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Alexander
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Alexander discovered his passion for online marketing in 2019. Since then, he has been intensely involved with all topics related to PPC, social media, and lead generation. His keen eye for numbers and the latest trends and developments also allows him to make well-informed and data-driven decisions that especially benefit his clients. Alexander is always open to lively discussions on the topic of online marketing.

Alexander
Knowledge

- Blog Posts

Alexander discovered his passion for online marketing in 2019. Since then, he has been intensely involved with all topics related to PPC, social media, and lead generation. His keen eye for numbers and the latest trends and developments also allows him to make well-informed and data-driven decisions that especially benefit his clients. Alexander is always open to lively discussions on the topic of online marketing.

Alexander
Knowledge

- Blog Posts

Alexander discovered his passion for online marketing in 2019. Since then, he has been intensely involved with all topics related to PPC, social media, and lead generation. His keen eye for numbers and the latest trends and developments also allows him to make well-informed and data-driven decisions that especially benefit his clients. Alexander is always open to lively discussions on the topic of online marketing.

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Inside internetwarriors

Why Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) Should Not Be Missing From Any Marketing Mix

Jun 2, 2025

Alexander

Frank

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

Blog Article - Bing Ads

Microsoft Advertising (previously known as “ Bing Ads ”) is a powerful addition to Google Ads, offering numerous advantages such as comparatively lower click prices and advanced targeting options.  Are you already using Microsoft Ads, or have you limited your advertising to Google so far? In this article, we explore why it's more worthwhile than ever for companies to invest in Microsoft Advertising , what differences and benefits the platform offers, and why the topic of generative AI should not be overlooked. What is Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads)? To begin, here's a brief overview: Microsoft Ads (formerly known as “Bing Ads”) is Microsoft's advertising platform , enabling companies to engage in search engine marketing (SEM), similar to Google Ads. Ads primarily appear on Bing's search results pages, but also on Yahoo, AOL, and partner networks, as well as in Microsoft products like Edge, Outlook, Windows, and the Microsoft Audience Network. Microsoft Advertising was launched as “Microsoft adCenter” in 2006, rebranded to “Bing Ads” in 2009, and finally to “Microsoft Ads” in 2019. With Microsoft Ads, for example, it’s possible to run keyword-based Text Ads (Search Ads) and also offers Shopping Ads that require a Microsoft Merchant Center feed, Responsive Search Ads , as well as native advertising in the Microsoft Audience Network and Remarketing . Bing in Search Engine Ranking and Technological Innovations When people search the internet, they often “Google.” Over time, the term “Googling” has become embedded in the language of most people and even made it into the 23rd edition of the Duden in 2004. It’s perhaps no surprise that “Googling” originated from the namesake search engine. Other search engines still remain in Google's shadow, often slipping from memory when it comes to marketing efforts. But is this justified? Bing may not automatically come to mind first when thinking about internet research. Nonetheless, the platform has undergone many positive changes and established itself as a solid alternative to Google. In recent years, Bing's market share has steadily grown , while Google currently remains stable (albeit at a high level). According to Statista, Bing's market share was 11.75% globally in April 2025, compared to around 8% three years prior. In Germany, Bing even holds a 15% market share . The Microsoft Search Network leveraged by Bing includes other search engines such as Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia, collectively reaching a significant number of users. This enhances the opportunities for advertisers on Microsoft Ads and increases the potential visibility of their ads. While the Microsoft Search Network still falls short of Google in absolute terms, it has carved out a stable place in the market. It is expected that Bing’s market share will continue to rise, as more people seek alternative search engines in an era of growing privacy concerns. Microsoft, like Google, continually invests in technological innovations to make Bing more appealing to users. This is demonstrated not only by the new AI features continually being implemented in Bing , but also by a general massive increase in interest around Artificial Intelligence among internet users. This development naturally benefits Microsoft Ads as well. For example, Microsoft Office products offer the possibility of integrating Copilot into an extended license. Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-based agent that draws on Bing as a search engine when needed. Advantages of Microsoft Advertising over Google Ads An important factor that sets Bing apart from Google is the demographic composition of its users. While Google appeals to a broad audience, Bing is particularly popular among middle-aged individuals and business professionals . This can be advantageous for companies looking to target these specific audiences. Decision-makers and influencers can be particularly well-reached this way. Often overlooked, but just as important: On most work PCs running Windows, Microsoft Edge is the default browser, making Bing the default search engine . Cortana also pulls its results from there. This greatly increases the likelihood that a search query on Bing will occur in a business-relevant context. Additionally, the majority of traffic consists of desktop users. These factors can further positively influence the quality of traffic . Another advantage of Microsoft Advertising is the native integration of LinkedIn targeting . As Microsoft owns LinkedIn, advertisers can access the extensive professional data of LinkedIn users and target their ads more precisely. The attributes “Job Function,” “Company,” and “Industry” are available for more tailored targeting. Bid adjustments can be used, for example, to place higher bids for particularly relevant target groups. This is especially useful when B2B marketing plays a role. However, possibly the most significant advantage is that Bing, and thus Bing Ads/Microsoft Ads, is still surprisingly underutilized by many companies. Commonly cited arguments include a comparatively low search volume compared to Google and a lack of time to create and manage a complete account setup on this platform. But therein lies a great opportunity for businesses. The much lower volume of competitors positively impacts cost per click and can help companies position successfully on Bing with relatively low budget investment, yielding significantly more sales and leads compared to Google Ads vs. Microsoft Ads - Overview of Pros and Cons: Google Ads Advantages: Higher market share, worldwide and in Germany Greater reach and traffic potential Broader range of target audiences Higher mobile user coverage Disadvantages: Higher competition and hence  typically higher click prices (CPC) More complex user interface Microsoft Ads Advantages: Less competition and hence Typically more affordable CPC, especially in niche markets More cost-effective, even with smaller budgets Additional reach through other platforms/search engines like Yahoo!, MSN, and AOL Reaches an audience that may not use Google (middle-aged and Edge users) Target audience is generally older and wealthier, with many desktop users (particularly interesting for B2B and certain markets) Disadvantages: Lower market share and therefore Traffic potential Less automation and features Copilot in Microsoft Ads Microsoft Copilot is a AI-based assistant integrated into Microsoft Advertising that helps advertisers with various tasks based on campaign data, user inputs, and AI models. This includes: Campaign creation , such as automated keyword research, ad text suggestions, and the creation of Responsive Search Ads based on landing pages or product information Campaign optimization , e.g., bid strategy and budget distribution suggestions or A/B testing of ad elements Report and analysis creation , e.g., intelligent campaign performance summaries and creation of visual reports Like Google Ads, Microsoft Ads offers numerous opportunities to automate routine tasks with Copilot, saving time. Automatic intelligent analysis supports data-driven decisions. Copilot is integrated into the platform and allows for dialog-based interaction, similar to tools like ChatGPT. However, caution is advised with any AI-based automation - results should always be checked. Bid strategy suggestions must be critically evaluated to ensure that changes have the desired effect. Another example is ad text, which should always be checked for relevance to the product or service. Getting Started with Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) As mentioned earlier, many companies forgo advertising on Bing due to the increased setup and maintenance effort, which doesn't seem proportional to the expected return on investment. However, getting started with Microsoft Ads is surprisingly easy. An account can be created in just a few minutes, and the interface somewhat resembles Google's. So those who already advertise on Google’s platform will find navigating Microsoft Advertising straightforward. Importing Google Account Data into Microsoft Ads Additionally, Microsoft offers a useful import function that allows entire account setups from Google Ads to be mirrored into Microsoft Ads with just a few clicks. This also applies to other platforms like Facebook Ads or Pinterest Ads or uploading a completed template. This makes it particularly easy for companies with an existing Google Ads account to get started. There’s even the option to regularly import a Google account into Microsoft Ads, keeping the Bing account up-to-date with frequent changes. But beware: While Microsoft aims to make the entry into Microsoft Advertising as easy as possible and provides various tools, a certain level of account maintenance is still necessary. Importing accounts allows for a quick and easy way to advertise on Bing. However, to get the most out of the channel, Microsoft Ads should also be viewed separately and appropriate optimization measures undertaken. This ensures the target audience is optimally engaged and no potential is wasted. FAQs for Getting Started with Microsoft Ads Here are some questions our clients frequently ask about Microsoft Ads (and previously Bing Ads), giving you a deeper insight and helping you decide for or against Microsoft Advertising: For whom is Microsoft Advertising particularly worthwhile? Due to the differences in target demographics, Microsoft Ads are especially worthwhile for companies selling to B2B customers or targeting an older, more affluent audience. B2C companies can also benefit from Microsoft Advertising due to lower competition. Thanks to Bing's broader reach, Microsoft Ads are particularly effective in Germany, the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. In contrast, reaching a younger demographic (under 25) might be more successful through Google or other channels. How effective are Microsoft Ads? Microsoft Advertising can be very effective, but the performance of your campaigns largely depends on the services or products you offer and the target group you wish to reach. The lower CPC and highly accurate B2B targeting can make Microsoft Ads very effective. We also observe from many clients a lower cost per acquisition with the same or even higher quality of leads or product purchases. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise whether Microsoft is a sensible addition for your business. What types of advertising campaigns are available on Microsoft? The campaign types on Microsoft are similar to those on Google Ads. Available campaign types include Search Ads, Shopping Ads, Multimedia Ads, Audience Campaigns, Remarketing Campaigns, Dynamic Search Ads (DSA), Hotel Ads, Local Ads, Performance Max Campaigns, and App Install Campaigns. Additionally, with Microsoft Ads, ads can be run on CTV (e.g., with an add-on package on Netflix).  What automation options are available in Microsoft Ads? Thanks to Copilot, Microsoft offers AI-based support directly in the advertising platform. Copilot enables automated creation and optimization of ads, as well as analyses and reports. Additionally, automatic bidding strategies (Smart Bidding) are possible as in Google Ads. Campaign management can also be automated, e.g., by setting rules for activating and pausing ads. However, it's important to note that automation is not a substitute for strategy or expertise, but rather a complement to efficient work. It's crucial to regularly check whether all campaigns and ads deliver the desired performance. Is Bing/Microsoft better than Google Ads? No, Microsoft Ads are a worthwhile addition for many companies and can even be an alternative depending on orientation and target group. Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed against each other. For B2B companies, but also for many other topics and industries, a combination of Google and Microsoft Ads is the optimal blend in the marketing mix. We’re happy to advise if Microsoft Ads can be effective for your business. Microsoft Ads for B2B Companies As mentioned earlier, Microsoft Advertising is a very attractive alternative or addition to Google Ads for companies with a B2B target audience. The combination of target audience, platform integration, and cost-efficiency makes Microsoft Ads, just like earlier Bing Ads, very interesting for B2B businesses. Many users in the Microsoft Search Network are doing professional work when using Windows, Microsoft Edge, Cortana, and Office. It’s an effective way to reach decision-makers and executives . The higher proportion of higher-educated and higher-earning users makes Microsoft Ads relevant for industries like SaaS, industrial, and financial services . On average, Bing users are also older than the Google target audience. The lower competition and often cheaper CPCs are very advantageous for companies with costly leads and long sales cycles . The frequently 20-40% lower click prices make better ROIs possible. The high proportion of desktop users is also an ideal match for a B2B target group, as many purchases and research activities in a business environment occur via desktop, not mobile. The combination of desktop usage in professional fields increases the conversion likelihood for users in Microsoft Ads. Thanks to LinkedIn targeting , users from specific industries or companies, with certain job titles or functions, can be specifically targeted. This segmentation is only possible with Microsoft Ads, making the platform particularly appealing for B2B companies. It is important, though: Microsoft Ads should not be viewed as a replacement for Google Ads, but as a strategically sensible addition to specifically reach a B2B audience and expand reach outside the Google universe. Why Microsoft Advertising? Bing, and consequently Microsoft Advertising, is still often underestimated today but offers many advantages. While both platforms are quite similar, there are some key differences between Microsoft Ads and the major competitor Google Ads that make Microsoft's platform a true alternative or an effective complement. To summarize: Running ads on Bing is relatively simple Cost-effective and efficient with regular account maintenance Enhanced targeting capabilities , especially relevant for a B2B target audience Differences in target audience compared to Google: generally older, higher educated, and with a higher household income Exclusive access to other search engines , e.g., DuckDuckGo and Ecosia For anyone wanting to get a step ahead of the competition, seriously considering incorporating Microsoft Advertising into the marketing mix can unlock full potential in online marketing. We’re Happy to Assist You The internetwarriors team consists of experts in various online marketing disciplines, from SEA to SEO, from workshops for service companies to strategic consulting for eCommerce companies. Our decades of expertise as a full-service agency allow us a comprehensive view of different channels and measures, and an informed comparison, such as between Google Ads and Microsoft (Bing). Have you been thinking for a while about advertising through Microsoft Ads, or would you like some preliminary advice on the topic? Then feel free to contact us, and we’ll find the right solution for your business!

Website Optimization - Effectively Boost Conversions

Mar 21, 2025

Alexander

Frank

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

Various devices with different optimization possibilities

Welcome to the fifth and final post of our blog series “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant in Times of Automation” . In this part, we focus on Website Optimization . We discuss why it's important to keep an eye on the competition, the ways to identify them, and how we can leverage insights to gain advantages. If you missed the previous parts of the series, feel free to check them out. We talk about why it's important to define the right business goals , the benefits of broadening your online marketing channels , why contextual advertising is often underestimated, and how a competitor analysis can provide a competitive edge. Optimizing Your Content Arguably the most important aspect of optimization is undoubtedly one's own website. No matter how much effort we put into optimization measures before the click - if the foundation, the website, is not right, we cannot be successful in the long run. Therefore, it's essential to make the user experience on our website as smooth, enjoyable, and intuitive as possible. It starts with user-friendly navigation that guides users clearly and directly through the pages to their intended goal. An optimized checkout process, guest checkouts , as well as up-to-date and secure payment methods , also help to reduce cart abandonment hurdles. To ensure everyone finds what they need quickly on our site, it might also be worthwhile to implement an intelligent site search that provides suggestions during the actual search and, in some cases, shows product recommendations directly. We'll see what such an intelligent search looks like in the following example from Nike. But even on specific landing pages, where we either advertise strategically or want to push in other ways, there are additional content optimization measures: Clear and compelling offer Effective call-to-actions Adequate information for informed (purchase) decisions Trust-building elements Fast load times + Mobile optimization A/B testing! The Impact of FAQs Today, we have less and less time to convince people of our offer. Therefore, it's all the more important to answer as many questions as possible already on the landing page. FAQs, for example, in an “accordion element,” help provide as much information as possible that users can expand when needed without being overwhelmed by walls of text. At this point, the importance of A/B testing for landing page optimization should be highlighted . They serve as one of the key elements for improving performance and should always be an integral part of optimization measures. All major companies have likely subjected their landing pages to hundreds or thousands of tests, and for good reason. Quick tip : External tools like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity help enormously in better understanding user behavior on the site and making data-driven optimizations. The content available on landing pages should also depend on the target audience the page is intended for. Providing Solutions & Contact Options When generating leads, we should ensure we provide adequate contact opportunities . A persistent contact field can be helpful here, allowing users to establish contact when they're ready without having to search. This is particularly relevant for pages with a large amount of text content. Here, we also bridge to target group definition from Tip #2. On our landing page, we now have the opportunity to understand the pain points of our target group and present solution approaches . An effective means can also be showing opportunity costs if a collaboration is foregone. It quickly becomes clear how the service could impact one's own company and how much working hours and/or money can be saved. By sharing expert knowledge, such as case studies, white papers, or webinars , we not only inform and qualify our target group in advance but also create a higher level of trust. This is especially important in B2B, as the costs for offered services can easily reach six to seven figures in euros, and decisions are often made at the highest business levels. Those who score with their expertise in advance significantly increase their chances of being commissioned. On product pages, alongside many of the previously mentioned points, the following content optimization options can also be added: High-quality product images Detailed product descriptions Encouraging/displaying customer reviews Product recommendations/similar products/“Often bought together” Product videos Price and market analyses Clear, customer-friendly return policies Focusing on Customer Satisfaction We should make it as easy as possible for users to decide whether the product is relevant or not. Above all, high-quality content on the product page helps. The impact of customer reviews should also never be underestimated, especially for high-priced products. Nowadays, many people compare products in advance, and one of the crucial criteria is often a good product rating. Not only do we benefit to some extent from user-generated content, but we also have the opportunity to see what customers appreciate about our product and, importantly, where we can still improve. Those who actively reach out to their customers, take suggestions for improvement, and then implement them, increase long-term customer satisfaction and thus also customer loyalty . Speaking of customer satisfaction: A good customer support is, of course, essential for long-term success. If we receive an inquiry from a dissatisfied customer, we have the chance to turn the negative experience into a positive one. This not only leads to a better customer experience but often also reflects in customer reviews, which can directly impact the purchase decision and give the brand a more positive image. Through email marketing or newsletters , we effectively reach existing customers and prospects, announcing new products or promotional offers. Often, such offers are exclusively available to newsletter subscribers, which can positively impact the signup rate. This way, we gather more customer data without significant monetary additional costs while simultaneously providing attractive offers. With loyalty programs , customers can be retained long-term by the company, increasing the number of repeat buyers. These programs range from points for purchases to referring other people to cashback promotions or subscriptions with additional benefits or discounts. There are therefore manifold website optimization possibilities that can help improve the user experience, increase CLTV, and thus also have a direct impact on various marketing channels. As mentioned earlier, website optimization is undoubtedly one of the most effective measures to improve performance since it is the place where most users ultimately convert one way or another. Conclusion In conclusion, we return to the initial question: Will online marketing become obsolete due to developments in AI and automation ? Here we can reply with a resounding NO . Those who rely solely on automation and AI for their marketing strategy will lose in the long run. While all the new AI features are indeed helpful and can enrich online marketing, they are not the ultimate solution. The heavy reliance on data, on which AI is based, enables the processing of countless pieces of information, but it is also its greatest weakness. Many data points are often inaccessible, and important connections are thus lost. Apart from advertising platforms, there are many other optimization possibilities that should be utilized to get the most out of one's strategy. Ultimately, only the proportion of work shifts from operational to strategic . And for that, at the end of the day, you still need a human with experience. Thank you for your attention! We hope you enjoyed our blog series on “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant in Times of Automation” and that you can not only justify your marketing job better to your boss but also take away a trick or two. If you haven't seen our other blog entries yet, feel free to check them out! Automation in Marketing - Part 1 | Optimize for Goals Automation in Marketing - Part 2 | Channel Diversification Automation in Marketing - Part 3 | Contextual Advertising Automation in Marketing - Part 4 | Competitor Analysis Automation in Marketing - Part 5 | Website Optimization for More Conversions Did we forget something important, or do you have further questions on any of the topics? Then feel free to write it in the comments!

