on the desktop search results. The updated design features a more visual and modern layout, with information presented in a grid-like format similar to the mobile experience. This redesign aims to make knowledge panels more useful and visually appealing, aligning with Google’s efforts to enhance the search experience across devices.

The testing of this new desktop knowledge panel design is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to optimise search results and provide users with quick and relevant information. 

27. Google Tests What People Are Saying Short Video Search Results

Google is testing a new feature that displays short videos in its “What People Are Saying” search results. This allows users to see real-time reactions and commentary on topics directly from platforms like TikTok, rather than just text-based forum posts. 

This update aims to provide a more engaging and visually-driven way for users to discover relevant insights and perspectives on their queries. As a digital marketing influencer, this feature presents an opportunity to leverage video content and social media trends to enhance your audience’s search experience and increase brand visibility.

28. Google Search Tests Verified Labels For Product Results

Google is testing the use of verified labels on product results in its search engine. These blue verification badges are displayed next to certain business listings, indicating that Google’s signals suggest the business is legitimate. When users hover over the label, they see a notice that Google cannot guarantee the reliability of the business or its products. 

This feature is likely part of Google’s efforts to improve the quality and trustworthiness of its search results, especially for commercial queries. The test is currently limited, but it could become a more widespread feature if Google deems it effective. 

29. Google Tests Quick View Button For Recipes That Keep You On Google

Google is testing a new “quick view” button that overlays on recipe images in the search results, allowing users to view the full recipe details without leaving Google’s site. This feature is designed to keep users on Google’s platform rather than directing them to the publisher’s website.

However, this has raised concerns from recipe bloggers, who argue that it amounts to “theft” of their content. The test is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to provide more interactive and useful recipe search experiences, though it may come at the expense of driving traffic to publisher sites.

30. Google Adds Edit & Delete Button Links To Your Reviews

Google has added edit and delete button links next to reviews left by users on Google Business Profile listings. This new feature gives reviewers a quicker way to modify or remove their reviews. According to the report, this functionality was previously thought to exist, but the local SEO community confirmed it as a new addition. 

The ability to easily edit or delete reviews can help businesses better manage their online reputation and respond to customer feedback in a timely manner. This update provides more control for both businesses and customers over the review process on Google. 

31. Bing Tests Best List Of Carousel 

Microsoft Bing is testing a new carousel format for the “People Also Ask” feature in its search results. Instead of the traditional list view, Bing is experimenting with a carousel that displays the questions and answers directly. This new layout allows users to quickly browse through related queries without having to expand each one individually. 

The carousel format provides a more visually engaging and efficient user experience, potentially improving engagement and discoverability of relevant information. Digital marketers should monitor these Bing search feature tests, as they may impact search optimisation strategies and the overall user experience on the platform.

32. YouTube Rolls Out Updated Playback Speed Controls, Playlist Changes and More

YouTube has announced a range of updates that will enhance the user experience, including more granular playback speed controls, improved browsing in landscape mode, an updated miniplayer, and the ability to create collaborative playlists. 

YouTube is also adding a sleep timer, custom playlist thumbnails, and new achievement badges. These updates, rolling out over the next few months, provide users with more customisation and control over their YouTube experience.

33. Meta’s Working With Hollywood Filmmakers To Develop Its Text-To-Video Tool

Meta is collaborating with Hollywood filmmakers to enhance its new “Movie Gen” AI tool, which enables users to create short, HD video clips from text prompts. This tool, part of Meta’s “Emu” AI research project, will eventually allow Facebook and Instagram users to generate videos based on text inputs.

Meta aims to empower creators and businesses to produce more engaging video content without extensive resources. As generative AI tools become more mainstream, platforms are implementing transparency measures like content tagging to maintain trust with users. This partnership with Hollywood creatives could help refine Meta’s text-to-video capabilities and provide new avenues for visual storytelling.

34. YouTube Tests AI-Powered Comment Reply Suggestions

YouTube is testing a new feature that provides AI-generated comment reply suggestions to help creators engage more effectively with their audience. The AI-enhanced replies are tailored to match each creator’s unique tone and style, based on their previous interactions.

Creators can easily customise and edit the suggested responses before posting, giving them full control over the interactions. The test is currently rolling out to a limited group of creators, with plans to expand the availability in the future. 

35. Google Ads Adds Gross Profit Optimization Campaign Setting

Google Ads has introduced a new campaign setting called “Gross Profit Optimisation” that allows advertisers to optimise their campaigns based on gross profit. The gross profit is calculated by applying the advertiser’s set profit margins to the value of each conversion. This new feature enables advertisers to stop unprofitable ads and scale profitable ones, increasing their overall profit on ad spend. 

