Today In SEO & Search News: January 31, 2017

For those who like to keep updates on the latest goings-on in the SEO and search realm (and who doesn't) here's what's happened over the past 24 hours: Google Automates Ad Creation For AdWords Ginny Marvin over at Search Engine Land covered a very interesting and concerning story about some recent "enhancements" to AdWords. A pilot is being run on 2,000 AdWords accounts to test automated ad writing by their system.  The 2,000 accounts have 2 weeks to opt-out (shouldn't this be something you have to opt-IN to?).  The automated ads will be based on accounts targeting "optimize for clicks" or "optimize for conversions" and started on January 12th with the ads themselves rolling out on the 26th. Machine Learning's Impact On Content Eric Enge of Stone Template Consulting wrote a great piece I'm sure I'll reference frequently on the impact machine learning has on content. I could get into all the details but I wouldn't do their testing justice so you'll want to read the piece for yourself but it ends like ... Google New AdWords Interface Rolling Out As we discussed in our coverage of Larry Kim's AdWords webinar last May Google is designing a new AdWords interface.  It was out in alpha but as Ginny Marvin over at Search Engine Land reports, it's rolling out to move accounts. Google Rolling Out AdWords IF Functionality Reporting on their AdWords Google+ Page (hey - now we know who uses it!) the folks at AdWords announcing the launch of IF functions.  Basically, you can tailor your ads based on users or devices with IF statements so an add with be customed to the experience.  Using their examples:

"For example, if they’re a new customer, you might call out holiday promotions. Or if they’re a returning customer, you might highlight the benefits of your loyalty program. You can also use an IF function to show mobile users customized ad text, such as highlighting your convenient mobile checkout."

Facebook Q4 Earnings Tomorrow Facebook will be reporting it's Q4 earnings. As Market Watch reports, they're expected to be good. Google Jokes And to end on a fun note, Avery hartman over at Business Insider put together 13 clever Google jokes that went over most people's heads. They're an interesting diversion. :)