Competitive Analysis: Understanding Competitors, Optimizing Strategies & Strengthening Market Position

Mar 18, 2025

Alexander

Frank

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

The post banner with title, background image, and icon | Competitive Analysis by Alexander Frank

Welcome back to our blog series “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant Even in Times of Automation”! In this part, we focus on a often underestimated yet essential topic: Competitive Analysis. Why is it so important to keep a close watch on the competition? What tools and methods can help identify relevant competitors? And above all: How can strategic advantages be derived from these insights? This is exactly what we will explore in this post. If you missed the previous parts of our series, feel free to take a look - there we discuss, among other things, why clear business goals are essential, how to optimally position your online marketing channels , and why Contextual Advertising is often underestimated. Competitive Analysis - What is the competition doing? Competition is well-known for driving business. While this is often a blessing for end consumers, it has already broken many companies as their product suddenly became irrelevant, and thus their customers stayed away. Therefore, it is essential to never lose sight of your own competition and to regularly look out for new, emerging companies. A so-called competitive analysis is recommended for this purpose. First of all, it is necessary to identify your competitors . There are numerous ways to do this. Anyone already using Google Ads can easily access the auction insights within the campaigns and see which companies are actively participating in the auctions and how aggressively they are doing so. The metrics “ Top of page rate ” and “ Absolute top of page rate ” help us here by indicating how often we appear in the auctions either in the first three results, or even at the very top. By looking a bit more closely, we can even determine if we might be overbidding and artificially driving prices up. Other ways to understand the competitor's approach If you're interested in what type of advertising the competition is running and what images and texts are being used, the ad libraries of all major advertising platforms are recommended. There, we can see exactly which ads have been played by other companies, completely effortlessly and for free. For example, the Google Ads Transparency Center and the Meta Ads Library are mentioned here. But additional information such as rough target groups, estimated budgets, and targeting options can also be gleaned there, albeit not in detail. Other platforms like LinkedIn or TikTok also have such libraries that are extremely helpful for competitor analysis. Other options include external tools (e.g., Semrush, Similarweb, Ahrefs), generative AI tools (Google Gemini, ChatGPT), or simply the classic Google search . This allows us to see aside from Google Ads who potentially appears with us in auctions, or which companies also rank organically or show presence in another form for relevant search queries. We can also relatively simply identify and use the relevant content of the competition for our analysis. Once the competitors are identified, we can start the actual competitive analysis and thus gain a better overview of the competitive environment we are operating in. Topics we should look at more closely include, among others: Website - What does the site look like? Is it a one-pager, or does it have a more complex design? Is the navigation simple, or rather more nested? How high is the informational content? What kind of approach is used? How easy is it for a user to convert? Marketing Strategy - What fundamental goals are pursued? Which actions are potential users supposed to take on the website (appointment requests, demos, downloading informational materials, product purchases, etc.)? Online Marketing Activities - Which channels are being played, which advertisement formats are used? Social Media Presence - What topics are covered? What works well, what doesn’t (engagement)? Where are there still gaps for our own positioning? Price and Offer Structure - Are discounts or other promotions frequent? Does the quality justify the prices, or is there an increasing reliance on low-priced products? Customer Reviews and Feedback - What do the customers say about this competitor? What do they like, what do they criticize? Summarize and keep an overview For better visibility, we can also summarize the insights gained in a classic SWOT analysis to visualize the current situation. This helps us to understand the status quo more easily, highlight our own strengths better, and identify potential gaps . Additionally, it can be worthwhile not only to compare the competitors to our own company but also to compare them with each other as part of the competitive analysis. This way, we may recognize commonalities and overlaps on which we should particularly focus. These analyses help us to gain a better understanding of our own USPs . Moreover, we can discover new potentials and play segments or products that have hardly existed until now. Based on this, we optimize our marketing strategy and in some cases can even predict new trends . If we discover significant differences in the price structure compared to our competitors, it becomes easier for us to justify our own prices . Perhaps our products are indeed more expensive than those of the competition, but in return, they are more robust and durable. This can be effectively communicated. We learn from the weaknesses and mistakes of our competitors through customer feedback and can ideally profit from them. By targeting communication that addresses the exact problems and concerns of the target group, we gain a competitive advantage and ensure better customer satisfaction and loyalty from the very beginning . By implementing the measures defined from this, not only do we ideally save a lot of money and tons of nerves, but we also free up time for the really important things, namely providing the best possible experience for the customers and also the employees within the company. Thank you very much for your attention! Hopefully, it was insightful, and you could take something away for yourself! In the fifth and final part of our mini-series, we will delve deeper into the topic of optimizing your own website . Our previous post on the topic of Contextual Advertising follows. Have we forgotten something important, or do you have questions on the subject? Then feel free to write it to us in the comments! If you want to get in direct contact with us, feel free to check out our contact form. We help you better understand your competitive situation and benefit from it, so you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - simple and non-binding!

Contextual Advertising: How Context-Based Advertising Works

Mar 12, 2025

Alexander

Frank

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

The post banner with title, background image, and icon.

In this article, we take a closer look at Contextual Advertising. We will discuss the advantages of this advertising form and highlight some providers and opportunities that are particularly suitable for it. If you missed the previous parts of the series, feel free to check them out. There, we talk about why it is important to define the right corporate goals and the benefits of broadening your online marketing channels . Contextual Advertising With stricter data protection laws and the resultant increasing targeting restrictions , as well as the trend of many marketing platforms to automate and broaden campaign distribution, it becomes even more crucial to reach the right target audience at the right time and to minimize scatter losses as effectively as possible. But what are the options for targeting one's audience more effectively? This is where Contextual Advertising comes into play. In this form of advertising, ads are not displayed based on users' demographic data, preferences, and interests, but the algorithm primarily focuses on the current context of the page - which gives it the name “Contextual” Advertising. This means that websites are categorized based on various factors. These could be, for example: Product categories Images Text passages Specific keywords in the running text. After a successful categorization, ads that match the page content are played. In the example above, we see a NIKE advertisement placed in an article about the major running shoe test of 2024. It can be assumed that people interested in this article are also more likely to be interested in purchasing new running shoes in the near future. Thus, there is a match between the advertised ad and the purchase intention. The fact that the ad often blends seamlessly into the actual content of the website additionally reduces friction and enhances the coherence between advertising and content. Numerous studies have already shown that this positively impacts user perception and can increase purchase readiness. As mentioned earlier, Contextual Advertising helps to create as much relevance as possible for the target group while impacting the user experience minimally, and ideally even improving it. Additionally, it offers a good opportunity to position your brand in a targeted and brand-safe manner, thus avoiding unnecessary scatter losses. Since it completely dispenses with the use of cookies , this form of advertising is significantly more future-proof and robust against the increasing restrictions on third-party cookies. The question of the right channel for Contextual Advertising often cannot be answered universally but depends on many factors. On the one hand, there are the classic providers such as Google Ads or Microsoft Advertising , which enable contextual advertising. Here, targeting by keywords or specific placements is available. From experience, Google's keywords are often interpreted very “broadly,” which can make this type of targeting quite inaccurate. Advertising via placements works better. For example, offering moving services could achieve above-average campaign results on sites dealing with apartment searches, house buying, and similar topics. Other providers have almost exclusively specialized in Contextual Advertising. The most well-known among them are probably Criteo and GumGum , which have developed more advanced algorithms for website categorization, thus ensuring a significantly better match between content and ads . This is particularly worthwhile if the product range is quite broad. But what options are there if we offer a very “niche” service? Reddit offers the possibility, for example, of reaching people who have viewed or interacted with specific subreddits. Since Reddit is generally a platform with relatively higher engagement rates, this can positively affect ad perception and interaction. Although it's not possible to exclusively target specific subreddits here, higher relevance for the target group is still given by the fact that interaction with a subreddit already assumes a higher interest . Companies that sell tech products or gaming accessories could also find a promising channel in Twitch . Originally started as a purely gaming platform, Twitch has significantly expanded its offerings, but for many tech-savvy individuals, it remains a very relevant channel in the entertainment routine. And who hasn’t wanted a setup like their favorite streamer? Often unjustly underestimated, (Digital) Out of Home Advertising, also known as (D)OOH , is still often treated very negligently. What used to be indispensable in the form of billboard advertising in any marketing mix has lost significant popularity since the introduction of digital marketing, but has been on the rise again in recent years. More and more companies are recognizing the advantages of well-placed outdoor advertising, especially since the introduction of digital screens, which opens up a whole new range of possibilities. Suddenly, it is possible to advertise very dynamically at specific locations or at relevant times, reaching exactly the right target group at that moment. McDonald's demonstrated impressively a few years ago that this approach can work. Thank you very much for your attention! Hopefully, it was informative, and you could take something away from it! In the fourth part of our miniseries, we will take a closer look at competitive analysis . Have we forgotten something important, or do you still have questions on the topic? Feel free to write it in the comments! If you want to get in touch with us directly, feel free to visit our contact form . We help you to position your brand even more effectively with Contextual Advertising so that you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - simply and without obligation!

Channel Diversification in Online Marketing

Mar 7, 2025

Alexander

Frank

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

Banner on the topic of Channel Diversification in Online Marketing

Putting everything on one card means you're either very lucky or could quickly lose a lot of money. The same applies to online marketing. Focusing solely on one channel allows you to concentrate all your attention there, but it also carries significant risks . If there's an issue with that channel, your entire outbound marketing effort could quickly come to a halt. So if you rely solely on that for customer acquisition, you might soon find yourself in a pickle. That's exactly why it makes sense to broaden your marketing strategy through channel diversification . Besides risk mitigation in the event of failures, there are additional advantages such as: Greater Reach - Certain target groups prefer specific channels. By diversifying, you can reach more users, and thus potential new customers. Higher Brand Awareness - A consistent message across multiple channels strengthens brand identity and increases visibility. More Data-Driven Insights - Different channels provide unique perspectives on data, enabling additional insights that help make more informed decisions. Better Customer Engagement - Engaging with users across multiple channels can lead to potentially more personal interactions and thus a stronger connection to the company. Potentially Higher ROI - Data-driven decisions across multiple channels often lead to increased efficiency in online marketing efforts, resulting in higher profits. Choosing Suitable Channels Which channel we should consider for diversification usually depends on what goal we want to achieve with it. Where do we see the greatest potentials , the best chance to position ourselves as a brand, or possibly even those so-called "low hanging fruits"? Are there channels where there are currently few competitors? One way to choose the most suitable channels is to be guided by the classic marketing funnel - depending on which step the target group is in and which conversion actions we particularly want to promote. It's also advisable to regularly check whether the current target group definition is still accurate or needs to be adjusted. Because requirements, needs, and search behavior can change over time . This allows us to observe a potential shift in the target group and respond accordingly. In some cases, the target group defined in advance differs from the actual group we reach and convert. The ideal customer can be determined by various factors, such as: Demographic data (age, gender, location, family status...) Interests Purchase behavior/purchasing power Lifestyle ... This is where you need to discover further potentials and expand existing ones. There may also be niche target groups that are highly relevant to us. The advantage here: Generally, competition is lower, which can lead to lower customer acquisition costs. By identifying the pain points of the target groups, we can also tailor the messaging of campaigns and creatives precisely to them . This can lead to more relevance, higher interaction, and, at best, a better ROI. Adhering to Rules As we can see, channel diversification is extremely important in marketing. However, we should observe two rules: Channel diversification should always be well thought out and not done just for its own sake . Expanding immediately to multiple platforms carries the risk of being overwhelmed and not doing justice to the nuances of each channel. This could quickly lead to undesirable results, causing the channels to be shut down before they have reached their full potential. It is also important to give the channel sufficient time . Rarely does the first attempt succeed directly, and adaptations and optimizations along the way are essential. Only after going through several optimization cycles and gathering sufficient data can we fairly assess the channel's performance and make sensible decisions. Of course, channel diversification also requires a certain investment. As mentioned above, it depends on many factors how many and which channels are suitable for diversification. Additionally, these differ individually from company to company and should therefore be carefully examined and considered beforehand. But if we approach it correctly, it can be more than worth it in many cases. Thank you for your attention! Hopefully, it was insightful, and you could take something from it! In the third part of our mini-series, we'll delve further into the topic of Contextual Advertising . You can find our previous post on Business Goals here . Did we forget anything important, or do you have further questions on the topic? Feel free to leave it in the comments! If you'd like to get in touch with us directly, feel free to visit our contact form . We'll help you find the right marketing channels for your company so you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - easily and without obligation!

Automation in Marketing: Optimizing for Goals

Mar 4, 2025

Alexander

Frank

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

Banner about Automation in Marketing.

By the end of 2024, on average, every fifth company was already regularly using artificial intelligence (AI) . For large companies with more than 250 employees, the figure was even 48%. AI and other automation processes (such as Machine Learning ) affect virtually all aspects of everyday life and don't stop at online marketing. These technologies sometimes heavily influence the workday, causing some marketers to wonder if their profession still has a future or if it will soon be completely replaced by AI. But is this concern even justified? Or are there perhaps ways to actively intervene in your marketing strategy, even in times of automation? How it works is what we explore in our blog series “5 Tips to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant in Times of Automation” . Automation in Marketing - Part 1 | Optimize on Goals Automation in Marketing - Part 2 | Channel Diversification Automation in Marketing - Part 3 | Contextual Advertising Automation in Marketing - Part 4 | Competitive Analysis Automation in Marketing - Part 5 | Website Optimization for More Conversions Where Automation in Online Marketing is Already Being Used Among all industries, marketing worldwide is probably one of the biggest pioneers in the use of AI and automation in the workday. According to a study by Hubspot from the year 2024, 74% of marketers reported already actively using AI in some form in their profession. In 2023, this figure was just 21%. This represents a increase of ~250% compared to the previous year and shows how much AI is specifically shaping online marketing. The use ranges from data analysis to research work all the way to content creation, such as creating images or texts for blog posts (this one, however, is 100% handcrafted by humans, scout's honor). Even in tools that marketers have used over the last two decades, more and more AI features are being integrated . This has reached a point where, for example, in Google Ads or Meta Ads, entire campaign types are almost fully automated. According to Google, Meta, and other advertising platforms, these campaign types (Performance Max, Advantage+, Accelerate Campaigns, etc.) are supposed to help scale accounts faster, easier, and with less effort, generate cheaper relevant traffic through the power of AI, and achieve better results by drastically reducing preliminary work and setup efforts, requiring less ongoing maintenance and enabling a more personalized approach overall. It's widely known that this doesn't always reflect reality and often becomes apparent when campaign performance suddenly weakens. In such situations, the “dark sides” of automation become evident, since more automation also means more black box fewer adjustment options, as well as a departure from “traditional” optimization measures. So what should we do when our campaigns fall short of expectations, and we've already exhausted the limited options of the tools? Quite simply, more optimization measures are needed! In our blog series, we present 5 Tips to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant in Times of Automation . #1 Optimize on Business Goals When was the last time you defined or adjusted your business goals ? If you have to think about it for longer now, it's probably time to urgently revisit them. Because these can change over time due to changes in your own company or other external factors, such as a changing economic situation, increased competitive pressure, or other unforeseen circumstances. But how do you actually choose the right business goals? There are different approaches for defining your business goals. Particularly widespread and popular is the use of so-called SMART goals . The acronym stands for S pecific M easurable A chievable R elevant T ime-bound. In short, this means we should consider which goals we want to achieve exactly and how we can measure success or failure . The goals should always be realistic and thus achievable and have a high relevance for us. Finally, there should be a deadline by when the goals should be achieved, ideally with checkpoints in between to monitor progress and introduce further measures if necessary. Choosing the right conversions is not easy, because not every possible action on the website is equally important for us. The following four questions can help identify the most relevant conversions. What Conversions Should Be Triggered? First, the question arises of which action(s) the ideal users should trigger. Depending on the marketing strategy, this could be the download of a PDF, a contact request, or even a classic purchase . Perhaps we already have a funnel of our own that aids in further qualification. Can Conversion Values Be Quantified? The simplest case is certainly the purchase, as the value logically results from the sold product. But what if we offer a service that cannot be uniformly assigned a value? In this case, we can try to estimate the value in another way. The intention behind assigning values to conversions is two-fold: it makes it easier to calculate ROI, and it provides ad platforms with specific signals about the importance of conversions on which bid strategies (e.g., target ROAS) can optimize. Are There Differences in Upselling / CLTV? If we have products that are frequently purchased in combination with other products, this provides an opportunity to increase the average conversion value through cross-/upselling . Therefore, it can also be beneficial to strongly promote such products or services, even if the initial value is lower compared to others. Products that are typically repurchased or lead to further purchases additionally increase the Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV) . Are There Entry Barriers / Typical Problems? Perhaps the product is too expensive for many users, or they don't immediately find what they're looking for. Maybe they don't yet know that we offer solutions that specifically help them with their problems. We often observe the latter especially in B2B. These factors could also cause certain conversions to occur less frequently or not at all because the initial hurdle is too high . Here, it may be advantageous to focus first on products and services that require less explanation, or are priced lower, to then further qualify these individuals later on. Especially in Ecommerce, it's particularly worthwhile to optimize not only for pure ROAS in Google Ads & Co but also include profit , as ROAS is not equal to profit! By default, the tools cannot consider margins in the optimization with automation, because the machines simply lack the necessary information. However, if we feed this data back, we can give the algorithm a push in the right direction and overall enhance performance. While ROAS might decrease in the accounts, as long as profits increase, the campaigns will be better aligned with our business goals . Additionally, we should regularly compare the best-selling products in the backend with those in Google Ads, Meta, and likewise. Significant differences may arise here, giving us the opportunity to promote certain products to different extents on various channels . Ultimately, the question also arises: Should we focus more on attracting new customers , or should we prioritize the reactivation of existing customers ? Both goals are valid, but they entail different approaches to promotion. Acquiring new customers can be up to 5x more expensive than stimulating existing customers to buy again. However, it allows us to expand our customer portfolio more easily . If we need to operate with a strictly limited budget, it may be wiser to focus primarily on (dynamic) remarketing to generate revenue more economically. Considering all these points, it becomes significantly easier to identify the right business goals , focus on them, and also drive them forward sustainably. Ultimately, the entire company benefits from this. Thank you for your attention! Hopefully, it was insightful, and you were able to take something away from it! In the second part of our mini-series, we will delve deeper into the topic of channel diversification . Did we forget something important, or do you still have questions on the topic? Feel free to write them in the comments! If you want to get in touch with us directly, feel free to visit our contact form . We will help you find the right marketing channels for your company, so you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - simply and without obligation!

