If you’ve been cruising Google SERPs lately, you might have noticed a new, yet familiar icon next to sponsored results.
For the first time, Google is currently testing blue badges for verified advertisers. The move is aimed at providing more transparency to users who interact with ads on the platform.
The blue badges are similar to the ones used on other social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Their purpose is to show users that an account has been authenticated/verified. (Elon Musk recently removed this function from Twitter.)
According to Google, the blue badge will be displayed alongside the name of the advertiser. The goal is to help users easily identify ads from verified advertisers. They also provide an extra layer of security when interacting with ads on the platform.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Visible Verification
This change could have several ramifications. Whether you perceive them as positive or negative will likely come down to whether or not you advertise on Google.
Build trust between advertisers and consumers
Opens up an opportunity for advertisers to differentiate themselves from competitors
Ads can be more easily identified over regular search results
The blue badges could be especially beneficial for smaller advertisers who may not have a well-known brand name or reputation. With the blue badge, these advertisers will be able to show potential customers that they are a legitimate and verified business.
This could be an advantage if you’re an affiliate marketer who uses Google ads for traffic. As long as you’re able to verify your business you could potentially stand out among others who cannot.
Long-term Impact of Blue Badges
The testing of blue badges for verified advertisers is part of Google’s broader efforts to improve transparency and user experience on the platform. Google has recently made several other changes to its ad policies, including new rules for political ads and increased transparency around ad targeting.
Overall, this move should be seen as a positive step for the advertising industry. By providing users with more information about the ads they interact with, and by giving advertisers more opportunities to differentiate themselves, Google is trying to build a more trustworthy and reliable advertising ecosystem.
More time will be needed to determine whether this change will have a negative, positive, or negligible impact on ad performance.
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