Google Ad Innovations: where ads are going next

In the past year, Google's advertising tools have moved in some exciting directions. We've introduced more data-driven and efficient campaign management with the new AdWords interface, easier account optimization with the Opportunities tab, and new ad formats like Ad Sitelinks and Product Extensions that provide more context and value to those who see them, to name a few.

But where is advertising with Google headed next? Which new tools, formats and features will make it possible for you to communicate with your customers in more meaningful, creative ways?

We've started a new project, Google Ad Innovations, to answer that very question. Google Ad Innovations is a website where you can explore Google's latest advertising technologies, watch short video demos, and try out select new tools.

The technologies we'll highlight on Google Ad Innovations are at various stages of development, from early tests to fully released features. Here are a few of the new releases you'll find on Ad Innovations right now:

• Remarketing -- a way to show your ads to users who’ve previously visited your website as they browse sites across the Google Content Network
• AdWords Search Funnels -- a set of reports that help you understand the Google.com search ad click and impression behavior leading up to a conversion
• Location Extensions with Multiple Addresses -- an ad format that displays a list of nearby store locations when your customers are performing local searches
• Click-to-Call Extensions -- an ad format that lets mobile phone users call you directly from your ads
• Analytics Intelligence -- a Google Analytics feature that automatically identifies significant changes in your site traffic

There's a lot to see on Ad Innovations, but we want it to be more than a show and tell site. Every Ad Innovations page will have a feedback link, so if you see a feature that can be improved or think we've hit on a valuable new idea, let us know! The comments and suggestions you leave while using Google Ad Innovations will go directly to the Google team working on the feature.

If you want to stay on the cutting edge of Google advertising products, visit Google Ad Innovations. We’ll regularly add new tools and features to the site, and would love to hear your thoughts.

Posted by Miles Johnson, Inside AdWords crew