36. Google Search Tests Replacing Google Logo With Super G Logo

Google is currently testing replacing the traditional Google logo with a “Super G” logo at the top of the Google Search results page. This new logo design features the iconic Google “G” symbol without the full “Google” text. Some users have also spotted Google testing a new light grey theme for the search bar with a slightly larger size. 

While the changes may seem minor, they indicate Google’s willingness to experiment with the appearance of its core search product.

37. Google Ads Tests Expandable & Collapsible Carousel Ads & Refinements

Google is testing a new search ad format that allows users to expand and collapse sponsored search ads, revealing a carousel of ads when expanded. This feature aims to help advertisers better appeal to Reddit users and understand what content resonates with this audience. 

These new ad formats and features are part of Google’s efforts to enhance the user experience and provide more effective advertising solutions for marketers.

38. Google Merchant Center Adds New Verification Methods

Google has added two new verification methods for merchants in Google Merchant Centre Next. Businesses can now verify their account by either using a business email or by connecting their e-commerce/shopping platform, such as Shopify, BigCommerce, or Magento.

This expands the existing verification options that include HTML tags, HTML files, Google Tag Manager, and Google Analytics. The changes aim to simplify the verification process and improve the overall experience for advertisers managing their product listings. 

39. Google Business Profiles Removes Health Insurance Accepted

Google has announced the removal of the health insurance accepted feature from Google Business Profiles. The decision was likely made due to the complexity of accurately representing accepted insurance plans. To adapt, businesses should utilise Google Q&A, Google Posts, website updates, and social media to communicate their accepted insurance providers to customers. 

40. New Google Shopping Researched With AI & More Shopping Features

Google has revamped its shopping experience with the integration of AI to provide a more personalised and contextual shopping journey for users. The new features include AI-generated research briefs that highlight key considerations for a product search, personalised product recommendations, a dedicated “Deals” section, and virtual try-on capabilities. This update represents a significant step forward in Google’s efforts to leverage AI to enhance the online shopping experience for consumers. 

41. Google Tests Snippet Product Carousels For Amazon

Google is testing a new product carousel feature within search result snippets that displays product images, information, ratings, and prices. This feature appears specific to Amazon product listings, though it’s unclear if it will be expanded to other e-commerce sites. The carousel allows users to view multiple product options directly in the search results, potentially improving the shopping experience. 

42. WhatsApp Adds New Ways To Manage Your Contacts

WhatsApp is introducing new ways for users to manage their contacts within the app. Users will soon be able to save and sync contacts directly through WhatsApp, rather than relying solely on their phone’s contact book. This will allow contacts to be restored even if a user switches devices or loses their phone. 

43. Threads Roll Out Mobile Analytics

Threads, Meta’s emerging social network, has launched mobile analytics to provide users with real-time performance tracking. The new feature, accessible through a chart icon in user profiles, offers insights into post views, interactions like likes and replies, as well as audience demographics such as location, age, and gender. 

44. YouTube Adds Poll Stickers for Shorts, Ad Category Blocking for Channels

YouTube has introduced new features to help creators and advertisers on the platform. Creators can now use poll stickers in their Shorts videos to increase engagement and gather audience feedback. Additionally, YouTube has added the ability for channels to block certain ad categories, giving them more control over the advertisements that appear alongside their content.

45. WhatsApp Expands Private Mentions in Status to All Users

WhatsApp has rolled out a new “Private Mentions” feature for its Status updates, allowing users to privately tag contacts. This provides a way to generate interest and engagement in your temporary status updates, as the tagged person will be notified privately and can choose to reshare the status. 

WhatsApp has also introduced status “likes”, where users can privately react to a contact’s status with a green heart icon. These new social capabilities make WhatsApp Status more engaging and interactive, enabling businesses and creators to better connect with their audience on the platform. 

46. The Top Facial Expressions Used in YouTube Thumbnails [Infographic]

A recent study by Kapwing analysed the facial expressions used in top YouTubers’ thumbnail images and found that certain expressions tend to perform better. The most common expressions were surprise, happiness, and focus. 

Kapwing used facial recognition technology to identify the emotions displayed, providing valuable insights for creators looking to optimize their thumbnail strategy. With thumbnails being crucial for driving clicks, understanding the most effective expressions can help YouTubers maximize their video performance.

47. Google Generative AI Snippets Throughout Search Results

Google has been rolling out generative AI-powered snippets throughout its search results, providing users with AI-generated summaries and overviews for queries. These AI Overviews aim to provide helpful, AI-driven answers, with links to relevant sources underneath. 

While the frequency of these AI Overviews has fluctuated, Google is continuing to refine the experience, focusing on queries where the AI can add value beyond traditional search results.