Local SEO & AI Visibility: The most important steps for your GEO strategy

Oct 20, 2025

Julien

Moritz

Category:

SEO

Banner for a blog post: Smartphone with open ChatGPT application

The search world is changing rapidly. AI and LLMs like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode influence how businesses are found. To remain visible locally, companies must adapt their strategies and understand vital measures for local GEO and SEO. These measures are crucial for local businesses to effectively connect local SEO and GEO in a comprehensive strategy. Key Points at a Glance The combination of local SEO and GEO content is crucial today for maximum visibility. Business profiles, reviews, off-page actions, and a solid technical foundation are the basis for local discoverability. AI and LLMs are transforming the search landscape: content must be machine-readable, semantically structured, and aligned with the customer journey. Targeted link building and AI-optimized content are the most important actions. With prompt monitoring and new KPIs, sustainable success becomes measurable. Build a Prompt Database – Our Matrix A central success factor for local SEO and AI visibility is aligning content with the customer journey. Why is this relevant? Users are in different phases of decision-making and have varying content requirements. Aligning your content strategy ensures your brand is mentioned in AI-generated responses or that your website is used as a source for these answers. We have developed a matrix for creating this prompt database. Aligning content with this matrix targets users at each phase of the customer journey, sustainably increasing visibility. The process begins with the Discovery & Awareness Phase . Here, users seek general knowledge, want to understand a problem, or learn about a solution. Companies should showcase their authority, provide step-by-step guides, and present their solutions at this stage. In the Consideration Phase , users compare different offers and weigh the benefits. Here, it's important to build trust, highlight the strengths of your own offerings, and positively portray products in comparison. The Decision Phase is characterized by a clear intent to purchase. Content should contain a direct call-to-action, guiding users to the desired transaction. Finally, there are AI-specific Intents . Users give specific commands or want to initiate automated processes. It is important to position your brand within the context of such automated processes and provide solutions for specific tasks in this phase. SEO keywords can be a strong foundation for creating prompts. This ensures that the SEO and GEO strategy work hand in hand. The created prompt database should then be integrated into a monitoring tool to provide an overview of current visibility in AI and search engines. This will lead to measures to revise existing content and identify potential for new content. Local GEO and SEO: What Really Matters Today SEO and AI visibility are particularly important for local businesses today. Companies that implement the right measures for local GEO and SEO remain consistently visible to potential customers and AI systems. Structuring Content for Machine Readability A clean and structured technical implementation is indispensable for the digital visibility of local businesses. For search engines and AI models to optimally capture and display content, the website should be built with clean HTML and semantic tags like <article> and <section>. Additionally, it is advisable to use special markups like FAQ or HowTo structures to make information even more accessible for search engines and AI. The following GEO Formula has proven effective: Relevant user questions are formulated as headings (H2). Directly below, a precise and clear answer follows. Subsequently, further information is offered to delve into the topic or explore additional aspects. This clear structure helps not only users but also ensures that search engines and AI systems better interpret and display the content. Creating Locally Relevant Content City-specific case studies, customer reports, local events, and the integration of landmarks and neighborhoods are especially effective. Such content not only creates closeness to the target audience but also highlights the company's local expertise and presence. Another crucial aspect is the regular use of local keywords (service + city) in website texts. This establishes a clear link between location and services offered, enhancing SEO and LLM visibility. The content should cover various user intents along the customer journey (see Prompt Matrix). In this way, potential customers are specifically targeted and accompanied in each phase. It is important to integrate real user questions into the content. By directly answering frequently asked questions, the relevance of the website for search engines and AI models increases. Heed "Old" Foundations for Local SEO Also for Local GEO A complete business profile on Google and Bing is the foundation for a strong local presence. The more information provided, the better search engines and AI models can classify and display the business. It's equally important to actively seek customer feedback and collect reviews. Positive feedback strengthens credibility and directly impacts local visibility in AI, LLMs, and search engines. Furthermore, registering the business in relevant industry directories increases discoverability and reach. Additionally, targeted branded traffic from social media creates a healthy signal to search engines and AI systems. Active communication and interaction on social platforms create additional credibility and sustainably support local visibility. Link Building in Times of AI Language models generally do not search and compare individual services or products on their own. Instead, they often refer to comparison sites, user reports, and similar sources for recommendations. This presents a valuable opportunity for businesses: strategically building backlinks on such platforms increases the likelihood of being considered in AI-generated answers and recommendations. This boosts AI visibility in LLMs and simultaneously increases the website's relevance for search engines through quality backlinks. Platforms can be identified and prioritized through the selected tool with prompt monitoring. The rule of thumb is quality over quantity: posts that are frequently cited by LLMs are more valuable than those rarely used by AI. Optimize Existing Content for Real User Questions If your domain is already visible in organic search results, it is worthwhile optimizing content specifically for real user questions. Such questions can be identified, for example, using Google Search Console by filtering search queries containing typical question words. We use the following regex filter: ^(how|what|why|when|where|which|who|why|for what reason|how much|whereby|wherewith|by whose)\b Figure 1: Regex filter in Google Search Console Figure 2: Search queries with the regex filter in Google Search Console It is essential to clearly and helpfully answer these questions directly under an H2 heading. This makes the content more attractive to users and also easier for search engines and AI models to understand. If you already have a chatbot on the website, questions asked there can also be a good indicator that they are frequently asked to ChatGPT & Co. Thus, it is also worth answering these questions in the content to be used as a source by LLMs and expand visibility in AI. Establish New GEO KPIs Although traditional SEO metrics like increasing clicks or traffic were long central, they are no longer the sole focus. Many companies are experiencing declines in search engine traffic as AI models and LLMs increasingly provide direct answers, and users click through to websites less frequently. The traffic from LLMs can seldom fully compensate for these losses. However, the quality of this traffic often turns out to be significantly higher, increasing the conversion rate. To specifically measure the visibility of local businesses and the success of your actions, it is advisable to combine proven SEO KPIs with specific GEO KPIs. These include, for example, the Brand Mention Rate, which indicates how often your brand is mentioned in important prompts (e.g., over 40%), the AI Platform Coverage, indicating presence on several relevant LLMs (e.g., more than five), and the Brand Search Uplift, denoting the rise in brand search queries after comprehensive GEO measures (e.g., over 25%). This creates a holistic picture representing both the reach and quality of visibility in traditional search engines and AI-based systems. Conclusion: Local Visibility in LLMs and Search Engines The local visibility of businesses in LLMs and traditional search engines is now significantly determined by the intelligent combination of SEO and GEO strategies. Implementing the key measures ensures presence in both search engines and AI-based systems. The rapid development of AI and LLMs changes the demands on businesses: optimizing only for Google is no longer sufficient. It is crucial to make your brand and offerings visible in AI-generated answers and recommendations. Acting now and aligning your strategy holistically ensures a sustainable competitive advantage in local search. Here you find the appropriate checklist on the topic FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions How can I find out if my local business is already visible in AI-generated responses? To check visibility in AI responses, it is recommended to establish prompt monitoring with specialized tools. These tools show if and how often your brand or website is mentioned in responses from LLMs like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode or used as a source. What role do structured data play in AI visibility? Structured data help AI models better understand and display content. They are crucial to be considered as a source for AI responses and should therefore be used consistently. Are AI-optimized contents also relevant for traditional search engines? Yes, content optimized for AI models—through semantic structure, FAQ markup, and answering real user questions—are also better understood and displayed by traditional search engines. We recommend optimizing prompts based on significant SEO keywords. This ensures optimal combination of local SEO and GEO. How often should I update my content to remain relevant to search engines and LLMs? The search and AI landscape evolves rapidly. It is advisable to review the prompt database and key content at least quarterly and update as necessary to address new trends and user queries early. However, the timeframe can vary and depends on how dynamically the industry continues to develop. Which mistakes should I avoid in local search engine and AI optimization? Common mistakes include incomplete business profiles, missing local keywords, technical structures based on JavaScript and rendered client-side, lack of user question integration, and neglect of monitoring and KPIs.

Transparency in Google Ads: How to Properly Utilize Performance Max Channel Reporting

Oct 10, 2025

Josephine

Treuter

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

Banner for a Blog Post: Colorful Laptop Performance Max Reporting

Google Ads is one of the most efficient ways to increase a company's reach and achieve targeted conversions. However, in times of AI and automation, the way campaigns are managed and evaluated is also changing. With the introduction of Performance Max campaigns, Google has created a new approach: all channels, from Search to YouTube to Shopping, are bundled into a single, fully automated campaign. This promises maximum efficiency, but at the same time makes it more difficult to trace through which channels the conversions are actually generated.  For a long time, it was unclear which channel contributed what to the campaign's performance. Those who needed this information had to resort to technical scripts and complex workarounds - an effort that overwhelmed many teams. With the new Channel Performance Reporting, this changes fundamentally, allowing results to be evaluated per channel. In this article, we'll show you how to make the most of the new reporting, which best practices have already proven themselves, and how to make better decisions with more transparency. As an experienced Google Ads agency, we provide you with practical tips directly from everyday life at internetwarriors.   The Essentials in Brief   Performance Max bundles all Google channels into one campaign. The Channel Reporting now provides the necessary transparency. You can see how Search, Display, YouTube, Discover, Maps, and Gmail perform individually.  The reports can be segmented by ad format, status, or targets like CPA or ROAS.  The new reporting allows you to identify optimization potentials more quickly and control them more precisely.  The status section helps with technical issues and offers recommendations for action.  What Exactly Is a Performance Max Campaign?   The Performance Max campaign , or PMax for short, is an automated campaign format in Google Ads available since 2021. It allows ads to be played simultaneously across multiple Google channels such as Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and Shopping, all in a single campaign. Unlike traditional campaigns, PMax relies on Google AI for ad delivery and optimization. Based on goals such as conversions or revenue, the system independently decides which ad to show to which user on which channel. For advertisers, this means less manual control and more focus on high-quality assets and strategic goal setting. With the new Channel Performance Reporting, it is now finally visible which channel contributes what to the overall performance, and this is an important step toward more transparency and control.  Why Transparency in a PMax is so Important  Performance Max campaigns offer many advantages: They bundle all Google channels into a single campaign, use AI for automated delivery, and promise maximum efficiency. However, this very automation brings a central challenge: a lack of transparency. It was long unclear through which channel a conversion actually occurred. This was a problem for anyone wanting to optimize their campaigns based on data. Without channel-specific insights, it is difficult to make informed decisions: Should more budget flow into YouTube or Search? Do video ads work better than text ads? Which audiences perform on which platforms? The answers to these questions are crucial for effective campaign management, and this is where the new Channel Performance Reporting comes in. It provides the necessary transparency to evaluate the performance of individual channels, identify optimization potentials, and strategically manage budgets. For agencies like internetwarriors, this is an important step to not only deliver results to clients but also develop transparent strategies.  How to Find Channel Reporting in Your Google Ads Account  The new Channel Performance Reporting for Performance Max is currently still in beta. This means that the feature is being rolled out gradually and may not be immediately available in every Google Ads account. The scope of the displayed data can also vary depending on the account, ranging from basic channel metrics to detailed conversion insights. If your account is already enabled, you can find the reporting directly in the Google Ads interface under: Campaign Overview → Select Performance Max Campaign → Insights → Channel Performance    There, you will receive a detailed breakdown of important metrics such as impressions, clicks, conversions, costs, and ROAS. The view can be filtered by time period, device, or conversion goal, providing a valuable basis for data-driven optimizations.  What Exactly Does the Channel Reporting Show You?   The Channel Performance Reporting provides a structured overview of the performance of individual channels within a Performance Max campaign. It shows how the campaign is distributed across platforms like Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and Shopping, and what each channel's share of the achieved conversions is. This transparency allows an informed evaluation of budget distribution, identifies underperforming channels, and assists in prioritizing future investments.  Additionally, the reporting offers extensive segmentation and filtering options. The data can be analyzed by key metrics such as Cost per Acquisition (CPA), Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), or Click-Through Rate (CTR). This provides a comprehensive view of the campaign's performance, both cross-channel and data-driven in a strategically usable way.  What Can Be Learned from the Data   The Channel Performance Reporting delivers far more than just numbers. It opens up new perspectives for the strategic management of Performance Max campaigns. By breaking down key figures like impressions, clicks, conversions, and costs by channel, it becomes visible which platforms are genuinely contributing to achieving targets and how the deployed budget is distributed.  This data enables an informed assessment of the used ad formats, targeting methods, and device distribution. Conclusions can also be drawn regarding the customer journey and potential optimization potentials can be identified, for example, in the design of assets or budget allocation.  For agencies like internetwarriors, this transparency is a valuable foundation for not only optimizing campaigns efficiently but also communicating transparently with clients.  How to Optimize Your Campaigns with the New Insights   The channel-specific data from the Channel Performance Reporting provides a valuable foundation for the strategic optimization of Performance Max campaigns. By analyzing individual channels, it becomes apparent which platforms work particularly efficiently, where wastage is occurring, and which ad formats achieve the best results. Based on this, budgets can be distributed more strategically, assets can be designed more precisely, and target groups can be addressed more diversely.  Furthermore, the insights enable a more precise evaluation of the customer journey: Are users addressed via YouTube but convert only via Search? Such patterns can now be comprehended and incorporated into the campaign structure. The selection of conversion goals can also be newly assessed based on the data to further align campaign orientation with actual user behavior.  Limitations and Pitfalls of Channel Reporting   Even though the Channel Performance Reporting represents an important step towards transparency, current limitations and pitfalls should not be neglected. Since the feature is still in the beta phase, availability is not guaranteed across the board, and the scope of displayed data can vary from account to account. In some cases, only aggregated values are displayed, without deeper insights into individual ad formats or audiences.  Moreover, it should be noted that Performance Max operates cross-channel, and the individual channels do not stand alone but work collectively. A channel with seemingly weak performance can nevertheless make an important contribution to conversion, for example, through early user engagement in the funnel. Therefore, interpreting the data requires a holistic understanding of the customer journey and shouldn't rely solely on individual metrics.  Technical limitations such as incomplete conversion attribution, missing asset data, or limited segmentation options can also complicate analysis. Therefore, a combination of Channel Reporting, conversion tracking, and supplementary tools such as Google Analytics or server-side tracking is recommended for a sound evaluation.  Conclusion: More Control, Better Decisions   With the new Channel Performance Reporting, a decisive step toward transparency within Performance Max campaigns is taken. The ability to evaluate channel-specific data directly in the Google Ads interface provides a solid basis for strategic decisions and targeted optimizations. Even though the feature is still in the beta phase and not fully available in every account, it is already clear how valuable these insights are for modern campaign management.  The combination of automation and data-driven control makes it possible to distribute budgets more efficiently, use assets more targetedly, and better understand the customer journey.   For agencies like internetwarriors, this means: more clarity in analysis, better arguments in customer communication, and significantly increased effectiveness in digital marketing.  As an experienced Google Ads agency, we help you harness the full potential of your Performance Max campaigns. We assist you not only with setting up and optimizing your campaigns, but also with the targeted use of the new Channel Performance Reporting. This way, you'll gain clear insights into the performance of individual channels, can distribute budgets sensibly, and make data-based decisions. With our expertise in AI-supported campaign management and cross-channel analysis, we ensure that your ads not only perform but are transparent and traceable. Get in touch with us!    

