In a recent development, Google has announced a significant change in its ad positioning strategy; it will now allow top ads to appear at the bottom of search results. This move, first reported by @brookeosmundson via @sejournal, represents a significant shift in the search engine giant’s ad placement policy.
Traditionally, Google’s top ads have been positioned at the top of search results, immediately visible to users. This placement has always been considered prime real estate given the prevalence of ‘above the fold’ browsing behavior, where users primarily engage with the content visible on the screen without scrolling down.
However, this new strategy seems to challenge this long-standing principle. By placing top ads at the bottom of search results, Google appears to be betting on a shift in user behavior. This move could be based on the assumption that users are now more willing to scroll through search results to find relevant information.
There are several potential benefits to this new strategy. First, it could lead to a more engaged audience. Users who scroll to the bottom of the search results are likely more invested in their search and may be more interested in the ads they encounter there. This could lead to higher click-through rates (CTR) and potentially higher conversion rates for advertisers.
Secondly, this change could help to improve the user experience on Google. Often, users can be inundated with ads at the top of search results, which can be off-putting and lead to ad fatigue. By dispersing ads throughout the search results, users may find the experience less intrusive and more enjoyable.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to this strategy. Some users may not scroll to the bottom of search results, meaning these ads could see reduced visibility. Additionally, there may be a perception issue if top-paying advertisers believe their ads are being ‘relegated’ to the bottom of the page.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to allow top ads to appear at the bottom of search results represents an intriguing shift in its ad placement strategy. While there are potential benefits in terms of user engagement and experience, it remains to be seen how this will impact ad visibility and advertiser satisfaction. As with any significant change, it will be important to monitor the results closely and adapt strategies as necessary.