48. Bing Search Adding Al-Enhanced Summary

Microsoft is rolling out new AI features to Bing Search that generate detailed natural language responses to user queries. Bing’s AI-enhanced summaries can now appear in the knowledge panel section, with a note that the “summary was generated by AI from multiple online sources. This AI-powered search experience is designed to provide more comprehensive and relevant answers, going beyond traditional search results. 

49. Expandable Google Knowledge Panels On Desktop Search

Google has rolled out expandable knowledge panels on the desktop search interface, allowing users to expand sections of the knowledge panel to see more information. 

This feature provides a more interactive and dynamic experience, enabling users to access additional details within the knowledge panel without navigating away from the search results. This update from Google aims to enhance the user experience and provide more relevant information to users.

50. Google Search Top Products From Customer Reviews Carousel

Google has introduced a new carousel feature in its search results that highlights the top products from customer reviews based on the Google Shopping graph. This carousel allows users to quickly see the highest-rated products for a given search query, providing valuable insights for consumers and opportunities for brands to showcase their best-reviewed items.

51. Google Search Testing Revert In Place Of Search Instead For

Google is testing replacing the “Search instead for…” spelling suggestion with a “Revert” link in its search results. The change is similar to the “Search instead for…” feature but uses the term “Revert” instead. This new “Revert” link could help users more easily return to their original search query after exploring related searches. 

52. Google Search Snippet With Mentioned Products Carousel

Google has started testing a new “mentioned products” carousel within its search result snippets. This carousel displays product images, information, ratings, and pricing for items mentioned in the corresponding search result. This feature aims to provide users with quick access to relevant product details, potentially improving their shopping experience directly from the search results page. 

53. Google Business Profiles Testing Reviews Within Photo Carousels

Google is now testing a new feature that displays reviews within the photo carousel of Google Business Profiles. This allows users to see review snippets directly alongside the photos when scrolling through a business’s profile. While this could be beneficial for showcasing positive reviews, it also raises concerns about the potential display of negative reviews in this prominent placement.

54. WhatsApp Adds Custom Chat ‘Lists’ To Help Manage Conversations

WhatsApp has introduced a new “Lists” feature that allows users to create custom categories to better organise their various group and individual chats. This evolution of their previous “Chat Filters” provides more control, enabling users to name and customise their lists based on topics like family, work, or local.

The Lists feature aims to help users easily access the most important conversations when needed. This update aligns with the shift towards more private messaging and group-based discussions, providing WhatsApp users with an improved way to manage their growing number of conversations.

55. YouTube Adds New Elements to Studio to Enhance Fan Interactions

YouTube is providing more tools to help creators better engage with their audience. They are refreshing the “Content” tab in YouTube Studio to make it easier to track the performance of different videos. YouTube is also experimenting with AI-enhanced comment reply suggestions that provide creators with editable responses tailored to their tone and style. 

These updates aim to make it simpler for creators to interact with viewers and build stronger connections within the YouTube community. By enhancing the creator studio experience, YouTube is empowering its top content producers to foster deeper fan interactions.

56. Netflix Adds New Option To Share Clips From Shows to Social Media

Netflix has added a new “Moments” feature that allows users to create and share short clips from Netflix shows on social media. This gives Netflix shows more exposure on social platforms, as users can highlight and share specific moments from the content. 

The clips will include a link back to the full show on Netflix, promoting the platform’s content. This new option taps into the social discussion already happening around Netflix shows and streamlines the process for users to share key moments with their networks. 

57. Google Business Profiles: Answer Questions About Your Inventory

Google Business Profiles may now ask you to verify your information about your store inventory. This new feature allows Google to ask “Do you sell these products in-store?” to double-check the accuracy of your inventory details. Google says this is important because when you update them on the products and brands you offer, local users can more easily find your business. 

This feature is currently limited to businesses with physical stores that sell physical goods. If you’ve seen this new inventory verification flow in your Google Business Profile, be sure to respond accurately to improve your local visibility.

58. Google Search Snippet With Mentioned Products Carousel

Google has introduced a new search snippet feature that includes a carousel of products mentioned within the page content. When a user searches for a query, Google may display a search result snippet that features a carousel of relevant products found on the page. 

This allows users to quickly view and interact with products discussed in the search result without having to click through to the page. This new feature aims to provide a more immersive and informative search experience, making it easier for users to discover and engage with products of interest directly from the search results page.

59. Google Business Profiles Testing Reviews Within Photo Carousels

Google is testing displaying user reviews within photo carousels on Google Business Profiles. This new feature allows customers to see reviews alongside visual content, providing a more comprehensive overview of the business. By integrating reviews directly into the photo carousel, Google aims to give users a richer understanding of the business without having to navigate away from the visual content. 

This update highlights Google’s continued efforts to enhance the user experience on Google Business Profiles and provide businesses with additional ways to showcase their products, services, and customer feedback. Digital marketers should monitor this test closely, as it may lead to new opportunities for businesses to showcase reviews in engaging visual formats.

