Today, Google announced that they have launched a beta version of image extensions. This new extension will allow small businesses to add visual elements to their Google search ads.
Google has already released Ad Extensions prior to this new image extension which allow businesses to add on contact information to make ads more relevant to customers. Google also allows customization for mobile devices versus tablets and computers.
The new extension enables small businesses to more accurately convey their products or services with pictures in addition to the previous ad extension.
Visual persuasion is much more influential than just words. Google understands that as a small business, sometimes it is easier to ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ when promoting a product or service. This extension makes it easier for small businesses to do both.
The company writes, “As the web evolves, Google users expect richer and more diverse content. More than one in six searches on Google today provide results with visual content. Image extensions will show in some cases when we determine that a search is likely for visual content. For example, it is more likely that your image extensions will show for a query like luxury car designs than locations of nearby car dealerships.”
Google is taking on a more multimedia approach to search, which has its pluses and minuses. On the positive side of things, this new approach will help make ads “richer and more informative,” as the company states. The new ads will be more eye-catching or visually stimulating than their past text counterparts which were easier for the eye to skim over. However, it is possible that some users might view the new extension as visual pollution to the simplicity of the search page.
Currently, Google has the image extension running in English globally while in beta. Participants must have the necessary rights to the images displayed with the ads and must be submit them for approval.