VKU Marketing Experts 2025 – AI in Focus

Oct 8, 2025

Axel

Zawierucha

Category:

Inside Internet Warriors

Banner for a Blog Post: DMEXCO 2025 - Aftermath

On September 24, 2025, Berlin was the hotspot for marketing experts from public utilities. The VKU Marketing Experts Congress provided an excellent platform to discuss the industry's most pressing issues.   This year's top topic: the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence in marketing. As internetwarriors, we were there, represented by our experts Julien Moritz (SEO/GEO expert) and Axel Zawierucha (CEO), to share our knowledge and gain new insights.  The transformation is now: AI as a game-changer  The atmosphere at the congress was marked by a palpable sense of optimism. Numerous lectures and discussions made it clear that AI is no longer just a buzzword but a tangible tool that is revolutionizing marketing strategies.   From personalized customer engagement to automated content creation and data-driven forecasts – the possibilities seem endless. However, with new opportunities come new challenges. One of the central questions that arose in many conversations was: How can companies remain visible in a digital landscape dominated by AI systems and language models (LLMs) and effectively reach their target audiences?    Our workshop: Visibility in the age of AI  We dedicated our interactive workshop to precisely this question. Under the title "Visibility in the AI Era: How to Position Your Business in New Systems," Julien Moritz and Axel Zawierucha provided practical insights and strategic advice.   The interest was overwhelming. Intense discussions with participants made it clear that many companies are seeking guidance on how to prepare their content and data to be optimally captured and presented by AI-based search and recommendation systems.  We demonstrated how a well-thought-out data strategy and content optimization for semantic searches can make a significant difference. The many exciting questions and the enthusiastic participation showed us that we struck a chord here.    How we as GEO specialists can support  Especially in a local context, geographic visibility is crucial. As GEO specialists, we help you strengthen your presence in local search systems and map applications – an important factor to be found even in AI-driven environments. With structured location data, local SEO, and targeted integration into semantic search systems, we ensure that your offerings appear where your target audience is searching – today and in the AI-driven future. Contact us!  

DMEXCO 2025: CRM, AI and the Future of Search Engine Marketing

Sep 24, 2025

Axel

Zawierucha

Category:

Inside Internet Warriors

Banner for a Blog Post: DMEXCO 2025 - Aftermath

DMEXCO 2025 in Cologne was more than just a trade show for us at internetwarriors.de – it was a vibrant marketplace of ideas, a melting pot of innovations, and above all, a confirmation of the topics that move us and our customers every day. With a record attendance of over 40,000 participants and under the motto "Be Bold. Move Forward.", this year's leading trade fair for digital marketing sent a clear signal: The future belongs to the bold, the pioneers, and those who are ready to blaze new trails. In countless inspiring conversations with customers, partners, and industry colleagues, a common thread emerged for us, connecting the central challenges and opportunities of our time: the inseparable linkage of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), the revolution through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the redefinition of campaign planning in the era of generative models.  The foundation of successful performance campaigns: The CRM feedback loop   A theme that repeatedly came to the forefront in our conversations at DMEXCO 2025 was the immense importance of deep integration of CRM systems in performance marketing campaigns. It's a realization as simple as it is crucial: those who want to successfully generate leads must not merely scratch the surface. The mere generation of contact information is only half the battle. The true value unfolds only when a seamless feedback loop between marketing and sales is established.  This is where CRM comes into play. It is the centerpiece that consolidates all relevant information about a potential customer and tells us what actually became of a generated lead. Was the contact qualified? Did it lead to a sales conversation? Was a contract concluded? This feedback is pure gold for optimizing performance campaigns. Without this feedback, we operate blindly. We see which ads and keywords generate clicks and conversions, but we don't know which truly lead to revenue.  From our extensive practical experience and the intensive discussions at the fair, we can make a clear recommendation. As an official implementation partner of Teamleader in Germany, we have gained deep insights into the capabilities of modern CRM systems. We are convinced that Teamleader unites all critical features to conduct business successfully. From the central contact database, deal tracking, and project management to time tracking and invoicing, the platform offers an all-in-one solution specifically tailored to the needs of agencies and service-oriented SMEs. Seamless integration enables precisely the valuable feedback loop essential for data-driven marketing.  The discussions at DMEXCO showed that companies that have successfully closed this loop deploy their marketing budgets much more efficiently. They can target their campaigns on the channels and audiences that deliver the most valuable customers. In an era where digital advertising costs are steadily rising, and competition is becoming more intense, this data-driven precision is no longer a "nice-to-have," but an absolute must for sustainable success.  Google in transition: The future of search in the age of AI   Of course, the future of AI and Google, along with organic search, was one of the dominant topics in the Cologne exhibition halls. The era of purely keyword-based searches is coming to an end. Generative AI models and the increasing integration of AI into search engine result pages (SERPs) signal a paradigm shift. The question everyone is asking is: How will search change, and what does it mean for our SEO and SEA strategies?  The keynotes and expert lectures at DMEXCO painted a clear picture: search will become more contextual, dialogue-oriented, and personalized. Users no longer just expect a list of links, but direct answers and solutions to their concerns. Google's "Search Generative Experience" (SGE) is just the beginning. The ability to understand complex queries and answer in full sentences will fundamentally change how we search for information.  For us as an agency, this means we need to adapt our content strategies. It's no longer just about optimizing individual keywords but creating comprehensive thematic worlds that holistically answer users' questions. "Topical Authority" will become the new currency in SEO. We must become the experts in our niche and create content that offers real value both for users and AI-driven algorithms.  At the same time, AI also opens new possibilities for paid search. Performance-Max campaigns are a good example of how Google uses AI to automate and optimize the display of ads across the entire Google network. The challenge for us marketers is to provide the AI with the right signals – and{

Marketing in the Age of AI: Welcome to the New Reality

Sep 5, 2025

Axel

Zawierucha

Category:

Artificial Intelligence

Banner for a blog post: AI in Marketing Strategy

A specter is haunting the marketing world – the specter of artificial intelligence. But instead of spreading fear, it brings a wave of transformation that redefines the very foundations of our industry. Gone are the days when marketing relied solely on intuition, manual segmentation, and broad campaigns. Today, in 2025, we are in the midst of a revolution driven by algorithms, machine learning, and Large Language Models (LLMs). For us at internetwarriors, it's clear: AI is not a passing trend but the new operating system for successful marketing. But what does that mean exactly? What has really changed? How do you need to adjust your strategies to not just survive but thrive? And how is perhaps the most important component of all – user behavior – changing? This article is your comprehensive guide to marketing in the age of AI. We dive deep into the changes, show you practical strategies, illuminate new user behaviors with current research insights, and look beyond to see which future trends from the USA and Asia will soon be our reality. The new playing field: What AI has fundamentally changed in marketing   Artificial intelligence is more than just another tool in your toolkit. It's the invisible hand that optimizes processes, provides insights, and enables interactions at a speed and precision that were pure science fiction just a few years ago. The core changes can be observed in four key areas: 1. Real-time hyper-personalization:  Previously, personalization was addressing a customer by their name in an email. Today, personalization means presenting the user with exactly the content, product, or message that matches their current need – across all channels. AI algorithms analyze massive amounts of data from user behavior, purchase history, demographic information, and even contextual data (such as weather or location) in milliseconds. The result: Dynamic web content, personalized product recommendations in online stores, and individually tailored ads perceived not as intrusions but as relevant services. 2. Predictive analytics and data-driven forecasts:  Marketing has long been reactive. We analyzed past campaigns to optimize future ones. Marketing AI reverses this principle. Predictive analytics models can predict with high probability which customers are most likely to churn (Customer Churn), which leads have the highest purchase probability (Predictive Lead Scoring), or which products will sell best next season. This foresight allows you to act proactively, distribute budgets more efficiently, and focus your resources on the most promising segments.  3. Automation of content creation and distribution:  Generative AI has revolutionized content creation. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and more advanced, industry-specific models can now create high-quality texts for blogs, social media posts, emails, or product descriptions. But it goes far beyond that: AI systems can also generate images, videos, and even music. For you as a marketer, this means a significant increase in efficiency. Routine tasks that used to take hours are now done in minutes. At the same time, AI enables the creation of content for A/B tests in countless variants and the automatic distribution through the right channels at the right time. 4. Efficiency through intelligent automation:  Besides content creation, AI automates countless other marketing processes. From programmatic buying of ad space (Programmatic Advertising) to intelligent bidding strategies in Google Ads to automatic segmentation of target audiences – AI handles repetitive, data-intensive tasks. This not only results in massive time and cost savings but also minimizes human errors and continuously optimizes campaign performance based on data. The marketing strategy 2025: How to successfully navigate the AI era   A new technological reality requires a new strategic approach. It's not enough to just introduce a few AI marketing tools. Your entire marketing strategy needs to be rethought in the context of AI.  1. From target groups to "Segment-of-One": Your radical personalization strategy  Your central strategy should be hyper-personalization. The goal is no longer to reach a target group but to treat each individual customer as their own segment ("Segment-of-One").  Practical implementation: Invest in a robust Customer Data Platform (CDP) that centralizes all customer data in one place. Use AI-driven personalization engines for your website, online store, and email marketing. These systems dynamically adjust content based on each user's click behavior, dwelling time, and purchase history.  2. Conversational marketing: Dialogue as the new funnel  Users no longer want to fill out forms or be stuck on hold. They expect immediate answers and a direct dialog. AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants provide the solution.  Practical implementation: Implement an intelligent chatbot on your website that not only answers standard questions but also qualifies leads, books appointments, and guides users through the purchasing process. Train the bot with your corporate data to ensure accurate and brand-consistent responses.  3. Content strategy: Quality and AI optimization hand in hand  In the age of AI content creation, the sheer volume of content will explode. To stand out, two things are crucial: first, exceptional, human-centered quality, and second, optimization for AI systems.  Practical implementation: Use generative AI as a tool for ideation, draft creation, and text optimization for SEO. However, the final editing, strategic direction, and emotional depth must come from human experts. At the same time, structure your content (e.g., through Schema.org markup) for easy understanding and prominent placement in answers from AI search engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE).  4. SEO and AI: The symbiosis for your visibility  SEO and AI are inextricably linked. Google's algorithms, particularly RankBrain and BERT, are deeply rooted in machine learning. The future of search lies in answering complex queries, not just matching keywords.  Practical implementation: Focus on thematic authority (Topic Clusters) rather than individual keywords. Create comprehensive content that fully answers user questions. Use AI tools to analyze SERPs, identify content gaps, and optimize your content for semantic search.  Global outlook: These AI trends from the USA & Asia are defining the future    While we in Europe are beginning to fully harness the potential of AI, the USA and Asia serve as "future labs." Different regulations, a higher risk appetite, and a deep-rooted "mobile-first" culture accelerate the adoption of technologies that will soon dominate our market. Trend 1 from Asia: The "Super-App" ecosystem & Social Commerce 2.0   In Asia, especially China, with apps like WeChat or Alibaba , "Super-Apps" dominate daily life. In these closed ecosystems, digital life unfolds: chatting, shopping, paying, booking services. AI is the glue that enables a seamless, hyper-personalized customer journey within a single platform .  Live-stream shopping on steroids: Forget QVC. In Asia, live streams are interactive events. AI tools analyze viewer comments in real-time to suggest products to the influencer.  Group-buying through AI: AI identifies potential buyers with similar interests and connects them into groups to obtain better prices through joint purchases.  Trend towards conversational commerce: WhatsApp and Instagram are increasingly moving towards this direction. The trend relentlessly moves toward Conversational Commerce . Your first crucial step into this future is to deploy an intelligent chatbot on your website that not only answers standard questions but also qualifies leads, books appointments, and guides users through the purchase process.   Trend 2 from the USA: The autonomous marketing manager   In the USA, the trend is moving from AI assistance to AI autonomy . So-called "agent-based systems" are AI-generated virtual managers that not only assist, but autonomously manage campaigns and make strategic decisions.  The Autonomous Marketing Manager: Instead of saying, "Create 10 social media posts," the AI will decide whether to write blog articles, launch Google Ads, or start an email campaign on its own. It analyzes the market, target audience, and performance to make these decisions.  What does this mean for you? This trend is technologically demanding but will radically change your role as a marketer. Your task will be to centralize your data infrastructure (e.g., with a Customer Data Platform). Only with clean, accessible data can you effectively leverage AI systems to their full potential.  Trend 3 from the USA & Asia: AI influencers and the era of synthetic media   Virtual, AI-generated influencers with millions of followers and contracts with global luxury brands are emerging. They are precursors to a revolution in content creation.  The forebears of change: AI-generated influencers like these herald new possibilities for brands to easily and inexpensively create their synthetic personas, designed to be visually and characteristically tailored to match a brand.  What does this mean for you? In a world where AI anticipation of needs reduces tolerance for irrelevance, marketers should focus on transparency and creativity. Instead of replacing actual people, AI avatars can be used as fantasy figures, futuristic ambassadors, or scalable, personalized video tutorials.  Transforming the marketer: The new era of AI and marketing  AI is changing the expectations and behavior of consumers. They now anticipate immediate responses and direct dialogues in customer interactions. In response to this evolving technological landscape, marketers must evolve their strategies. It is not enough to merely introduce a few AI marketing tools; the entire marketing strategy must be reimagined using AI as a partner rather than a threat.  Develop data competence: You don't have to become a data scientist, but you must learn to interpret data to draw valuable insights.  Focus on strategic planning: Instead of manually setting up A/B tests, your task will be to set strategic directions while the AI optimizes the methodologies to achieve those strategies.  Master creativity and storytelling: In a world where sheer volume of AI-generated content is set to explode, what will make a difference is outstanding, human-centered quality and content optimized for AI systems.  Prompt engineering as a new skill: The quality of a generative AI's output now heavily relies on the quality and creativity of the input and command structure you provide.  Lifelong learning: In the AI-driven world, continual education becomes a necessity rather than an option, as the technologies and methodologies keep evolving.  Conclusion: The future of marketing is a symbiosis with AI   ​​The ubiquitous presence of AI is inevitably shaping expectations and consumer behavior. AI is freeing us from repetitive, manual tasks, giving us the capacity to focus on areas where humans are irreplaceable.  Success will belong to those who understand this new technology not as a threat but as an ally. The winners will be those who combine the analytical power, speed, and scalability of AI with the irreplaceable human qualities of creativity, strategy, and storytelling.  At internetwarriors, we look forward to this future full of opportunities. We see AI as a partner that frees us from repetitive, manual tasks, allowing us to dedicate our capabilities to where humans make the difference. 