60.Google Tests New Local Places & Compare Sites Interface

Google is testing a new interface for local business listings that allows users to compare different places side-by-side. The updated design features tabs for “Overview,” “Compare,” and “Reviews,” making it easier for consumers to research and evaluate local options. The “Compare” tab lets users select up to three businesses to view details like hours, services offered, and customer ratings in a compact format. 

This feature could influence how users discover and select local providers, impacting digital marketing strategies for businesses looking to stand out in search and Google Maps. Monitoring these interface changes can help marketers optimise their local listings and stay ahead of shifting consumer behaviours.

61.Google Tests Frequently Saved Label On Search Result Snippets

Google is testing a new “Frequently Saved” label that may appear on search result snippets. This label indicates that users have frequently saved or bookmarked that particular webpage from the search results. The goal is to help users quickly identify content that others have found useful enough to save for future reference. 

This feature could be valuable for digital marketers, as it may influence click-through rates and give insights into what content resonates most with searchers. Monitoring the rollout and impact of this new label could provide helpful data to optimise digital marketing strategies.

62. Google Tests Scrollable Search Ads Categories

Google has been testing a new feature that allows users to scroll through different categories of search ads. This feature aims to provide a more interactive and engaging search ad experience. Users can now easily browse through various ad categories, such as “Deals,” “Electronics,” “Travel,” and more, without being limited to just the top-performing ads. 

This update gives advertisers more opportunities to showcase their products or services to interested users. The scrollable search ad categories could potentially improve ad engagement and click-through rates, benefiting both advertisers and users. Digital marketers should monitor this development and consider optimising their search ad campaigns accordingly.

63. Bing Tests Hiding Ads Labels After Domain

Bing is experimenting with hiding ad labels after the domain name in search results. This change aims to create a cleaner, less cluttered appearance while maintaining transparency about sponsored content. The new format displays the ad label in a smaller font, positioned after the domain name rather than prominently above it. 

This subtle approach seeks to balance the needs of advertisers and users, offering a more seamless search experience. As Bing continues to refine its advertising policies, digital marketers must stay vigilant and adapt strategies to this evolving landscape, ensuring their paid placements remain effective and compliant.

64. Google Business Profiles Learn Something Specific Question Box

Google Business Profiles have introduced a new “Learn Something Specific” question box feature. This allows customers to ask targeted questions about a business, such as inventory, services, or product details. The business can then provide specific answers to these queries, helping customers find the information they need more efficiently. 

This feature aims to enhance the user experience by enabling businesses to directly address customer questions, improving engagement and potentially driving more conversions. Digital marketers should encourage their clients to leverage this new functionality to better connect with local consumers searching for their products or services.

65. Google Menu Highlights Search Carousel

Google has introduced a new “Menu Highlights” feature in the search results carousel. This feature showcases popular menu items or dishes from local restaurants, complete with an image, title, and price. This addition aims to provide users with quick access to key menu information, making it easier for them to discover and select menu items when searching for local dining options. 

As a digital marketing influencer, this update presents an opportunity for restaurants to highlight their best-selling or signature dishes, potentially driving increased visibility and engagement with potential customers.

66. Bing Tests New Local Knowledge Panel Design

Bing has been testing a new design for its local knowledge panels. The updated panels feature a more visually appealing layout, with larger images, more prominent business information, and easier access to key details like hours, directions, and reviews. This refresh aligns Bing’s local panels more closely with the design of Google’s well-received knowledge panels, providing users a more polished and intuitive experience when searching for local businesses. 

As Bing continues optimising its search features, these enhancements to local information could help the platform better compete with Google and drive more valuable discovery for consumers.

67 . Google Tests Discover More Places & Explore Places Nearby

Google is testing new features in Google Maps that allow users to “discover more places” and “explore places nearby.” The “Discover More Places” feature shows users additional places they may be interested in beyond their initial search. The “Explore Places Nearby” feature highlights other points of interest in the user’s immediate vicinity. 

These updates aim to surface more relevant local business and attraction information to users, helping them discover new places they may not have otherwise found. This could provide a boost in visibility for businesses featured in these sections of Google Maps.

68. Google AI Answers In Google Maps: Things To Do, Review Summaries & About This Place

Google is expanding the capabilities of its AI in Google Maps. The search giant now provides AI-generated answers to users directly within the Maps interface. These answers cover various aspects of a location, including “Things to Do,” summarized reviews, and an “About This Place” section. This new feature taps into Google’s vast knowledge base to give users quick, concise information without having to navigate away from the Maps app. 

As consumers increasingly rely on digital tools to explore and evaluate local businesses, this AI-powered enhancement in Google Maps can provide a valuable advantage for savvy digital marketers.