Internet Marketing for Small Businesses: Google Search Update: Ads Get a Shake-Up

Google has removed all PPC ads from the right-hand side of search engine results on desktops.

This Google search update was officially rolled out February 22, 2016, but online search marketers have noticed changes in the weeks leading up to the rollout. This update will most likely change how consumers navigate search from now on and has already left search results feeling a bit blank, shifting all ads in search results to appear ‘above the fold.’

What exactly has changed?

When you search, there will now be up to four ads shown at the top of search results, an increase from three before the update. You will not longer see ads along the right-hand side, or right side rail, but you will continue to see ads after organic search results.

Now the desktop experience will more closely mimic the mobile experience a Google searcher will have, where there is no space for a right sidebar and, therefore, no sidebar ads.

It’s really no surprise that Google would continue to cater to the mobile experience, especially considering the Google algorithm update from almost a year ago. Last April, Google changed their algorithm to reward websites that are mobile-friendly, giving searchers a fluid experience on their mobile device, from search result to website.

How will it affect me?

Many have surmised that this Google search update will make paid search more competitive. While this certainly will push advertisers to put in more work for those four top placement slots, it’s really indicative of what Google wants advertiser’s to focus on, which is mobile search.

Google has always led the trend for the consumer market, helping to drive mobile’s dominance over desktop. This latest Google search update is a reminder of the importance of mobile, for both organic and paid search. By ignoring the facts and trends, advertising agencies run the risk of being left in the past if they place mobile on the back-burner.

This Google search update should be a reminder of the importance of incorporating paid advertising/AdWords campaigns as part of your small businesses online marketing plan.

Small business owners can now manage all their online marketing with the click of a button with the help of the LocalVox platform. Have a mobile friendly designed website made for your small business, increasing your search ranking on Google, and be able to track that increase through the LocalVox platform.

Get a demo of the LocalVox platform today and see how it can help take the hard work out of online marketing.