AI Max for Search Campaigns - How AI is Changing Google Ads

Sep 3, 2025

Markus

Brook

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

Banner for a blog post about the new AI Max campaign setting

Online marketing is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovations. A current example is the introduction of Google's AI Max campaigns. This campaign type is specifically designed for search campaigns and utilizes artificial intelligence to control ads more efficiently. Below, we explain what AI Max for search campaigns is, the benefits it offers, and the requirements it places on advertisers.  Key Points  AI Max is a new campaign feature in Google Ads that uses machine learning for automated ad placements and bidding. AI Max combines existing Google Ads features such as Broad Match, DSA, and automatically generated assets.  The focus is on maximizing conversions and conversion values. AI Max combines traditional search campaigns with AI-driven bidding strategies. Automation reduces management effort but requires clear goals, data, and high-quality assets.  Control is achieved through goal definitions and continuous monitoring of campaign performance. Introduction: What is AI Max?   Google continually develops its advertising platform, increasingly relying on artificial intelligence. With AI Max for search campaigns , a new campaign feature is introduced specifically designed for Google search. AI Max uses machine learning to automatically control ads, adjust bids in real-time, and increase the likelihood of conversions. The goal is to reduce manual effort and enhance the efficiency of search campaigns. How AI Max Works   Unlike traditional search campaigns, Google AI Max heavily relies on automation. Assets, including ad titles, descriptions, sitelinks, or extensions, are provided to the system. The AI combines these components independently and dynamically creates ads that optimally match the respective search query.  Additionally, the system continuously analyzes user signals like location, search history, or interaction patterns. This data is used to identify relevant target audiences and optimize ads in real-time. This makes campaign management significantly more precise and faster than manually possible. 1. Keywordless Technology: Search Ads Without Classic Keywords   A central element is the so-called “keywordless matching.” Instead of relying on exact or phrase match keywords, Google analyzes landing pages, existing assets, and user behavior with AI to serve appropriate search queries. This is reminiscent of Dynamic Search Ads functionality, but in an even more automated framework.  2. Text Automation with AI   The automatically created assets are another building block in AI Max. Google dynamically creates ad texts based on the website, previous ads, and other available data.   3. Final URL Expansion   With final URL expansion, Google may direct users to a different target page than originally set if the AI assumes a better conversion probability exists there. This feature is also based on known DSA campaign mechanics. Benefits of AI Max in Google Ads The introduction of AI Max offers several benefits for advertisers: Time Savings Through Automation : Manual adjustments of bids and ad texts are mostly eliminated. Higher Conversion Probability : Google itself states that AI Max can generate up to 14% more conversions on average. Extended Reach : Ads are no longer only triggered by classic keywords but can also cover additional relevant search queries.  Transparency : New reporting features show how AI makes decisions and what adjustments were made automatically. Despite the advantages, AI Max also carries risks. Automation can lead to unexpected and sometimes uncontrollable results. For example, AI may serve ads for search terms that do not directly align with the brand core or product, leading to irrelevant traffic and reduced efficiency. Another risk is that performance heavily depends on the quality of the provided assets and the data foundation. If these are faulty or insufficient, the AI may draw incorrect conclusions and steer the campaign in the wrong direction. In the worst case, this could result in wasted marketing budgets without achieving the desired results. Especially for clients with limited budgets and insufficient conversions, we currently do not recommend using AI Max. Challenges and Limitations   Reduced Manual Control : Many decisions are taken over by the AI, meaning fewer intervention possibilities.  Dependence on Data Quality : The AI can only work effectively if high-quality assets and precise conversion goals are provided.  Continuous Monitoring Required : Even automated campaigns must be regularly reviewed and adjusted to be successful over the long term. First Practical Insights: What Companies Achieve with AI Max   AI Max is not just a theoretical concept but already delivers real results, as proven by two early case studies from the beta phase that Google itself presents. Both L’Oréal Chile and the Australian provider MyConnect used AI Max and were able to make their search campaigns significantly more efficient.  L’Oréal Chile: Higher Conversion Rates at Lower Costs   The cosmetics giant used AI Max specifically to identify new keyword potentials and increase the relevance of its ads. With success: the conversion rate doubled while the cost-per-conversion decreased by a whopping 31%.  An example shows the potential: The campaigns suddenly targeted search queries like  “what is the best cream for facial dark spots”  – terms that would likely never have been covered with classic keyword strategies. AI Max thus helped to specifically address relevant long-tail intentions without manual setup.  MyConnect: More Leads Through New Search Impulses   The Australian company MyConnect was already using Broad Match and tROAS. Nonetheless, activating AI Max brought clear improvements:  16% more leads  13% lower costs per conversion  30% more conversions from novel search terms  Particularly intriguing: the strong increase in so-called “net-new queries” – search queries previously not covered by the existing keywords or assets. Here lies the real added value of AI Max: it recognizes opportunities that were not visible before. Best Practices for Using AI Max   For AI Max to be successfully used, companies should follow some principles:  Provide High-Quality Assets – Diverse ad titles and descriptions make it easier for AI to optimize.  Define Conversion Goals Clearly – The more precise the goals, the better the AI can control the campaign.  Conduct Regular Analysis – Despite automation, controlling metrics like ROAS, CTR, and conversion rate remains important.  Review Brand Keywords – It may be wise to exclude brand terms to reach new target groups instead of just serving existing search queries. Conclusion: Opportunities and Limits of AI Max   AI Max for Search Campaigns is a step towards greater automation in Google Ads. Companies can benefit from this technology if they strategically prepare their campaigns, set clear goals, and regularly monitor the results.  The AI does not replace a well-founded marketing strategy but complements it. When used correctly, AI Max can help use budgets more efficiently, reduce administrative effort, and enhance performance.  If you want to discover how AI Max or other innovative approaches to Google Ads with AI can help your company, we are here for you as experts in SEO , GEO, and SEA . Contact us today for a free consultation to revolutionize your online marketing strategy. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about AI Max   What is the difference between Performance Max and AI Max?   Performance Max covers all Google channels, while AI Max is specifically developed for search ads.  Is AI Max suitable for every company?   AI Max is best suited for companies with clear conversion goals that have enough budget to provide the AI with enough data for learning. For smaller budgets or very specific niche markets, a classic Google Ads campaign or a targeted SEO strategy may be more sensible.  How do I maintain control when so much is automated?   Control is exercised through assets, conversion goals, and regular analysis reports. These provide transparency and show how the AI is optimizing.  Can I exclude keywords?   Yes, excluding keywords is an important best practice. It helps ensure the campaign does not only target users already searching for your brand but also reaches new potential customers. 

LLM Content Focus: What ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini Prefer

Aug 21, 2025

Nadine

Wolff

Category:

Artificial Intelligence

Header for a blog post about LLM and content: Robots at laptops

Standard search engine optimization was yesterday – today it's also about designing content in such a way that it can be found, understood, and integrated into responses by Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini.  Being cited as a source in AI-generated results not only benefits brand awareness but often also provides valuable backlinks.  However, each LLM has its own focus when it comes to selecting content. In this article, you'll learn how these three models work and how you can tailor your content to their preferences.  An Overview of the Three LLMs   Before we delve into specific tactics, it's worth taking a quick look at how the models function. Each LLM evaluates content according to its own criteria. ChatGPT scores highly with well-structured explanations, Perplexity prioritizes recency and sources, and Gemini uses strong signals from the Google Index and prefers structured and multimedia content. These differences determine which content you should prioritize.  ChatGPT – Creative & Dialogical Content  ChatGPT excels at reproducing content in a natural, human-sounding language. It favors text that is easy to read, provides clear explanations, and is organized in a logical structure.  Preferred Content: Storytelling, illustrative examples, step-by-step explanations  Style: dialogical, accessible, understandable to a wide audience Data Source: Mainly training data, with web access in the Pro version  Success Factor: Evergreen content that is mentioned on many trustworthy sites has a better chance of being included in the model   Perplexity – Research, Sources, Recency   Perplexity is an LLM with integrated real-time web access. The unique aspect: It always shows sources and directly links to them.  Preferred Content: Recent studies, statistics, professional articles, precise analyses  Style: factual, evidence-based, concise  Data Source: Live internet search + structured sources  Success Factor: Clear source citations, publication date, author, imprint – and content that directly addresses the question posed  Extra Tip: FAQ formats and How-To guides are particularly visible because Perplexity often presents answers in a Q&A structure   Google Gemini – Multimodal & SEO-Driven   Gemini is closely linked with the Google ecosystem and uses traditional search data to integrate content into AI responses. Additionally, it can combine text, image, video, and audio.  Preferred Content: SEO-optimized articles, rich snippets, structured data (Schema.org)  Style: informative, well-organized, with visual elements such as infographics or tables  Data Source: Google Search Index + multimodal analysis  Success Factor: Content that already performs well in organic Google ranking has a significantly better chance of appearing in Gemini   Content Priorities in Direct Comparison   There are significant differences between the models. ChatGPT prefers reader-friendly explanations, Perplexity demands recency and sources, and Gemini rewards SEO structure and media diversity. Use this matrix as a guide for your editorial plan.    Criterion   ChatGPT   Perplexity   Google Gemini   Type of Content  Explanatory texts, examples, storytelling Professional articles, data, primary sources SEO structured articles, media mix Recency  more evergreen very high high, based on Google Index Sources indirect via training data direct, visible links Google signals, rich results, markup Format Prose, Q and A sections FAQ, How-to, tables, lists H2 H3 structure, Schema.org, Multimedia Language dialogical, accessible factual, precise  informative, search-intention oriented Optimization Strategies for Each LLM   Even though best practices overlap, focusing on the specific preferences of the models is worthwhile. This way, you can garner more mentions and links.  Optimize for ChatGPT   Begin each key section with the most important answer, followed by brief justifications and at least one example. Explain technical terms in your own words, add a concise definition, and link to additional internal pages if necessary.   Structure is crucial. Use clear H2 and H3, frame frequent user questions as subheadings, and answer them directly in the first paragraph below. Add practical examples, checklists, and small sequences of steps. This increases the chance that passages will be used as complete answers.   Optimize for Perplexity   Build a clean source concept. Name primary sources, use quotes sparingly but precisely, and provide numbers with links and dates. Insert a brief summary with three to five key statements at the beginning of an article.  Make the publication date, author, and company information clearly visible. Regularly update content.   Maintain an FAQ block with real user questions and concise answers of 40 to 80 words. Include tables with important metrics. This increases the likelihood of being directly linked. Additionally, you can bundle in-depth resources and provide them in a resources section at the end.   Optimize for Gemini   Focus on proper on-page fundamentals. Optimize title and meta description, establish a clear heading hierarchy, and use Schema.org markup.  Build internal links with descriptive anchor text to thematically related pages, such as guide articles or service pages. Create media to foster understanding, such as an infographic with process steps or a table with pros and cons. Pay attention to E-E-A-T signals. An author profile with qualifications, references, and contact information builds trust.   Examples of Content Elements that LLMs Favor   Short definition at the beginning, maximum two sentences, directly related to the question.  Explanation section with a real-life example.   Mini checklist with three to five points that makes a task doable.   Table with criteria, such as comparison of methods, costs, or risks.   FAQ section with three to seven real questions.  These building blocks can be used in blog posts, service pages, and knowledge articles. In online shops, they can also function as supplementary guides on category pages.   Common Mistakes That Prevent Mentions   One of the most common mistakes is an unclear structure where users cannot find a direct answer at the beginning of a section immediately. A lack of sources or the use of outdated data also negatively impacts credibility.  If a topic is too broadly covered on just a single page, relevance decreases along with the chance of being mentioned. Furthermore, the absence of publication date and author leads to less trust in the content. Likewise, a lack of internal linking can result in crucial context signals being missed, causing LLMs not to rate the content as particularly relevant.  To avoid these hurdles, you should regularly review existing content, structure it carefully, and update it specifically.  Conclusion   Optimization for LLMs is not futuristic – it is already crucial to remain visible in the new search world.  ChatGPT prefers easily understandable, creative, and well-explained content  Perplexity relies on current, evidence-based, and source-supported content  Gemini accesses SEO-strong, structured, and multimedia content The requirements of ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini vary – but with the right strategy, you can excel in all three models. We support you in developing content that is found, mentioned, and linked not only by search engines but also by AI systems. Get in touch now.    FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Content Focus   How do I know if my content is mentioned in LLMs?  With Perplexity, it's easy – sources are linked. With ChatGPT and Gemini, you can test this through targeted queries or monitor it with tracking tools.  Do I need to optimize separately for each LLM?  Yes, as the models have different focuses. However, there are overlaps, e.g., with clear structure and high source quality.  How often should I update content?  For Perplexity and Gemini regularly, as recency is a crucial factor. Evergreen content for ChatGPT should also be maintained. 

The AIO & GEO Platforms Report 2025

Aug 13, 2025

Axel

Zawierucha

Category:

