Google Starts Testing Image Ad Extensions

Updated January 12, 2023

Changing Face of SERPs

As part of a new test on with mobile search engine results page, Google is testing image ad extensions in AdWords. Having images on the SERP isn’t entirely new. With some news searches displaying featured images on a carousel, you pick your preferred source when you search for a popular topic. However putting images into ad extensions is a big change. Bing has, for some time now, given the option to include images as ad extensions. The first time you have been able to do so with Google.

Interface Enhancements, No Details

Along with the changes made to display ads earlier in the year, this shows that Google is trying to enhance the visual appearance of their PPC platform. Last quarter Google announced that the display ad editor was going to be overhauled, making it easier for a non-designer to create attractive ads using their standard editor. So this new extension follows that trend, by putting the visual aspect of an ad to the forefront again.

For advertisers initially, it will mean you will need to find images to attach to ads. Using dull stock images will presumably be the initial response. However, searchers will quickly grow bored; the really innovative advertisers will come up with elegant solutions.

As of yet, there hasn’t been any information published on what the image will have to contain, or if it will be able to have any text inside of it. So we’ll have to wait and see exactly how to create the perfect image extension. Whether it will be simple photos or tiny versions of infographics packed with information.

Image Ad Extensions

When this new feature is fully launched it will come hot on the heels of new Price Extensions, Affiliate Location Extensions, and Message Extensions. All of these combined makes AdWords a lot more customizable than it was this time last year.

Instead of trying to shoehorn your businesses into the limited number of options Ad Extensions gave you, you can now pick and choose the best extensions for your particular sector. Do you think your ad extensions are optimized?

Photo credit – Top: Joe the Goat Farmer