Primeclick Media’s Monthly Roundup – January 2025

The world of digital marketing is abuzz with updates and news every second and we started 2025 in the same light. In this article, you will get all the latest updates from Google Ads phishing scam alert, Meta paid ads and Microsoft Clarity integration with Google Ads. Read on to find out more in this January 2025 digital marketing news roundup.

1. Google Ads phishing scam alert

• A LinkedIn user, Fabrizio Trentacosti, created awareness of a phishing scam that displays on Google. 
• He stated that this scam alert pops up when it searches and directs you to a fake Google site, asking you to input your username and password. 
• Ginny Marvin, Google Ads Liaison, assures stakeholders that this issue has been addressed and that affected advertisers will regain access to their accounts. 

Source: Seround Table

2. Meta assures no community notes for paid ads 

• Following the announcement that Meta is introducing Community Notes over fact-checkers, Meta announces an important update. 
• Mark Zuckerburg, Meta CEO, assures advertisers that the community notes will not apply to paid ads. 
• Community Notes refer to a feature that allows provide more information about a post or refuted false information. 

Source: WSJ

3. Microsoft Clarity integrates with Google Ads

• Microsoft Clarity announces integration with Google Ads for advertisers to gain deeper insights into user behaviour. 
• Advertisers can view session recordings and heatmaps to identify user engagement with campaigns. 
• They also have access to performance metrics such as impressions, Click-Through Rates, Cost-Per-Click, Cost-Per-Action and Conversion Rates. 
• Advertisers need to have an active Clarity project and turn on integration in the settings. 

Source: Microsoft 

4. Reddit launches Reddit Pro Trends and AMA ads

• Reddit launched Reddit Pro Trends, a feature that helps users track trending topics with keywords and phrases. 
• It will reveal the conversations with those keywords and related keywords for those topics for valuable insights into user experiences.
• The Ask Me Anything ads enable brands to promote chats with their customers and improve community building.

Source: Social Media Today

5. Threads tests ads in the US and Japan

• Threads begins testing ad placement with some brands in the US and Japan.
• Meta states that this development comes from prioritising the need for users to find businesses organically.
• The ads will have a “Sponsored” label and image ads will be tested first.
• This update comes after the teaser from the Instagram head, Adam Mosseri, in April where he states that they had plans to introduce this feature on Threads.

Source: Techcrunch

6. Google updates Government documents and services policy

• Google updates their other restricted businesses: government documents and services ads policy.
• Advertisers do not need to apply for certificates to run ads for vignettes/e-vignettes across Europe.
• Advertisers running ads promoting “Business identifiers” specifically for France do not need to qualify as a government provider but still need to apply for exclusion from the policy.
• This policy will take effect from February 5, 2025.

Source: Google 

7. Google adds new Performance Max features

• Google rolls out new Performance Max features, such as campaign-level negative keywords, which allow businesses to exclude queries on which they do not want their ads to appear.
• With Customer Match, advertisers can now select high-value customers and predict new users who are likely to maximise lifetime value using Google AI.
• Google is now providing search terms insights for advertisers to identify whether queries are coming from search themes or Performance Max’s keywordless targeting.
• Finally, advertisers can now segment group performance more granularly and the results are now downloadable.

Source: Google

8. Google replaces Maximum CPV

• Google discontinues Maximum CPV bid strategy for new campaigns but existing campaigns will still run.
• Video View Campaigns will now use multi-format ads and a Target Cost Per View bid strategy.
• They state that multi-format ads can earn videos 40% more views with the same bid and budget.

Source: Swipe Insight

9. Microsoft Advertising introduces Curate for Commerce and Sponsored Promotions by Brands

• Microsoft Advertising introduces Curate for Commerce to help retailers use first-party data to drive revenue with targeted advertising.
• Another benefit is that it requires minimal investment while providing a simplified center for data management, monetisation and other operations.
• Sponsored Promotions by Brands helps businesses target their audience by incorporating ads in their key touchpoints. 

Source: Microsoft Advertising

10. Amazon introduces Amazon Retail Ad Service

• Amazon Retail Ad Service enables retailers use their ad services on their business websites.
• With this feature, retailers can customise their ad placements, designs, and number of ads and leverage the reporting tools.
• It is only available in the US for starters.

Source: CNBC

11. Google updates Cryptocurrencies and related products policy 

• Advertisers offering Cryptocurrency Exchanges for the UK audience may display their ads if they are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
• Google allows ads promoting hardware wallets designed to hold the private keys of cryptocurrencies, NFTs or other crypto-based assets but do not offer selling or trading.
• Advertisers must be certified with Google and comply with local legal requirements.
• This update is effective from January 15, 2025.

Source: Google

12. Google rolls out new campaign goal for WhatsApp messages

• Google has added a new campaign goal which allows businesses direct their audience to WhatsApp from their ads.
• This new integration will enable businesses generate leads and manage message-based advertising.

Source: Swipe Insight

13. Google announces AI plans for 2025

• Google announces through its VP Brendon Kraham that they will build more user-centric products with Google AI.
• He states that there will be seismic shifts in consumer search behaviour with AI’s ability to understand queries and deliver immersive experiences.
• He affirms that Google is building tools with AI across Performance Max and other features to optimise creatives, ad spend and other operations.

Source: Media Post

What is there to take away?

As business owners running digital ads, it can be a challenge to keep up with the constant changes in digital marketing. But, not when you follow Primeclick media. Follow Primeclick Media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn so you will never miss a thing!