Artificial Intelligence

Blog Article AIO and GEO Report

The digital marketing world is facing its biggest upheaval since the introduction of mobile-first indexing. Artificial intelligence, particularly in the form of generative answer machines, is redefining the rules of online visibility. In this comprehensive report, we analyze the landscape of AI Tools specifically developed for this new era, and provide you with a strategic compass to not only survive in the world of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) but to win.  Critical Assessment and Classification of AI Tools   A critical assessment was conducted when integrating the new tools. Tools like Superlines, Rankscale.ai, Kai, ALLMO.ai, Quno, Finseo, Scrunch, SEOMonitor, Ayzeo, LLM Pulse (Generative Pulse), Deepserp, AI Peekaboo, and Evertune were identified as relevant GEO monitoring, content, or hybrid platforms and were integrated into the corresponding sections of the report. Other mentioned tools were deliberately excluded after careful review, as they do not align with the core focus of AI visibility analysis: Behamics is an e-commerce revenue platform, Advanced Web Ranking is a traditional rank tracker without explicit GEO functions, and 'Am I on AI' tools are AI content detectors (which check if a text was written by AI, not what an AI writes about a brand). This differentiation ensures that the report exclusively focuses on the most relevant and direct solutions for Generative Engine Optimization.  The Paradigm Shift in Digital Marketing: Generative Engine Optimization   The emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) represents the most significant paradigm shift in digital marketing since the introduction of mobile-first indexing. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the GEO tool market, which is predicted to reach a volume of 7.3 billion USD by 2031. It outlines the bifurcation of the market into established SEO providers (SE Ranking, Semrush) and specialized startups (Profound, Otterly.ai), evaluates their capabilities, and provides a strategic framework for implementation. The key insight is that visibility in AI-generated answers is no longer optional; it is a critical, measurable, and optimizable component of modern brand strategy.  Understanding the New Search Paradigm – Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)   This section provides the strategic context by defining the transition from traditional SEO to optimization for AI-driven answer machines. It familiarizes readers with the new terminology, principles, and technical requirements necessary to compete in this evolving landscape.  Defining the Post-SEO Landscape: From Search Engines to Answer Engines   The fundamental shift in digital search behavior is transitioning from a list of links (Search Engine Results Pages, SERPs) to synthesized, conversational answers provided by generative AI models. This development fundamentally changes the customer journey and optimization goals. While traditional search engine optimization (SEO) focused on achieving clicks, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) aims to receive citations in AI answers and influence the portrayal of one's brand within these answers. The current market landscape is characterized by a myriad of overlapping terms. For the clarity of this report, the following working definitions are established:  AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization): This is the broadest term, often referring to making content machine-readable.  AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): A more specific term that focuses on structuring content to answer direct questions. This targets featured snippets, "People Also Ask" boxes (PAA), and voice search. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): This is the most current and relevant term. It encompasses the holistic practice of optimizing content and brand signals to appear in AI-generated answers on platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. This report will use GEO as the primary overarching term.   This shift is not just theoretical. The data confirms the urgency and importance of the topic. As of March 2025, 13% of all Google searches already triggered an AI Overview – a 72% increase over the previous month. Moreover, Gartner predicts that the volume of traditional search engine usage will decrease by 25% by 2026 and by 50% or more by 2028, as users increasingly switch to AI assistants.  The coexistence of multiple competing acronyms for a similar concept is a classic sign of an emerging, rapidly evolving market. This indicates not a marketing failure but rather evidence that the practice of AI optimization is solidifying faster than the industry can agree on a unified name.    Core Principles of GEO: A Strategic Framework for AI Visibility   The formalization of GEO as a concept in academic research provides a rigorous theoretical foundation. One of the key insights is that incorporating citations, quotations, and statistics can increase the visibility of a source in AI answers by more than 40%.  The E-E-A-T principles of Google (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) are of paramount importance for GEO. AI models are explicitly designed to prioritize credible sources. GEO also requires a shift from isolated keywords to building thematic authority around entities (people, products, concepts). A critical tactic is obtaining unlinked brand mentions (co-citations) in authoritative content.      Metric  Traditional SEO  Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)  Primary Objective   Ranking on the SERP Being cited in the AI answer  Core Unit of Optimization   Website Brand/Entity Key Tactics   Keyword optimization, Backlinking Semantic Structuring, E-E-A-T signals, Co-citations Primary KPIs   Organic Traffic, Keyword Rankings Share of Voice, Mention Frequency, Sentiment Content Focus Long-form Articles  Snippet-ready, Structured Answers Authority Signals Domain Authority, Backlinks Expert Citations, Data Quotes, Reviews   The Technical Foundation: The Critical Role of AI-Friendly Schema and llms.txt    Schema markup is the essential infrastructure that makes content readable for AI systems. It provides explicit context and helps AI differentiate facts from filler.   Best Practices for AI-visible Schema:   Using JSON-LD: The format preferred by Google. Prioritizing Key Schema Types: Organization, Product, FAQPage, HowTo, and Article are particularly effective.  Mapping Visible, Real Content: Do not add schema for invisible content. Completeness and Accuracy: Fewer, but complete properties are better than many incomplete ones. The llms.txt file is emerging as the new standard – similar to the robots.txt – to provide clear guidelines to LLMs on using website content. It can be easily created with free online tools or WordPress plugins like AIOSEO . The robots.txt file, on the other hand, should be set up by experienced SEOs, as even small errors could, in the worst case, result in LLMs being completely excluded from access. Market Analysis and Future Outlook   This section offers a macro perspective on the GEO market, analyzing its size, growth drivers, and future development.   Market Landscape: Sizing the GEO Opportunity and Growth Forecasts   The global market for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services was valued at 886 million USD in 2024 and is expected to grow to 7.318 billion USD by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.0%. This growth is driven by the rapid adoption of AI-powered search by users. The discrepancy between the growth rates of the GEO market (34.0% CAGR) and the traditional AI SEO Tools market (12.6% CAGR) signals market disruption. Budgets will likely be reallocated from traditional channels. Those not investing in GEO risk the erosion of their existing search visibility.   Investments & Innovation: A Look at the GEO Startup Ecosystem   The high growth potential has attracted significant venture capital and led to the emergence of specialized startups like Profound, Otterly.ai, and BrandBeacon. These companies are designed from the ground up for GEO and are driving innovations in areas critical for AI Search Monitoring and AI search tracking , such as real-time brand monitoring in LLMs and sentiment analysis of AI answers.   The Future of Digital Discovery: Expert Perspectives   Experts agree: The change is irreversible. One of the main challenges is measuring GEO successes. Traditional metrics are losing relevance. New KPIs like AI Search Visibility , Share of Voice, and citation frequency are becoming established. LLMs provide "opinions, not lists". If a brand is not among the first mentions, it is practically invisible.   Comparative Analysis of AIO/GEO Visibility Platforms   This is the core of the report: a detailed, feature-based comparison of the key AI Tools on the market.   Evaluation Framework: Key Metrics and Capabilities   To fairly evaluate the tools, we defined a framework with the following criteria:  LLM & Platform Coverage: Which AI engines are monitored?  Core Visibility Metrics: What is measured? (e.g., Share of Voice, Sentiment)  Competitive Analysis: How well are competitors tracked?  Data & Analytics Capabilities: How is the data processed?  Action Orientation & Workflow: Does the tool assist in execution?  User-Friendliness & Target Audience: Who is it designed for?  Pricing & Value: What is the cost structure?   The Established: How SEO Suites Adapt to the AI Era   These players leverage their existing infrastructure to enter the GEO market.  SE Ranking AI Visibility Tracker: An all-in-one platform that combines traditional SEO and GEO. Ideal for SEO professionals and agencies looking for an integrated solution. Semrush AIO: An enterprise solution focused on large-scale benchmarking and unmatched data depth.  SEOMonitor: Specifically developed for agencies to optimize workflows with AI-powered tools. The Challengers: A Deep Dive into Dedicated GEO Monitoring Startups   This category represents the "pure" GEO platforms, which are often more innovative and agile.  Profound: A premium solution for businesses with real-time insights and advanced features like the "Conversation Explorer." Otterly.ai: An Austrian startup with a strong focus on brand safety and risk management. Peec AI: A specialized platform for global businesses with multilingual and cross-country support. Rankscale.ai: Offers an intuitive user interface and AI-generated suggestions for content optimization at the URL level.   Scrunch: Focuses on optimizing the AI customer journey, including journey mapping and persona-based prompting. ... and many more, detailed in the comparison table.    The Big Comparison Table of GEO Tools   Tool  Strategic Focus  Covered LLMs Key Metrics Pricing Model Ideal User Profile SE Ranking Integrated SEO + GEO Google AIO, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini Mentions, Links, SoV Subscription (part of SEO plans) SEO Professionals, Agencies, SMEs Semrush AIO Enterprise Monitoring Google AIO, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini  Mentions, Sentiment Subscription (Enterprise focus) Large Enterprises, E-commerce Brands  SEOMonitor   Agency Workflow Automation  Google AIO, ChatGPT, Gemini  AIO Visibility, GEO Tracking  Subscription (from €99/month)  SEO and Digital Marketing Agencies  Profound   Enterprise GEO Intelligence  ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Copilot, Claude  Mentions, Citations, SoV, Sentiment  Premium Subscription ($499+)  Enterprise Brands, Data-Driven Agencies  Otterly.ai   SME Brand Safety  ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AIO  Rankings, Citations, Brand Safety Warnings  Tiered Subscription ($29+)  PR Teams, Brands in Sensitive Industries  Peec AI   Global GEO Analysis  ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, Grok  Position Score, Sentiment  Tiered Subscription (€90+)  International Corporations, Global Agencies  Rankscale.ai   Actionable GEO Analysis  ChatGPT, AIOs, Perplexity, etc.  Rankings, Citations, Sentiment  Affordable Subscription (from €20/month)  SEOs seeking quick insights  Scrunch   AI Customer Journey Optimization  Leading LLMs (incl. Grok, Claude)  Sentiment, Competitive Position  Unknown  Agencies, Enterprise Brands  Deepserp   Technical GEO Audit  ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.  AI Crawl Behavior, Citations  Subscription (from $99/month)  Large Websites, Technical SEO Teams  LLMrefs   Freemium Visibility  Key LLMs  LLMrefs Score, Mentions  Freemium ($0 / $79)  Freelancers, Small Businesses  The Specialists: Niche, Integrated, and Hybrid Platforms   This category includes tools that have integrated GEO/AEO functionalities into their core offerings.  Wix AI Visibility Overview: The first major CMS with an integrated tool for tracking AI visibility, an extremely convenient solution for millions of Wix users.  Content & On-Page Optimization Platforms (Rankability, Surfer SEO, etc.): This group focuses on creating content that is structured and semantically rich enough to be cited by AI.  PR-Focused Platforms (LLM Pulse): These solutions highlight which media and sources influence a brand's representation in LLMs.  Strategic Implementation and Recommendations   This final section translates the analysis into an actionable strategy.   Choosing the Right GEO Platform: A Needs-Based Decision Matrix   Selecting the right tool depends on your specific goals.  User Profile  Primary Goal  Top Recommendation(s)  Alternatives  Enterprise Brand Manager Comprehensive Brand Monitoring Profound   Semrush AIO, Peec AI  SEO Agency   Scalable Client Management  SE Ranking   SEOMonitor, Semrush  SME/Startup Owner   Cost-Effective Visibility Tracking  Otterly.ai   Rankscale.ai, LLMrefs  Content Marketer/Strategist   Creating AI-Optimized Content  Rankability   Surfer SEO, Finseo  Technical SEO   Monitoring AI Crawling Capabilities  Deepserp   ALLMO.ai  Building a GEO-Centered Content Strategy: From Audit to Execution   Step 1: Define Requirements & Test Tools: Set your goals and test a shortlist of tools.  Step 2: Conduct Baseline Audit: Use a tool to measure your current AI visibility and identify gaps.  Step 3: Integrate Analytics: Connect GEO data with web analytics (e.g., GA4) to measure ROI.  Step 4: Implement Technical Foundations: Create AI-friendly schema and an llms.txt file.  Step 5: Execute Content Strategy: Create structured, authoritative content that directly answers user queries.  Step 6: Monitor, Iterate, and Report: Continuously track performance and refine your strategy.    Concluding Analysis: Mastering Visibility on the AI Search Front   The synthesis of the findings shows: The GEO tool market is dynamic and bifurcated, yet the underlying principles focus on E-E-A-T and structured data . The shift from search to answer engines is irreversible, making investments in this area a strategic necessity. The most successful approach will be a hybrid: combining in-depth monitoring features of specialized AI Tools with the optimization features of AEO-focused platforms. The winners in the next era of digital marketing will be those who master the art and science of being the most credible, citable, and machine-readable source of information in their field.  Ready for the New Search Reality?   Take advantage of the first-mover advantage in Generative Engine Optimization. We support you in making your brand visible in AI answers – with a well-founded GEO strategy, tool setup, and content optimization.  Talk to our experts and secure your AI visibility of tomorrow!  

Find SEO Keywords and Develop a Keyword Strategy

Jul 30, 2025

Julien

Moritz

Category:

SEO

The magnifying glass displays the term Keywords in full screen

Keywords have been an important foundation of search engine optimization from the beginning. But their role has changed, just as the way we use them has, not least due to the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI). We are convinced that keywords are still very important, so this guide will teach you how to find keywords, what to look for when choosing keywords, which tools you can use, and how to optimally use keywords in SEO. What are keywords? In search engine optimization, we refer to keywords or key phrases as the terms or phrases that users enter into search engines in order to find answers, information, content, or products. We use these terms on websites in certain elements to increase the probability of achieving good positions in search results. In SEA (e.g., Google Paid as opposed to SEO = Google Organic), we bid on keywords to display ads for those terms in search results. To make the topic more illustrative, we explain all the points in this blog post using a specific example: a fictional bicycle online shop or bicycle store with a website, namely the topic "bicycle" or "buying a bicycle". The graphic shows a small selection of different relevant related keywords for this topic: Types of keywords We differentiate between different types of keywords. This distinction plays a role in the strategic direction of our content and the priority we give to those keywords. By length: Short Head & Long Tail Keywords In general, there are two different types of keywords that are defined by their length: Short Head Keywords are short, very general terms that generally have a very high search volume but also correspondingly high competition. The intention behind these keywords is not clear. For example: "bicycle" is a Short Head keyword, which can imply a search for information, such as (what types of bicycles are there?), as well as a purchase intention or even a search for images. Long Tail Keywords , on the other hand, are longer, specific phrases or questions. Depending on the topic, the search volume and competition behind them are significantly lower, and the intention is generally clearer. For example: "best e-bikes 2025" or "buy cheap used kids’ bicycle" or "how to patch a bicycle tire?" In addition, you can define " Mid Tail Keywords " that lie between these two types of keywords. By intention: Information, Navigation, or Transaction? Another important classification of keywords is the intention behind the search query: Informational keywords indicate a search for information. These can be the beginning of the user journey, the first step on the way to a purchase. For example: "trekking bike vs. city bike" or "what to consider when buying a bicycle?" Navigation Keywords point to the search for a specific brand, website, or product. For example: "Decathlon bicycles" or "Cube E-bikes". Transactional keywords show a purchase intention. Users are looking for an online shop or a local buying opportunity. For example: "buy trekking bike" or "order gravel bikes". In addition to these classifications, there are other characteristics of keywords, such as search volume (how often is the term searched per month?) or the "Keyword Difficulty" calculated by many SEO tools (the difficulty of ranking in top positions for this keyword in search results). Why are keywords important in search engine optimization? Keywords reveal which terms (and topics) are searched frequently. To improve visibility in search results for relevant keywords, we use these terms on the respective pages. This way, we show search engines that a page (URL) is relevant for a specific topic and the associated terms. Therefore, we research and analyze keywords as the basis of content optimization - to know how and what to optimize. What is the significance of keywords in the age of AI? Are keywords still important in the age of AI? Let’s take a look back and take a short journey through SEO history. The role and significance of keywords have constantly evolved over the last few decades: While about 20 years ago keywords had to be used in their exact form to rank well, Google's language understanding developed over the following years. Various grammatical forms, singular and plural, were recognized as identical terms. Similarly, the connection between synonyms and related terms was recognized - it became about semantics instead of exact keyword matching. We have not been thinking in pure keywords in search engine optimization for many years. Instead, we optimize on topic clusters, naturally supported by keywords. Keywords are still used as the basis, but the context behind them has become significantly more important. A sign of this is that Google often displays websites optimized for a synonym for search queries - Google recognizes that terms mean the same thing. In addition to the clusters, another term has become important: the entity. An entity is a uniquely identifiable object or concept, such as a person, a place, a process. An indication of what Google identifies as an entity includes, among other things, the Knowledge Graph in search results or suggestions for topics or concepts. This can be seen in the example "pedelec": These connections between topics or terms also play a role in AI SEO . Keywords are far from dead; they still serve an important purpose even in the AI age: Keyword analysis helps you understand the terms your (potential) customers use - and to speak the same language as your target audience. Keywords, especially “long tail keywords” like questions, help you better understand the intentions and problems of your target audience and offer corresponding content. Keywords still underpin entities and topic clusters, only they are not used as strictly as they were years ago. It is more important to cover the topic comprehensively and satisfyingly for customers, to meet the intent, and to present yourself as an authority to users and search engines. Keyword analysis - Finding keywords in 3 steps How do we find keywords for our keyword and content strategy? Depending on resources and available time as well as the topic, a keyword analysis can be a complex task. The more general the topic, the more extensive the analysis and the more subtopics and keyword clusters are found. It is easier to research keywords for a single page and a very specific topic. 1. Brainstorming Ideally, you are well-versed in your topic for which you want to find keywords. The first step is always a rough brainstorming session where you jot down all subtopics, terms, and questions related to your topic. With this, you have the first foundation for your analysis on which you can build. If you want to research keywords for an entire website, think of these terms, for example: Your brand name (depending on its popularity, there may be a relevant search volume behind a brand name) Your industry (e.g. bicycle online shop) Categories (e.g. e-bikes, city bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, bikes for seniors, accessories, etc.) Brands (e.g. Cube Ebike, Bergamont Bicycle) Products or services (specific product names of bestsellers, e.g. cube kathmandu hybrid pro 750) Frequently asked questions about products or categories (e.g. which bike for commuting) 2. Analyzing keywords on the website If you already have a website or an online shop, you should establish a status quo: for which terms are you already (well) found, and through which terms do you get clicks and impressions? To do this, analyze the terms you find in the performance report in Google Search Console, and for which you get many impressions or clicks and add them to your brainstorming list. If you have access to a professional SEO tool, you will find all keywords for which your domain has a position in the top 100 here. You can filter these keywords by search volume or positions and export this list. This way, you find out where there is already potential on which you can build optimization. Particularly interesting here are the so-called "threshold keywords" - keywords that are "on the verge" of a certain area. Usually, this refers to - depending on the definition - keywords between 11 and 20, which are just before the top 10, or keywords starting from position 4 or 6, which are on the verge of the top 5 or top 3. 3. Keyword research After you probably already have a long list of keywords, it's time to research additional terms. A wide variety of sources and tools are available for this. If you want to conduct particularly comprehensive research, you can use all tools, but you can also focus on just a few if you have identified a sufficient number of keywords through these. Tools for keyword research The bad news first: Good keyword tools that you can work with effectively are always chargeable. Free versions generally limit the number of results or queries per day. You have to enter each keyword individually, instead of analyzing a list of terms, and the filter and export options are mostly restricted or unavailable. Professional SEO tools usually come with a keyword tool where you get important information for your entered terms, such as monthly search volume, as well as related terms that you can cluster and further analyze. Some of the most well-known tools include: Semrush, Ahrefs, Sistrix, Surfer SEO, or the KWfinder from Mangools. Free, limited options are available, for example, through Ubersuggest or Answerthepublic. Both tools offer a paid version as well as free research options. A unique feature of answerthepublic is the focus on long tail keywords. If you run ads on Google Ads, you can use the Google Keyword Planner, which gives you search volume, CPC, and competition for each keyword. Further sources to find keywords Besides the classic keyword tools, there are a whole series of other sources available to find keywords. These include: Google Suggest: Terms suggested by Google when entering terms in the search box Google related terms under search results Google Trends: Development of interest over time, but only for frequently searched terms Questions in Google search results Social Media Hashtags on relevant platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. YouTube Autosuggest: Suggested terms when entering a word in the search Topics on platforms with user-generated content such as Reddit Thesaurus like Woxikon All these screenshots are included, check if you want to use all of them or just a few and how you want to present them: Google Suggest: Google Trends: YouTube Suggest: Woxikon: Google Questions: People also search for in Google: Keyword Gaps A very valuable analysis is the so-called "Keyword Gap Analysis", where you compare your website or online shop with one or more relevant competitors. Here, not only direct competitors are relevant (in our example other bicycle online shops), but all websites that are present for your topic in the search results (for example, an online magazine about bicycles). Using a professional keyword tool, the domains can be compared, and you receive a list of keywords for which your competitors are already ranking in the search results, but your domain is not yet. From this, opportunities arise to expand the website or shop, for example, to include new subcategories or new blog posts. Create a keyword strategy What do you do now with the many keywords you have found through the various sources? The first step is always to cluster these keywords thematically to get a better overview. These clusters can, for example, be oriented along the structure in your online shop and the type of page: Homepage Keywords (most general terms and brand, e.g. bicycle online shop) Categories (e.g. mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, etc.) Subcategories (e.g. 16-inch bikes, dirt bikes, folding bikes, etc.) Product keywords (e.g. Cube Agree c62, Bergamot Sponsor Tour S, etc.) Guide keywords (e.g. what to consider when buying a bike, what is a trekking bike, adjusting hub gears, etc.) FAQ -Keywords (e.g. what frame size for a bike, how long does an e-bike battery last, etc.) What makes a good keyword? Out of the large number of keywords you have researched and clustered, you will not be able to use all of them. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and prioritize these keywords. Various criteria are important for this, and prioritization also depends on your strategic goals and your industry: Relevance: all keywords must be relevant to your business (if you don’t sell road bikes, the keyword "buy road bike" is irrelevant) Search Volume: a higher search volume means a higher probability of generating traffic. However, for niche industries, search volume is not the decisive factor. A more suitable keyword with a lower search volume can be more valuable than a more general one with high search volume. The goal is to find the optimal balance. The intention behind the keyword: The intent behind the search query must always match what users find on the page. Keywords indicating purchase intent (e.g., "buy mountain bike") are less important for a pure online magazine than informational keywords. Conversion probability: For an online shop, keywords with a relation to purchases are particularly valuable, as they are more likely to lead to a conversion than informational keywords. The more specific the term (for example, a product name), the higher the chance that someone will buy. Keywords for blog posts usually do not detract from this point. The competitive situation: Keywords with high competition (for which many large domains rank that have been on the market for a long time and have built up trust and authority) can be too big a challenge for new domains or smaller websites at first. It can take years to rank well for highly competitive keywords. Instead, keywords with less competition can achieve quicker results. Possible existing rankings: It is generally easier to improve keywords for which there is already a ranking, than to be found for brand new keywords. This is particularly true for keywords in threshold positions. Summary: a good keyword Has high relevance for your business Has relevant search volume Covers the appropriate intention Has a high conversion probability Has low to medium competition May already have existing rankings that can be improved. There is no blueprint for assessing and prioritizing keywords and creating a keyword strategy that can be applied to every industry and company. It requires both experience and a general company and marketing strategy to which the keyword strategy is adapted. We can therefore only give you suggestions at this point but are happy to support you in creating a professional keyword strategy! Keyword Mapping The most important step in the keyword strategy is creating a so-called keyword mapping. This involves assigning keywords to target pages (either existing pages or newly planned pages). It’s important: For each important keyword, exactly one page is defined that should rank for it Each important page is assigned a keyword set of 1-2 main keywords and several secondary keywords This setup prevents multiple pages from competing for the same keyword (the result can be that neither page ranks if Google is unsure which is the more relevant page - the so-called “cannibalization”). You can also identify which important keywords still lack a suitable target page. Based on this keyword mapping, you can then plan and optimize your content. Content Strategy Once we have assigned the keywords to the appropriate, existing, or new pages, we can create an editorial plan from them, in which all topics are included, for which we need to optimize pages or create new texts. For example, with bicycles, this could include these texts and pages: Children’s bicycles : the category page for children is supplemented with a guide, a product comparison, and buying advice. Buy bicycle under 500 dollars : either a category page or a filter page with the appropriate criteria or a blog post with a product comparison Best bike for beginners : blog post with a product comparison and buying advice Buy a bike with hub gears : the appropriate category page is supplemented with relevant content (comparison of hub gears and derailleur gears, advantages of hub gears, most popular bikes with hub gears, etc.) What to consider when buying a bicycle : guide article for the blog with an overview of different types of bicycles, criteria for purchase (usage, size, features, etc.), online purchase vs. local purchase, etc. Buy bicycle in #city : landing page of the own local shop with an overview of the assortment, address, maps, opening hours, etc. Using keywords The use of keywords could fill another long article, so we would like to give you an overview of the most important elements on a website or in an online shop where you should use keywords: In the metadata (page title/title tag and meta description/page description) In the headlines In the text In filenames of images and image descriptions In internal links Caution: Avoid keyword stuffing! One of the biggest mistakes in using your researched keywords is repeating the same keywords too often. If your text sounds unnatural because you've stuffed it with too many identical or similar terms, no one will want to read it, and search engines will likely evaluate it as "keyword stuffing." Make sure you always write content for users. Use synonyms and related terms and avoid pure lists of keywords or even grammatically incorrect use of terms just to cover a keyword exactly. The focus is on providing relevant, helpful content for your target audience, using relevant keywords naturally! SEO vs. SEA Keywords Effective SEO keyword strategies also benefit paid channels. Many synergies can be created between SEO and SEA (especially Google Ads), for example, by using the same keywords for organic optimization and paid ads and occupying two positions in search results with your website: one paid and one unpaid. A keyword and content strategy for search engine optimization can also be used in the SEA area SEA can also be used nicely for A/B testing ad texts and CTAs (call-to-actions) that can be used in the metadata (page title and meta description). Also, optimizing page content and using the most searched keywords helps for SEA - for example, to improve the quality score and pay low click prices. To gain the greatest benefit, the insights of both channels can be combined - which is why a company greatly benefits when SEO and SEA are in one hand. Incidentally, at internetwarriors, we have both long-standing SEO and SEA expertise in the team! A tailor-made keyword & content strategy for you Finding the right keywords and deriving an effective strategy that matches your business goals can be a challenge. The SEO experts at internetwarriors are happy to assist you. We analyze your website, your industry, and your potentials, research the appropriate keywords, and create an individual content strategy for you. We are also happy to help you optimize the content or create new content or train you and your team on how to use keywords effectively - even in the age of AI.

