Today, let’s discuss how Google’s dominance in search is being tested and why we should all understand the challenges they face.
If you’ve seen the recent biopic on Bob Dylan called “A Complete Unknown,” you’ve likely been reminded of the words of his classic song “The Times They Are A-Changin”.

The important takeaway is that we can’t move forward effectively if we’re holding on to the past.

In many ways, we have to believe that change will create exciting new opportunities for all of us. We need to be willing to evolve with the times. Just like Bob said, we have to accept that the waters are always rising and that we all need to keep swimming.

One clear example from the marketing perspective is the growing number of forces chipping away at Google’s long-standing dominance in search marketing—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While there’s been plenty of doom and gloom about the future of marketing and the human place in it, we think the reality should be more hopeful.

For businesses looking to keep up with “what’s next”, consider taking a moment to hear what Chris has to say on the issue and why, as business owners and marketers, we should all “heed the call” as Bob said.

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What you need to know:

Google’s AI Overviews Now Feature Shopping Ads

Google’s AI-generated search summaries are getting a new look, with shopping ads now popping up directly within those helpful overviews on desktop. This means your product searches might soon come with a side of relevant sponsored content, a fresh move by Google to blend paid placements right into the AI search experience. 
Search Engine Land

Meta’s Ad Future: AI Takes the Wheel by 2026

Meta is pushing for fully AI-automated ad campaigns by 2026, meaning that you could just plug in your business URL and let their clever AI handle all the creative and targeting magic. It’s a bold step toward a world where AI could produce better ad results than humans, though human oversight might still be a really great idea. 
Social Media Today

ChatGPT’s Traffic Soars

ChatGPT is gaining serious ground, with its traffic jumping 13% in April, while giants like Google and YouTube saw declines. This infographic suggests AI is changing how we find information online, making ChatGPT a go-to source for quick answers and a force to watch in the evolving web landscape. 
Social Media Today

How Conversational AI is Reshaping Advertising

Conversational AI is shaking up advertising by making campaigns more engaging, efficient, and even boosting ROI. This means smarter, more relevant ads, with AI even helping to write catchy copy and optimize campaigns in real-time. It’s a brave new world where your ads might just have a conversation with your customers! 
Microsoft Advertising Blog

YouTube Shorts Gets Smarter

YouTube Shorts just got a major upgrade with Google Lens integration, letting viewers instantly search for products or information directly from what they’re watching, turning quick video scrolls into interactive shopping sprees.
Social Media Today

Big Tech Platforms Face Skeptical Audiences

A new report indicates that consumer trust in advertisements from tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft is on the decline, signaling a growing skepticism among audiences towards digital promotions.
Search Engine Land

Half of Google Searches Are About Specific Companies

A recent study by Ahrefs shows that almost 50% of all Google searches are branded, indicating that users are actively looking for specific companies or products rather than just generic terms.
Ahrefs

New Guide Unlocks AI Max for Search for Advertisers

Google has quietly rolled out a new guide for its AI Max for Search feature, offering advertisers crucial insights into optimizing their campaigns for the platform’s advanced AI-driven ad solutions.
Search Engine Land

Reddit Back-to-School Marketing Guide Unveiled

Reddit has published its 2025 back-to-school marketing guide, offering brands fresh strategies and insights to connect with its unique audience during the crucial shopping season.
Social Media Today

LinkedIn Reveals Top Digital Marketing Channels

LinkedIn has released a new report identifying the most effective digital marketing channels for building a strong brand presence, offering valuable insights for marketers looking to optimize their strategies.
LinkedIn Marketing Blog

LinkedIn’s New Guide for Smarter Partnerships

LinkedIn has unveiled a comprehensive guide on collaborating with B2B influencers, providing essential strategies for marketers to build effective and impactful partnerships in the professional sphere.
Social Media Today

Infographic Reveals Industries Shaking Up the Global Landscape

A new infographic from MarketingProfs illustrates the key industries that are currently reshaping the global economy, providing a visual snapshot of emerging trends and significant shifts in the market.
MarketingProfs

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Why You Don’t Need to Be on Every Social Media Platform (and What to Focus On Instead)

You’ve probably heard that your business “needs to be everywhere,” or you’ve been asked, “How are you not on [insert new social media platform here]?” This can be overwhelming and discouraging when you don’t have the time to invest in social media. It’s tough to watch your competitors post every day on every platform and feel like you’re not doing enough.

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MARKETING STRATEGY

Why Smart B2B Marketers Still Bet Big on Whitepapers

One of the most misunderstood and underrated tools in business-to-business (B2B) marketing is the whitepaper. While other forms of content may seem to generate leads more quickly, make no mistake, whitepapers are a powerful asset for driving long-term growth. By including them in your marketing strategy, you’ll boost brand credibility, attract higher-quality leads, and increase conversions.

Read More

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STRATEGY

Grow your organization’s revenue with a comprehensive digital marketing plan

Do you need a digital marketing strategy but you’re not sure where to start? Or maybe you’re unhappy with the results from your current plan? At Sanctuary, we focus on strategies that get results and help you grow your business. We’re leaders in marketing, and partners in growth. Learn more today!

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LEARNING “ON THE GO”

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Almost 100 free episodes of advice and conversations around improving and aligning your marketing, sales and operations to grow your business. Check it out here!

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