What’s New in Google Ads | Smart Bidding, AI Ads & More

If you’re still running your Google Ads the way you did a year ago, you’re already behind. The PPC landscape has evolved rapidly—with automation, AI, and user intent now driving performance more than ever before. Whether you’re a startup scaling fast or an established brand aiming for higher ROAS, understanding what’s new in Google Ads could give you a serious edge.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the most powerful updates—like Google Ads Smart Bidding, automated bidding strategies, Performance Max campaigns, and AI-driven ad tools—and show you exactly how they can help scale your results.

WHY: Why You Should Care About the Latest Google Ads Updates

Let’s be real—running manual campaigns with the same old settings won’t cut it anymore. Google’s advertising platform is becoming increasingly automated and smarter, and that’s good news—if you know how to use it.

“Advertisers using smart bidding see an average 35% more conversions at similar CPA.” – Google Internal Data

With the rise of AI-driven automation, Google now uses hundreds of signals (like time of day, device, location, past browsing behavior, and even app usage) to optimize bids and ad delivery in real time. This means that if you’re not leveraging these smart tools, you’re leaving revenue on the table.

TRY: What’s New in Google Ads Right Now

Here’s a breakdown of the latest features and strategies you should start exploring in 2024:

1.  Google Ads Smart Bidding Gets an Upgrade

Smart Bidding is Google’s set of automated bidding strategies powered by machine learning. These include:

• Target CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)
  
• Target ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)
  
• Maximize Conversions
  
• Maximize Conversion Value
  

What’s new in 2024:

• Smarter predictions based on real-time signals like browser history, device, location, time, and more.
  
• Cross-device learning that links behavior from desktop to mobile.
  
• Enhanced support for seasonal adjustments, so your campaigns react better during high-demand periods like holidays or product launches.
  

Why it matters:
Smart bidding reduces guesswork and manual effort, helping advertisers scale profitably while maintaining control over spend and results.

2.  Performance Max Campaigns: One Campaign to Rule Them All

Performance Max (PMax) is a campaign type that uses Google AI to serve your ads across:

• Search
  
• Display
  
• YouTube
  
• Gmail
  
• Maps
  
• Discovery
  

All from a single campaign.

New enhancements in 2024:

• More transparency with asset insights and placement reporting.
  
• Advanced targeting controls and exclusions.
  
• Audience signals that help the algorithm learn faster (e.g., your email list, high-intent visitors, cart abandoners).
  

Why it matters:
Instead of managing multiple ad types separately, Performance Max automates placement, bidding, and creatives to maximize conversions at the best price.

3.  AI-Powered Ad Creation Tools

Google’s new generative AI ad tools automatically suggest:

• Headlines
  
• Descriptions
  
• Ad extensions
  
• Creative formats (image suggestions, text overlays)
  

These are based on:

• Your landing page content
  
• Previous high-performing assets
  
• User search intent and trending topics
  

Why it matters:
You no longer need to be a copywriter or creative director to build compelling ads. Google now helps you create content that adapts in real time to what your audience is searching for.

4.  Automated Bidding Strategies With More Control

2024 updates have given advertisers more levers within automation:

• Set bidding rules at the account level.
  
• Adjust bids for specific geos, audiences, and devices.
  
• Use experiments to test bidding models side by side.
  

Why it matters:
While automation is powerful, control is still critical—especially in high-stakes verticals like finance, healthcare, or education. These updates allow marketers to fine-tune automation rather than run it blindly.

BUY: Why Partnering With an Expert Agency Like Digital Rhetoric Matters

Yes, Google Ads is getting smarter. But to truly benefit, you need a strategy that connects the right tools to your specific business goals.

That’s where we come in.

At Digital Rhetoric, we help you:

• Plan campaigns using the best mix of Smart Bidding and Performance Max
  
• Build high-converting creatives with AI assistance + human refinement
  
• Test and scale winning ad sets with ROI-focused reporting
  
• Layer in remarketing, video, and Shopping campaigns for full-funnel performance
  

Mini Case Study:

Client: Fast-growing D2C skincare brand
Goal: Reduce CAC and improve ROAS
Solution:

• Implemented Performance Max + Smart Bidding
  
• Added audience signals from past buyers
  
• Used Google’s AI to generate ad copy variations
  

Results in 45 days:

• 57% drop in cost per lead
  
• 3.2x increase in conversions
  
• 4.1x ROAS on branded keywords
  

“Digital Rhetoric gave our campaigns a complete reset with automation and strategy working together. It was a game-changer.” – Client Testimonial

Final Takeaway: The Future of Ads Is Smarter. So Should You Be.

Google is giving advertisers more AI and automation than ever before—but tools alone aren’t enough. It’s how you use them that matters.

You need:

• Strategy
  
• Execution
  
• Creative testing
  
• Reporting that tracks real results, not just impressions
  

If you’re ready to stop wasting ad spend and start scaling predictably, we’re here to help.

Let’s Turn Smarter Ads Into Smarter Growth

✅ Book a Free 30-Minute Strategy Call
✅ Request an Audit of Your Current Google Ads Account
✅ [Download Our PPC Optimization Checklist (No Email Required)] – Coming soon!

Let’s make every click count.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Google Ads Smart Bidding and how does it work?
Google Ads Smart Bidding uses AI to automatically optimize your bids in real-time using signals like device, location, and user behavior to improve conversions.

How do Performance Max campaigns differ from traditional campaigns?
Performance Max campaigns use machine learning to serve ads across all Google properties with one campaign, simplifying setup and maximizing performance.

What are the benefits of automated bidding strategies in Google Ads?
Automated bidding helps reduce manual effort, improves cost-efficiency, and increases ROI by adjusting bids based on user intent and market signals.

Can AI create ad copy and assets in Google Ads?
Yes, Google now offers AI tools that suggest headlines, descriptions, and creative elements based on your landing page and previous campaign performance.

Why should advertisers stay updated on new Google Ads features?
Staying current ensures you take advantage of advanced automation, better targeting, and smarter ad placements that lead to higher returns on ad spend.