According to Google’s Blog, Google is going to provide “greater transparency and choice regarding the ads you see on Google search and Gmail”.
Basically Google is talking about targeted ads that Users get based on Google’s algorithm which tries to predict what ads you would like to see.
“Soon, you’ll be able to learn more about these ads by clicking the “Why these ads” link next to ads on Google search results and Gmail.”
“Why these ads” gives you transparency”
“The perfect search ad answers your query and gets you what you’re looking for quickly.”
“When you click the “Why these ads” link, you’ll find information about why you’re seeing a particular ad and how it’s personalized for you.”
“If you’re searching for a local restaurant while you’re on vacation in Hawaii, you would see ads for restaurants that are nearby, rather than restaurants in your hometown.”
“Or if you’re researching flat-panel televisions, and performing a series of similar searches in quick succession, you could see ads based on the query that you just entered, or based on a few recent and related queries within a single browser session. By considering the language you’re using, your geographic location and various other indications, we’re able to show you the best ads possible. We’ve been showing ads in this way for years as a way to help you quickly find what you’re looking for.”
“Ads Preferences Manager gives you choice”
“You can also go to the Ads Preferences Manager to make changes that improve the ads that you’re seeing, including blocking specific advertisers you’re not interested in or turning off ads personalization entirely (of course, you can change your mind at any time)
“We’re always working to deliver the perfect ad, and we know that it’s important to have a choice about the kinds of ads that are shown to you. If you don’t wish to see personalized ads, the choice is yours.”
Google has a video describing this as well on their blog which you can check out here
I think it’s google’s partners and advertisersthat get the least transparency. Probably the worst for advertisers with the mysterious quality score assigned to each keyword that basically either makes or breaks the advertising account. If you can’t figure out how to get a goodquality score for the keywords you are advertising on, ad they are actually relevant, then you might as well give up on google. The Quality Score 10 guy is paying half of what you are paying and getting 100x the exposure.
I thought this was an announcement directed to developers – that now the ads shown on a website match the content, instead of Google showing WHATEVER it wants!
Adsense ads cheapen the website. I wouldn’t mind displaying them, if the ads REMOTELY match the content, or if I could have editing power. At least I can block ads (Godaddy) from a company, but I can’t limit ads to “dual screen phones” on my DualScreenPhones.com!!! That’s why I am reluctant to put Google ads. It’s Google’s loss! Maybe I’ll send Google a note about it sometime . . .
Their freshly acquired Zagat is showing up in PPC results. Are they bidding up the CPC? It’s like bidding on your own domain at auction.
but their motto is don’t be evil. how could someone cheat you if their motto is don’t be evil. it makes no sense.
Reads Well for authoratative keyword TLD’s
no javascript, no ads.
google doesn’t even try to serve ads without using javascript.
how to block ads? turn off client-side scripts.
take control into your own hands.
you know what you want.
google does not.
@BFitz, what keywords are you seeing this for? I’m not seeing anything under the usual suspects of keywords.
City names followed by the word restaurants.