Today’s Insights 

  • Google Ads
  • Search Traffic
  • AI-Powered
  • SEO & AI
  • Ads Trends 

Hey there, 

Digital marketing right now feels a bit like trying to keep up with a game that updates itself while you’re still playing it, and honestly, Google and AI are doing most of the updating. 

In this edition, I’ve pulled together the updates that actually matter (and not just the noisy ones), from what’s going on with Google Ads performance in 2026, to how AI is shaking up search traffic for publishers, and why SEO is basically learning a new language in the AI era. I’ve also added a quick look at the Google Ads trends you’ll want on your radar so nothing sneaks up on you. 

-Javier 

Featured Topic 

Google Ads in 2026: What’s Happening With Performance 

Google Ads performance in early 2026 is showing a mixed but steady picture. Costs like CPC are still high across many industries due to ongoing competition, but results are becoming more consistent for advertisers who actively optimise their campaigns. 

Smarter bidding strategies and sharper audience targeting are making a clear difference, helping businesses get more value from the same spend. At the same time, conversion rates are stabilising, which signals that it’s not just about driving traffic, it’s about getting the right traffic that actually converts.  

Source: https://www.optmyzr.com/blog/google-ads-benchmark-report-q1-2026/ 

Search Traffic, AI-Powered, SEO & AI, Ads Trends 

Is AI Changing Search Traffic for Publishers? 

As AI-generated search results continue to grow, many publishers are questioning what it means for website traffic. According to insights shared by teams at The Guardian and The Telegraph, AI isn’t completely replacing search traffic, but it is changing how people discover content online. 

Publishers are seeing fewer clicks on some search results as users get answers directly from AI-powered summaries. However, both publishers believe this doesn’t mean SEO is “dead.” Instead, it’s pushing brands and businesses to focus on content that is original, trustworthy, and genuinely useful to readers. 

The discussion also highlighted the importance of building audience loyalty outside of Google through newsletters, direct traffic, and strong brand recognition. Businesses that rely too heavily on search traffic alone may need to diversify their marketing strategy moving forward.  

Source: https://sitebulb.com/resources/guides/is-ai-killing-publisher-search-traffic-what-the-guardian-and-telegraph-think/ 

Google Search Is Getting More AI-Powered 

At Google I/O 2026, Google announced major updates to Search, with AI becoming an even bigger part of how people find information online. New features will allow users to ask more detailed questions, receive AI-generated summaries, and explore topics in a more conversational way. 

Google also shared that Search is becoming more personalised and visual, helping users discover information faster without needing multiple searches. For businesses and marketers, this means content needs to be clear, helpful, and genuinely valuable to stand out in AI-driven results. 

Search is evolving quickly, and brands that focus on quality content and user experience will be better positioned as AI continues to shape the future of online discovery. 

Source: https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/search/search-io-2026/ 

SEO in the AI Search Era: What’s Changing 

As AI search becomes more advanced, SEO is shifting from simple keyword optimisation to building a full “search ecosystem” across multiple platforms. It’s no longer just about ranking on Google, it’s about being visible wherever users are getting answers, including AI-generated results. 

The focus is now on stronger technical SEO, structured data, and content that clearly demonstrates expertise and trust. Brands are also being encouraged to think beyond traditional search and optimise for how AI systems understand and surface information. 

Remember… SEO isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving. Businesses that adapt early to AI-driven search will have a stronger advantage in visibility and long-term traffic. 

Source: https://www.advancedwebranking.com/blog/engineering-seo-ecosystem-for-ai-search-era  

Ads Trends in Google to Watch in 2026 

Google Ads costs may finally be stabilising in 2026. According to WordStream’s latest benchmark report, ad performance across most industries stayed relatively steady year-over-year, with cost per lead even dropping for the first time in five years. 

The report analysed over 13,000 campaigns and found that while clicks and leads are still more expensive than they were a decade ago, conversion rates improved across 87% of industries, meaning businesses are getting better-quality leads from their ads. 

Smart targeting, strong ad copy, and ongoing optimisation matter more than ever. With competition still high, businesses that regularly refine their campaigns are seeing the best results from Google Ads. 

Source: https://www.wordstream.com/blog/2026-google-ads-benchmarks