Google is moving fast to make AI Mode the new normal in search, and the shift isn’t subtle. Alongside this rollout, they’re pulling back visibility on things like structured data reporting, sending a clear message about what really matters going forward.

This isn’t the only trend that we need to address, either. Paid channels are getting more expensive and organic tactics alone won’t cut it anymore. To top it off, AI-driven traffic doesn’t necessarily convert better, even if you actually get cited as a source.

Winning in this new world of marketing won’t come from quick fixes or tactical tricks. It’ll come from an intentional strategy built on authority, trust, and clarity.

So what do we do specifically?

The smart move now is integration: aligning organic authority with paid amplification and AI visibility to extend reach. The organizations that master this balance will thrive. Read More

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What you need to know:

Google Expands AI Max Worldwide for Search Campaigns
Google has rolled out AI Max globally, giving advertisers one-click experiments and more control over campaign optimization. AI Max is Google’s new AI-powered system that automatically tests and optimizes campaigns to improve performance with less manual setup.
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New Creative Guidelines Coming with AI Max Rollout
SEJ previews new text guidelines to help brands keep creative safe and effective as AI Max expands worldwide. Clear creative rules are coming, and knowing them early could be the difference between safe, effective ads and wasted spend.
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Google Drops Reporting on Six Structured Data Types
Google is removing Search Console reporting for six schema types, signaling a shift away from tracking these micro-level SEO elements. Why it matters: You’ll have less visibility into these niche SEO tweaks, making authority, trust, and clear content more important than chasing technical tags that anyone can add.
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CrUX Dashboard Retired—Meet Google’s CrUX Vis
Google is retiring the Looker Studio-based CrUX Dashboard, replacing it with CrUX Vis, a new tool for tracking Core Web Vitals—Google’s key page experience metrics. Core Web Vitals directly affect search rankings and user experience, and CrUX Vis will now be the main way to see how real users experience your site.
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Study: Page One Rankings Don’t Equal AI Mentions
A new study shows almost no correlation between ranking in Google and being cited in ChatGPT answers—visibility now requires a different playbook.
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Reddit Launches Pro Tools for Publishers and Media
Reddit is introducing analytics and workflow tools to help publishers drive engagement directly inside the platform. With 110 million daily users, Reddit is a massive source of conversation and referral traffic—these new tools make it easier for brands and publishers to tap into that attention.
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Amazon Loses Ground in Google Search Visibility
Amazon’s products have dropped in Google’s organic product listings, creating opportunities for smaller merchants.
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Facebook Leads Still Cheaper Than Google Ads, Despite Rising Costs
Facebook’s cost per lead rose 21% year over year but remains less than half the cost of Google Ads.
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Google Ads Includes “Suggested Plans” to Performance Planner
A new feature gives advertisers ready-made forecasts, saving time on planning and helping align budgets with ROI.
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How to Run Better PPC QBRs That Win Stakeholder Buy-In
Quarterly business reviews don’t have to be a metrics dump—this guide shows how to keep clients and stakeholders engaged.
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YouTube Expands Multi-Language Audio for Global Reach
Creators can now upload alternative language audio tracks, making it easier to reach wider audiences.
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LinkedIn Adds New Insights on Saves and Shares
LinkedIn now shows data on how often posts are saved or privately shared—new signals of true engagement.
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Ahrefs Acquires Detailed.com and SEO Extension
Ahrefs has acquired Detailed.com and its SEO extension, with founder Glen Allsopp joining the company. Detailed.com is respected for in-depth competitor research and practical SEO analysis, and having it under the Ahrefs umbrella means users could see sharper intelligence features added to an already powerful toolset.
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Semrush: Google AI Overviews Are Shaping Click Patterns
New analysis shows AI Overviews change how users click on search results, pushing brands to rethink visibility.
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Report: ChatGPT Users Still Rely Heavily on Google
Despite explosive growth, almost all ChatGPT users still turn to Google—proof that integrated strategies matter most.
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CONTENT STRATEGY

Tips for Using AI for Content Creation

AI is changing the game for digital marketers, making it easier than ever to brainstorm ideas, write copy, and fine-tune campaigns. But with so many tools out there, knowing how to use them well is key. Here are some simple, practical tips to help you get the most out of AI for your content creation.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

How to Be Creative on Social Media

Many business leaders believe that they’re not creative. Instead, they see themselves as only analytical or “left brained”. Hopefully this blog post will challenge that mindset and help you realize that you can be creative when it comes to social media marketing for your business.

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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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