Soon you will be able to add images to your search ads on Google. The company announced the beta launch of image extensions to AdWords on its official Inside AdWords blog last month. But it may be a little while before most advertisers can take advantage.
In the post, Awaneesh Verma, Product Manager for Google Ad Formats explained:
Advertisers understand that sometimes it’s easier to ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ when promoting a business. As search ads continue to evolve, we want to make it easier for you to do both.
The addition of images to AdWords will give more visual appeal to search results pages on Google. One example of the format for the new image extensions shows three images presented horizontally across the column above the first hyperlinked text for the ad (pictured above).
Google estimates that currently more than one in six searches return results with visual content. Search ads with image extensions will be more likely to be displayed on pages that include these kinds of results.
Eventually, any business that takes advantage of Google AdWords will be able to choose whether to include images with an ad campaign. However, AdWords image extensions is currently in beta test stage and Google says the current service is for English language only.
The number of advertisers able to participate will be very limited while Google is experimenting with setup, reporting and performance for the new ads.
Google is asking small business owners and other advertisers to fill out an image extensions interest form if they’d like to participate in the beta. The company said it hopes to bring all interested AdWords advertisers that want the photo accompaniment online with the official introduction of image extensions later this year.
Image: Adwords Blogspot
Shawn Hessinger
Sounds like an idea whose time has definitely arrived, Josh. Especially given the increasing amount of visual content now incorporated into search results. Thanks for the report.
I believe this is going to be a great impovement for Google Adwords. A picture is worth a thousand words!
I wonder how this will affect CTR? In a good way, I hope.
Matthew Steffen
I totally agree with the comment of Laurent. I think this feature will definitely helps to maintain positive ROI.
Well, this was needed. I strongly support this initiative taken by the team. But the question remains that: how it’s going to work? Will it have any affect in the CTR of keywords we would be looking for while using it?
You will see it go live (out of beta) ONLY IF it increases CTR… this means that everyday searchers would click on Ads more than organic results which will give more money to Google.
This isn’t a “conspiracy theory” its just pure business and the “way the Google cookie crumbles”.