Server-Side Tracking - An Overview

Jul 16, 2025

Halid Osmaev

Halid

Osmaev

Category:

Web Analytics

Banner for a blog article - Woman sitting in front of a screen

Server Side Tracking is the new standard. A significant advantage is the control provided over the data flow, especially user data. In this article, we discuss Server Side Tracking using Google Tag Manager as an example and review its benefits and which user data is sent. But first, the important question: What is Server Side Tracking? In short: Server Side Tracking is a data collection method where the tracking information is processed not in the browser but directly through the server of the website operator and forwarded to analysis or marketing tools afterward. The traditional tracking method is Client Side Tracking (CTS) , where a code snippet is embedded in the page, for example, via the Google Tag Manager. This sends event data directly to third-party services like Google Analytics 4, Meta Ads, etc. However, control over the sent user data (IP address, demographic data, etc.) is limited to the adjustments offered by the tool. Additionally, a third-party cookie is usually set, resulting in loss of data amount and quality.   Figure 1: Comparison of Client-side and Server-side tagging With Server Side Tracking (SST) , all data is first sent to a private server, where, for example, the Server Side Google Tag Manager is running. This ensures that there is no undesired data transfer occurring on the website with the users. This transfer happens only in the Google Tag Manager Server Side. However, this can then be adapted to a data protection-compliant standard by clear insight into the data and further configuration options like transformers . Server Side Tracking vs. Client Side Tracking The traditional Client Side Tracking (CST) is still widespread but increasingly reaching its limits. In CST, tracking scripts are executed directly in the user’s browser, sending data like page views, clicks, or conversions to third-party tools. However, this approach is very susceptible to modern tracking protection measures such as ad blockers, VPNs, intelligent tracking prevention (ITP) in iOS/Safari, and various data protection regulations. In contrast, Server Side Tracking (SST) uses a different approach: Tracking data is no longer sent directly from the browser to external tools but first to the server. This acts as a proxy or central data hub through which all tracking requests run. The server request is treated similarly to an API request and is thus less vulnerable to blocking . Additionally, all data processing takes place within one's infrastructure , significantly reducing the risk when dealing with data protection authorities. Another difference lies in the use of cookies: While Client Side Tracking relies on third-party cookies – which are increasingly blocked by browsers – Server Side Tracking prefers first-party cookies , considered more trustworthy and stable. Why is Server Side Tracking now standard? While Client Side Tracking is increasingly losing its effectiveness due to growing restrictions, Server Side Tracking offers a future-proof, high-performance, and privacy-friendly alternative – with significantly higher data quality and control for companies. Overview of the benefits of Server Side Tracking: More data control : Unlike the specifications of external tracking tags, companies with SST retain full control over the collected data. Higher data quality : SST can often bypass ad blockers and tracking protection measures, typically leading to at least 12% more data. Performance advantages : Instead of addressing many individual tracking tools directly from the browser, only one server is contacted – conserving resources and improving website load time. Data protection compliance : By processing exclusively within their server structure, companies can better respond to legal requirements. Server Side Tracking and Data Protection Regulations Server Side Tracking offers not only technical advantages but also a significantly better basis concerning data protection laws. The main legal regulations in the European area are the GDPR, the TTDSG, and the EU-USA Data Privacy Framework.  An overview: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) The General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ) mandates that personal data – which can be traced back to a real person, such as name, email address, or IP address – may only be collected and processed with the explicit consent of the users (e.g., through a cookie banner). It has been applicable in all EU member states since May 25, 2018, forming the central legal framework for handling personal data in the European area. The GDPR requires companies to inform transparently which data is collected for what purpose and how long it will be stored. Additionally, users must be able to object to processing or revoke consent at any time. For tracking, this means: No data may be collected or shared with third parties without clear and voluntary consent – even if the technology allows it. Violations of the GDPR can result in hefty fines. Server Side Tracking offers the advantage that data collection, storage, and sharing can be centrally controlled and better documented – facilitating GDPR-compliant implementation. Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG) The TTDSG (Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act) supplements the GDPR specifically for online services and stipulates that no arbitrary user data , especially through cookies or similar technologies, may be stored or read without prior consent . The law came into force on December 1, 2021, merging central data protection requirements from the GDPR and the German Telemedia Act (TMG) as well as the Telecommunications Act (TKG).  For online tracking, this means: Even setting a cookie that is not purely technically necessary requires active, informed consent from users, for example, through a consent banner. Tracking methods attempting to create user profiles without consent – even through technologies like fingerprinting – are prohibited under the TTDSG. This tightens the requirements for data-driven online marketing measures and underscores the necessity to make tracking privacy-compliant and transparent – something that is much better controlled with Server Side Tracking. EU-USA Data Privacy Framework Particularly relevant for international companies is the new EU-USA Data Privacy Framework , which facilitates transatlantic data transfer and has been in effect since summer 2023. Previously, it was problematic to send personal data to US services because US authorities had extensive access to it by law. The new agreement creates more legal certainty when US services like Google or Meta are used – but only if the services are certified under the new framework. These are just a few of the laws affecting tracking. Therefore, an understanding of user data is important. Conclusion: Why does Server Side Tracking offer more data protection compliance? Server Side Tracking allows the entire data processing to initially run through one's server infrastructure. This means: Tracking occurs not directly with the users but only after explicit consent and under full control of data processing on one's server. This allows the requirements of data protection laws to be better implemented, such as targeted anonymization , pseudonymization , or restriction of data sharing with third parties . Overall, Server Side Tracking enables a more data protection-compliant handling of user data, allowing companies to maintain oversight and control – which is essential under the current regulatory framework. What user data is sent with Server Side Tracking? The good news: Only the absolute minimum. What does this mean? Using Google Tag Manager as an example: When an event on the page, like a click, is triggered, an HTTP request is sent to the Server Side Google Tag Manager . Naturally, HTTP header information is sent along. This includes, among others: Time IP address Page URL Approximate location (by IP address) Operating system Browser Resolution Device Additionally, there are other parameters specifically related to configuration. Detailed information can be found in the documentation at [ https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Headers ]. There are also parameters automatically captured by Google Tag for campaign optimization, which include: utm_source utm_medium utm_campaign utm_content utm_term and the Click ID It should also be ensured which data is user-defined sent with the Google Tag Manager configuration. In the Server Side Google Tag Manager, users can configure precisely through the use of transformers, which specific data should be forwarded in what form and which should be withheld. However, for a data-secure implementation, the conclusion should be: “ Track only as much data as needed .” The challenge is to limit tracking to what is necessary without incurring disadvantages. We set up correct Server Side Tracking for you The Internetwarriors are a team of experts in various fields of online marketing. One of our main focuses is web analytics and Server-Side Tracking (SST). With extensive expertise and a profound understanding of the latest trends and technologies in digital analytics, we offer tailored solutions to optimize our clients' online presence. We are thus a valuable partner for you when you want to set up professional tracking that provides all the data you need for strategic decisions and monitoring your online marketing activities. Contact us now without obligation !

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Local SEO & AI Visibility: The most important steps for your GEO strategy

Oct 20, 2025

Julien

Moritz

Category:

SEO

Banner for a blog post: Smartphone with open ChatGPT application

The search world is changing rapidly. AI and LLMs like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode influence how businesses are found. To remain visible locally, companies must adapt their strategies and understand vital measures for local GEO and SEO. These measures are crucial for local businesses to effectively connect local SEO and GEO in a comprehensive strategy. Key Points at a Glance The combination of local SEO and GEO content is crucial today for maximum visibility. Business profiles, reviews, off-page actions, and a solid technical foundation are the basis for local discoverability. AI and LLMs are transforming the search landscape: content must be machine-readable, semantically structured, and aligned with the customer journey. Targeted link building and AI-optimized content are the most important actions. With prompt monitoring and new KPIs, sustainable success becomes measurable. Build a Prompt Database – Our Matrix A central success factor for local SEO and AI visibility is aligning content with the customer journey. Why is this relevant? Users are in different phases of decision-making and have varying content requirements. Aligning your content strategy ensures your brand is mentioned in AI-generated responses or that your website is used as a source for these answers. We have developed a matrix for creating this prompt database. Aligning content with this matrix targets users at each phase of the customer journey, sustainably increasing visibility. The process begins with the Discovery & Awareness Phase . Here, users seek general knowledge, want to understand a problem, or learn about a solution. Companies should showcase their authority, provide step-by-step guides, and present their solutions at this stage. In the Consideration Phase , users compare different offers and weigh the benefits. Here, it's important to build trust, highlight the strengths of your own offerings, and positively portray products in comparison. The Decision Phase is characterized by a clear intent to purchase. Content should contain a direct call-to-action, guiding users to the desired transaction. Finally, there are AI-specific Intents . Users give specific commands or want to initiate automated processes. It is important to position your brand within the context of such automated processes and provide solutions for specific tasks in this phase. SEO keywords can be a strong foundation for creating prompts. This ensures that the SEO and GEO strategy work hand in hand. The created prompt database should then be integrated into a monitoring tool to provide an overview of current visibility in AI and search engines. This will lead to measures to revise existing content and identify potential for new content. Local GEO and SEO: What Really Matters Today SEO and AI visibility are particularly important for local businesses today. Companies that implement the right measures for local GEO and SEO remain consistently visible to potential customers and AI systems. Structuring Content for Machine Readability A clean and structured technical implementation is indispensable for the digital visibility of local businesses. For search engines and AI models to optimally capture and display content, the website should be built with clean HTML and semantic tags like <article> and <section>. Additionally, it is advisable to use special markups like FAQ or HowTo structures to make information even more accessible for search engines and AI. The following GEO Formula has proven effective: Relevant user questions are formulated as headings (H2). Directly below, a precise and clear answer follows. Subsequently, further information is offered to delve into the topic or explore additional aspects. This clear structure helps not only users but also ensures that search engines and AI systems better interpret and display the content. Creating Locally Relevant Content City-specific case studies, customer reports, local events, and the integration of landmarks and neighborhoods are especially effective. Such content not only creates closeness to the target audience but also highlights the company's local expertise and presence. Another crucial aspect is the regular use of local keywords (service + city) in website texts. This establishes a clear link between location and services offered, enhancing SEO and LLM visibility. The content should cover various user intents along the customer journey (see Prompt Matrix). In this way, potential customers are specifically targeted and accompanied in each phase. It is important to integrate real user questions into the content. By directly answering frequently asked questions, the relevance of the website for search engines and AI models increases. Heed "Old" Foundations for Local SEO Also for Local GEO A complete business profile on Google and Bing is the foundation for a strong local presence. The more information provided, the better search engines and AI models can classify and display the business. It's equally important to actively seek customer feedback and collect reviews. Positive feedback strengthens credibility and directly impacts local visibility in AI, LLMs, and search engines. Furthermore, registering the business in relevant industry directories increases discoverability and reach. Additionally, targeted branded traffic from social media creates a healthy signal to search engines and AI systems. Active communication and interaction on social platforms create additional credibility and sustainably support local visibility. Link Building in Times of AI Language models generally do not search and compare individual services or products on their own. Instead, they often refer to comparison sites, user reports, and similar sources for recommendations. This presents a valuable opportunity for businesses: strategically building backlinks on such platforms increases the likelihood of being considered in AI-generated answers and recommendations. This boosts AI visibility in LLMs and simultaneously increases the website's relevance for search engines through quality backlinks. Platforms can be identified and prioritized through the selected tool with prompt monitoring. The rule of thumb is quality over quantity: posts that are frequently cited by LLMs are more valuable than those rarely used by AI. Optimize Existing Content for Real User Questions If your domain is already visible in organic search results, it is worthwhile optimizing content specifically for real user questions. Such questions can be identified, for example, using Google Search Console by filtering search queries containing typical question words. We use the following regex filter: ^(how|what|why|when|where|which|who|why|for what reason|how much|whereby|wherewith|by whose)\b Figure 1: Regex filter in Google Search Console Figure 2: Search queries with the regex filter in Google Search Console It is essential to clearly and helpfully answer these questions directly under an H2 heading. This makes the content more attractive to users and also easier for search engines and AI models to understand. If you already have a chatbot on the website, questions asked there can also be a good indicator that they are frequently asked to ChatGPT & Co. Thus, it is also worth answering these questions in the content to be used as a source by LLMs and expand visibility in AI. Establish New GEO KPIs Although traditional SEO metrics like increasing clicks or traffic were long central, they are no longer the sole focus. Many companies are experiencing declines in search engine traffic as AI models and LLMs increasingly provide direct answers, and users click through to websites less frequently. The traffic from LLMs can seldom fully compensate for these losses. However, the quality of this traffic often turns out to be significantly higher, increasing the conversion rate. To specifically measure the visibility of local businesses and the success of your actions, it is advisable to combine proven SEO KPIs with specific GEO KPIs. These include, for example, the Brand Mention Rate, which indicates how often your brand is mentioned in important prompts (e.g., over 40%), the AI Platform Coverage, indicating presence on several relevant LLMs (e.g., more than five), and the Brand Search Uplift, denoting the rise in brand search queries after comprehensive GEO measures (e.g., over 25%). This creates a holistic picture representing both the reach and quality of visibility in traditional search engines and AI-based systems. Conclusion: Local Visibility in LLMs and Search Engines The local visibility of businesses in LLMs and traditional search engines is now significantly determined by the intelligent combination of SEO and GEO strategies. Implementing the key measures ensures presence in both search engines and AI-based systems. The rapid development of AI and LLMs changes the demands on businesses: optimizing only for Google is no longer sufficient. It is crucial to make your brand and offerings visible in AI-generated answers and recommendations. Acting now and aligning your strategy holistically ensures a sustainable competitive advantage in local search. Here you find the appropriate checklist on the topic FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions How can I find out if my local business is already visible in AI-generated responses? To check visibility in AI responses, it is recommended to establish prompt monitoring with specialized tools. These tools show if and how often your brand or website is mentioned in responses from LLMs like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode or used as a source. What role do structured data play in AI visibility? Structured data help AI models better understand and display content. They are crucial to be considered as a source for AI responses and should therefore be used consistently. Are AI-optimized contents also relevant for traditional search engines? Yes, content optimized for AI models—through semantic structure, FAQ markup, and answering real user questions—are also better understood and displayed by traditional search engines. We recommend optimizing prompts based on significant SEO keywords. This ensures optimal combination of local SEO and GEO. How often should I update my content to remain relevant to search engines and LLMs? The search and AI landscape evolves rapidly. It is advisable to review the prompt database and key content at least quarterly and update as necessary to address new trends and user queries early. However, the timeframe can vary and depends on how dynamically the industry continues to develop. Which mistakes should I avoid in local search engine and AI optimization? Common mistakes include incomplete business profiles, missing local keywords, technical structures based on JavaScript and rendered client-side, lack of user question integration, and neglect of monitoring and KPIs.

