This week, Google introduced a new campaign type called “Search Network with Display Select.” This replaces the former “Search & Display Networks” option.
Both enable ads to run on Google search, Google search partners and the Google Display Network (GDN), but Google says the new option offers better results on the GDN with 35 percent higher average click-through rates and 35 percent lower average cost-per-order:
Separating search and display campaigns has long been a best practice. Despite this update, Google recommends advertisers continue to run separate campaigns “for greater bidding, budgeting and targeting flexibility”.
So who should use this updated campaign type and run a combined search and display campaign?
Google suggests the combined option for those already doing so with the Search & Display Networks campaign type and for those who aren’t running any display campaigns. Presumably the combined option is designed to make it easy for small advertisers to test the GDN waters. Still, I am finding it hard to think of a scenario where an advertiser already running search campaigns wouldn’t be better served by setting up a separate display campaign, if only for budgeting control at the very least. I’d love to hear other thoughts or success stories using the combined campaign type.
Contributing authors are invited to create content for Search Engine Land and are chosen for their expertise and contribution to the search community. Our contributors work under the oversight of the editorial staff and contributions are checked for quality and relevance to our readers. The opinions they express are their own.