• Mysterious Google charges? Your old disabled ad keywords could be the reason.
• Google’s updated AI Overviews might take fewer clicks away from websites like yours.
• Fake reviews? Google can now remove them from your Business Profile, but watch out.
• Apple Podcasts will introduce short-form video in the spring.
• Hackers take aim at AI assistant systems in latest rash of attacks on Microsoft.

Check Your Google Ads Settings: Paused Keywords Re-Enabled for Some Accounts

Google Ads isn’t a big part of digital marketing strategy for all businesses, but many companies have given it a try in the past. If you ran a campaign or two but haven’t used Google Ads for a while, now’s the time to check in: Some advertisers are finding that their paused keywords are being reactivated without notice.

What does it mean? If this error hits your Google Ads account and isn’t corrected, you could find that you are now bidding for keywords you haven’t used in months or even years. When you don’t plan to use Google Ads for a long period of time, make sure daily budgets are set accordingly so accidental charges are less likely.

Google’s AI Overviews Soon to Be Less Aggressive About Capturing User Traffic

From business owners to digital marketing pros and everyone in between, one of the biggest conversations in the last 12 months has been about Google AI Overviews. By monopolizing the prime visual “real estate” at the top of the screen, Overviews can discourage search users from clicking through to your website.

Google has always had a vested interest in keeping people on its platform, but the backlash to AI Overviews has finally spurred a reassessment. On desktop, AI Overviews will be retooled to be less likely to divert traffic from websites by adding link pop-ups. These will allow users to preview the Overview content without clicking.

What does it mean? Google’s AI Overviews rollout significantly reduced traffic for websites across a wide range of verticals by removing the incentive for users to click through to publishers, including businesses like yours. An adjustment may help restore some of the lost search traffic, but that’s only one part of the story. Service-based businesses would be wise to work with a marketing agency that can make sense of SEO and modern AI search.

Google Will Now Remove “Fake or Incentivized” Reviews from Business Profiles

Google has long had policies against fraudulent online reviews. Business owners are warned that they can’t use incentives like gifts or cash to encourage positive reviews from customers. Now, thanks in part to developments in AI, Google will be actively removing suspect reviews – but the story isn’t always a positive one.

Over the last few weeks, some business owners have reported receiving strongly worded emails from Google, which warn of potential account restrictions if additional violations are found. The problem? Reviews may not be fraudulent, and bad actors (such as competitors) could attempt to send in such reviews.

What does it mean? It’s more important than ever to ensure your Google Business Profile listing is accurate, up to date, and getting regular attention. If you receive a negative review, be sure to respond in a professional and polite manner. As for “fake” reviews, keep an eye out for false positives and appeal any incorrect judgments.

Apple’s Podcast Platform Will Soon Include Short-Form Video

Apple has long benefited from a dominant position in the podcasting world, with about a third of all podcast listeners in the United States preferring Apple to the competition. But change is afoot. A new short-form video experience is slated to hit the platform as soon as March. Select users already have access.

What does it mean? “Video podcasts” are breaking out into their own distinct category, giving producers the opportunity to extend their reach across audio-first and video-first platforms. If you’re already podcasting, it’s time to ensure your multimedia production plan includes videotaping your podcast sessions.

AI Prompt Injection Attacks Herald New Era for Microsoft

Microsoft has announced the discovery of an all-new type of digital security vulnerability: AI Recommendation Poisoning. This type of attack aims to manipulate AI agents by using hidden prompts attached to “Summarize with AI” buttons. These prompts then influence the agents’ future references to a given company.

What does it mean? While Microsoft continues working on potential responses to this issue, business owners should be wary of clicking “Summarize with AI” buttons on unfamiliar websites. Always double-check sources if using AI to compare products or services, and be careful to use summaries ethically on your own website.

For digital marketing expertise you can count on in today’s fast-moving world, contact New York Ave.