Ads Decoded

Search ads: How Google is reimagining experiences that drive value

February 25, 2026·36 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Ever wondered why the text asset you meant as a headline is showing as a sitelink? Or why Google introduced a button that lets users hide ads on Search? Changes to how text ads show up - especially as AI experiences like AI Overviews and AI Mode drive a total reimagining of Search - can make advertisers feel out of step with the mechanics of their campaigns. So in this special episode of Ads Decoded, we’re pulling back the curtain on the design and testing process behind these new ad experiences on Search. Join host Ginny Marvin, Abby Butler (Ads UI Product Manager) and Adam Bullock (Search Ads UX Lead) as they discuss the "ecosystem balance" between user trust and advertiser value that guides every change that makes it to the results page.In this deep dive:Testing for trust: The specific data points and rigorous vetting process required to move a new format from hypothesis to global rollout.Beyond the click: Why optimizing for user agency (like the new "hide" button) actually builds the long-term trust necessary for better advertiser ROI.Asset variety is key: Why you shouldn't get hung up on the impressions of a single asset, and focus on asset breadth to meet the specific intent of complex, conversation-driven queriesWant Ginny’s key takeaways and tips from this conversation? Subscribe to the Ads Decoded newsletter: https://goo.gle/4ryu6uVFind Ginny on LinkedIn at https://goo.gle/4aFEw4I and on X as @adsliaison - https://goo.gle/3N2Q22r Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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