Transparency in Google Ads: How to Properly Utilize Performance Max Channel Reporting

Oct 10, 2025

Josephine

Treuter

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

Banner for a Blog Post: Colorful Laptop Performance Max Reporting

Google Ads is one of the most efficient ways to increase a company's reach and achieve targeted conversions. However, in times of AI and automation, the way campaigns are managed and evaluated is also changing. With the introduction of Performance Max campaigns, Google has created a new approach: all channels, from Search to YouTube to Shopping, are bundled into a single, fully automated campaign. This promises maximum efficiency, but at the same time makes it more difficult to trace through which channels the conversions are actually generated.  For a long time, it was unclear which channel contributed what to the campaign's performance. Those who needed this information had to resort to technical scripts and complex workarounds - an effort that overwhelmed many teams. With the new Channel Performance Reporting, this changes fundamentally, allowing results to be evaluated per channel. In this article, we'll show you how to make the most of the new reporting, which best practices have already proven themselves, and how to make better decisions with more transparency. As an experienced Google Ads agency, we provide you with practical tips directly from everyday life at internetwarriors.   The Essentials in Brief   Performance Max bundles all Google channels into one campaign. The Channel Reporting now provides the necessary transparency. You can see how Search, Display, YouTube, Discover, Maps, and Gmail perform individually.  The reports can be segmented by ad format, status, or targets like CPA or ROAS.  The new reporting allows you to identify optimization potentials more quickly and control them more precisely.  The status section helps with technical issues and offers recommendations for action.  What Exactly Is a Performance Max Campaign?   The Performance Max campaign , or PMax for short, is an automated campaign format in Google Ads available since 2021. It allows ads to be played simultaneously across multiple Google channels such as Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and Shopping, all in a single campaign. Unlike traditional campaigns, PMax relies on Google AI for ad delivery and optimization. Based on goals such as conversions or revenue, the system independently decides which ad to show to which user on which channel. For advertisers, this means less manual control and more focus on high-quality assets and strategic goal setting. With the new Channel Performance Reporting, it is now finally visible which channel contributes what to the overall performance, and this is an important step toward more transparency and control.  Why Transparency in a PMax is so Important  Performance Max campaigns offer many advantages: They bundle all Google channels into a single campaign, use AI for automated delivery, and promise maximum efficiency. However, this very automation brings a central challenge: a lack of transparency. It was long unclear through which channel a conversion actually occurred. This was a problem for anyone wanting to optimize their campaigns based on data. Without channel-specific insights, it is difficult to make informed decisions: Should more budget flow into YouTube or Search? Do video ads work better than text ads? Which audiences perform on which platforms? The answers to these questions are crucial for effective campaign management, and this is where the new Channel Performance Reporting comes in. It provides the necessary transparency to evaluate the performance of individual channels, identify optimization potentials, and strategically manage budgets. For agencies like internetwarriors, this is an important step to not only deliver results to clients but also develop transparent strategies.  How to Find Channel Reporting in Your Google Ads Account  The new Channel Performance Reporting for Performance Max is currently still in beta. This means that the feature is being rolled out gradually and may not be immediately available in every Google Ads account. The scope of the displayed data can also vary depending on the account, ranging from basic channel metrics to detailed conversion insights. If your account is already enabled, you can find the reporting directly in the Google Ads interface under: Campaign Overview → Select Performance Max Campaign → Insights → Channel Performance    There, you will receive a detailed breakdown of important metrics such as impressions, clicks, conversions, costs, and ROAS. The view can be filtered by time period, device, or conversion goal, providing a valuable basis for data-driven optimizations.  What Exactly Does the Channel Reporting Show You?   The Channel Performance Reporting provides a structured overview of the performance of individual channels within a Performance Max campaign. It shows how the campaign is distributed across platforms like Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and Shopping, and what each channel's share of the achieved conversions is. This transparency allows an informed evaluation of budget distribution, identifies underperforming channels, and assists in prioritizing future investments.  Additionally, the reporting offers extensive segmentation and filtering options. The data can be analyzed by key metrics such as Cost per Acquisition (CPA), Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), or Click-Through Rate (CTR). This provides a comprehensive view of the campaign's performance, both cross-channel and data-driven in a strategically usable way.  What Can Be Learned from the Data   The Channel Performance Reporting delivers far more than just numbers. It opens up new perspectives for the strategic management of Performance Max campaigns. By breaking down key figures like impressions, clicks, conversions, and costs by channel, it becomes visible which platforms are genuinely contributing to achieving targets and how the deployed budget is distributed.  This data enables an informed assessment of the used ad formats, targeting methods, and device distribution. Conclusions can also be drawn regarding the customer journey and potential optimization potentials can be identified, for example, in the design of assets or budget allocation.  For agencies like internetwarriors, this transparency is a valuable foundation for not only optimizing campaigns efficiently but also communicating transparently with clients.  How to Optimize Your Campaigns with the New Insights   The channel-specific data from the Channel Performance Reporting provides a valuable foundation for the strategic optimization of Performance Max campaigns. By analyzing individual channels, it becomes apparent which platforms work particularly efficiently, where wastage is occurring, and which ad formats achieve the best results. Based on this, budgets can be distributed more strategically, assets can be designed more precisely, and target groups can be addressed more diversely.  Furthermore, the insights enable a more precise evaluation of the customer journey: Are users addressed via YouTube but convert only via Search? Such patterns can now be comprehended and incorporated into the campaign structure. The selection of conversion goals can also be newly assessed based on the data to further align campaign orientation with actual user behavior.  Limitations and Pitfalls of Channel Reporting   Even though the Channel Performance Reporting represents an important step towards transparency, current limitations and pitfalls should not be neglected. Since the feature is still in the beta phase, availability is not guaranteed across the board, and the scope of displayed data can vary from account to account. In some cases, only aggregated values are displayed, without deeper insights into individual ad formats or audiences.  Moreover, it should be noted that Performance Max operates cross-channel, and the individual channels do not stand alone but work collectively. A channel with seemingly weak performance can nevertheless make an important contribution to conversion, for example, through early user engagement in the funnel. Therefore, interpreting the data requires a holistic understanding of the customer journey and shouldn't rely solely on individual metrics.  Technical limitations such as incomplete conversion attribution, missing asset data, or limited segmentation options can also complicate analysis. Therefore, a combination of Channel Reporting, conversion tracking, and supplementary tools such as Google Analytics or server-side tracking is recommended for a sound evaluation.  Conclusion: More Control, Better Decisions   With the new Channel Performance Reporting, a decisive step toward transparency within Performance Max campaigns is taken. The ability to evaluate channel-specific data directly in the Google Ads interface provides a solid basis for strategic decisions and targeted optimizations. Even though the feature is still in the beta phase and not fully available in every account, it is already clear how valuable these insights are for modern campaign management.  The combination of automation and data-driven control makes it possible to distribute budgets more efficiently, use assets more targetedly, and better understand the customer journey.   For agencies like internetwarriors, this means: more clarity in analysis, better arguments in customer communication, and significantly increased effectiveness in digital marketing.  As an experienced Google Ads agency, we help you harness the full potential of your Performance Max campaigns. We assist you not only with setting up and optimizing your campaigns, but also with the targeted use of the new Channel Performance Reporting. This way, you'll gain clear insights into the performance of individual channels, can distribute budgets sensibly, and make data-based decisions. With our expertise in AI-supported campaign management and cross-channel analysis, we ensure that your ads not only perform but are transparent and traceable. Get in touch with us!    

VKU Marketing Experts 2025 – AI in Focus

Oct 8, 2025

Axel

Zawierucha

Category:

Inside Internet Warriors

Banner for a Blog Post: DMEXCO 2025 - Aftermath

On September 24, 2025, Berlin was the hotspot for marketing experts from public utilities. The VKU Marketing Experts Congress provided an excellent platform to discuss the industry's most pressing issues.   This year's top topic: the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence in marketing. As internetwarriors, we were there, represented by our experts Julien Moritz (SEO/GEO expert) and Axel Zawierucha (CEO), to share our knowledge and gain new insights.  The transformation is now: AI as a game-changer  The atmosphere at the congress was marked by a palpable sense of optimism. Numerous lectures and discussions made it clear that AI is no longer just a buzzword but a tangible tool that is revolutionizing marketing strategies.   From personalized customer engagement to automated content creation and data-driven forecasts – the possibilities seem endless. However, with new opportunities come new challenges. One of the central questions that arose in many conversations was: How can companies remain visible in a digital landscape dominated by AI systems and language models (LLMs) and effectively reach their target audiences?    Our workshop: Visibility in the age of AI  We dedicated our interactive workshop to precisely this question. Under the title "Visibility in the AI Era: How to Position Your Business in New Systems," Julien Moritz and Axel Zawierucha provided practical insights and strategic advice.   The interest was overwhelming. Intense discussions with participants made it clear that many companies are seeking guidance on how to prepare their content and data to be optimally captured and presented by AI-based search and recommendation systems.  We demonstrated how a well-thought-out data strategy and content optimization for semantic searches can make a significant difference. The many exciting questions and the enthusiastic participation showed us that we struck a chord here.    How we as GEO specialists can support  Especially in a local context, geographic visibility is crucial. As GEO specialists, we help you strengthen your presence in local search systems and map applications – an important factor to be found even in AI-driven environments. With structured location data, local SEO, and targeted integration into semantic search systems, we ensure that your offerings appear where your target audience is searching – today and in the AI-driven future. Contact us!  

DMEXCO 2025: CRM, AI and the Future of Search Engine Marketing

Sep 24, 2025

Axel

Zawierucha

Category:

Inside Internet Warriors

Banner for a Blog Post: DMEXCO 2025 - Aftermath

DMEXCO 2025 in Cologne was more than just a trade show for us at internetwarriors.de – it was a vibrant marketplace of ideas, a melting pot of innovations, and above all, a confirmation of the topics that move us and our customers every day. With a record attendance of over 40,000 participants and under the motto "Be Bold. Move Forward.", this year's leading trade fair for digital marketing sent a clear signal: The future belongs to the bold, the pioneers, and those who are ready to blaze new trails. In countless inspiring conversations with customers, partners, and industry colleagues, a common thread emerged for us, connecting the central challenges and opportunities of our time: the inseparable linkage of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), the revolution through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the redefinition of campaign planning in the era of generative models.  The foundation of successful performance campaigns: The CRM feedback loop   A theme that repeatedly came to the forefront in our conversations at DMEXCO 2025 was the immense importance of deep integration of CRM systems in performance marketing campaigns. It's a realization as simple as it is crucial: those who want to successfully generate leads must not merely scratch the surface. The mere generation of contact information is only half the battle. The true value unfolds only when a seamless feedback loop between marketing and sales is established.  This is where CRM comes into play. It is the centerpiece that consolidates all relevant information about a potential customer and tells us what actually became of a generated lead. Was the contact qualified? Did it lead to a sales conversation? Was a contract concluded? This feedback is pure gold for optimizing performance campaigns. Without this feedback, we operate blindly. We see which ads and keywords generate clicks and conversions, but we don't know which truly lead to revenue.  From our extensive practical experience and the intensive discussions at the fair, we can make a clear recommendation. As an official implementation partner of Teamleader in Germany, we have gained deep insights into the capabilities of modern CRM systems. We are convinced that Teamleader unites all critical features to conduct business successfully. From the central contact database, deal tracking, and project management to time tracking and invoicing, the platform offers an all-in-one solution specifically tailored to the needs of agencies and service-oriented SMEs. Seamless integration enables precisely the valuable feedback loop essential for data-driven marketing.  The discussions at DMEXCO showed that companies that have successfully closed this loop deploy their marketing budgets much more efficiently. They can target their campaigns on the channels and audiences that deliver the most valuable customers. In an era where digital advertising costs are steadily rising, and competition is becoming more intense, this data-driven precision is no longer a "nice-to-have," but an absolute must for sustainable success.  Google in transition: The future of search in the age of AI   Of course, the future of AI and Google, along with organic search, was one of the dominant topics in the Cologne exhibition halls. The era of purely keyword-based searches is coming to an end. Generative AI models and the increasing integration of AI into search engine result pages (SERPs) signal a paradigm shift. The question everyone is asking is: How will search change, and what does it mean for our SEO and SEA strategies?  The keynotes and expert lectures at DMEXCO painted a clear picture: search will become more contextual, dialogue-oriented, and personalized. Users no longer just expect a list of links, but direct answers and solutions to their concerns. Google's "Search Generative Experience" (SGE) is just the beginning. The ability to understand complex queries and answer in full sentences will fundamentally change how we search for information.  For us as an agency, this means we need to adapt our content strategies. It's no longer just about optimizing individual keywords but creating comprehensive thematic worlds that holistically answer users' questions. "Topical Authority" will become the new currency in SEO. We must become the experts in our niche and create content that offers real value both for users and AI-driven algorithms.  At the same time, AI also opens new possibilities for paid search. Performance-Max campaigns are a good example of how Google uses AI to automate and optimize the display of ads across the entire Google network. The challenge for us marketers is to provide the AI with the right signals – and{

Marketing in the Age of AI: Welcome to the New Reality

Sep 5, 2025

Axel

Zawierucha

Category:

Artificial Intelligence

Banner for a blog post: AI in Marketing Strategy

A specter is haunting the marketing world – the specter of artificial intelligence. But instead of spreading fear, it brings a wave of transformation that redefines the very foundations of our industry. Gone are the days when marketing relied solely on intuition, manual segmentation, and broad campaigns. Today, in 2025, we are in the midst of a revolution driven by algorithms, machine learning, and Large Language Models (LLMs). For us at internetwarriors, it's clear: AI is not a passing trend but the new operating system for successful marketing. But what does that mean exactly? What has really changed? How do you need to adjust your strategies to not just survive but thrive? And how is perhaps the most important component of all – user behavior – changing? This article is your comprehensive guide to marketing in the age of AI. We dive deep into the changes, show you practical strategies, illuminate new user behaviors with current research insights, and look beyond to see which future trends from the USA and Asia will soon be our reality. The new playing field: What AI has fundamentally changed in marketing   Artificial intelligence is more than just another tool in your toolkit. It's the invisible hand that optimizes processes, provides insights, and enables interactions at a speed and precision that were pure science fiction just a few years ago. The core changes can be observed in four key areas: 1. Real-time hyper-personalization:  Previously, personalization was addressing a customer by their name in an email. Today, personalization means presenting the user with exactly the content, product, or message that matches their current need – across all channels. AI algorithms analyze massive amounts of data from user behavior, purchase history, demographic information, and even contextual data (such as weather or location) in milliseconds. The result: Dynamic web content, personalized product recommendations in online stores, and individually tailored ads perceived not as intrusions but as relevant services. 2. Predictive analytics and data-driven forecasts:  Marketing has long been reactive. We analyzed past campaigns to optimize future ones. Marketing AI reverses this principle. Predictive analytics models can predict with high probability which customers are most likely to churn (Customer Churn), which leads have the highest purchase probability (Predictive Lead Scoring), or which products will sell best next season. This foresight allows you to act proactively, distribute budgets more efficiently, and focus your resources on the most promising segments.  3. Automation of content creation and distribution:  Generative AI has revolutionized content creation. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and more advanced, industry-specific models can now create high-quality texts for blogs, social media posts, emails, or product descriptions. But it goes far beyond that: AI systems can also generate images, videos, and even music. For you as a marketer, this means a significant increase in efficiency. Routine tasks that used to take hours are now done in minutes. At the same time, AI enables the creation of content for A/B tests in countless variants and the automatic distribution through the right channels at the right time. 4. Efficiency through intelligent automation:  Besides content creation, AI automates countless other marketing processes. From programmatic buying of ad space (Programmatic Advertising) to intelligent bidding strategies in Google Ads to automatic segmentation of target audiences – AI handles repetitive, data-intensive tasks. This not only results in massive time and cost savings but also minimizes human errors and continuously optimizes campaign performance based on data. The marketing strategy 2025: How to successfully navigate the AI era   A new technological reality requires a new strategic approach. It's not enough to just introduce a few AI marketing tools. Your entire marketing strategy needs to be rethought in the context of AI.  1. From target groups to "Segment-of-One": Your radical personalization strategy  Your central strategy should be hyper-personalization. The goal is no longer to reach a target group but to treat each individual customer as their own segment ("Segment-of-One").  Practical implementation: Invest in a robust Customer Data Platform (CDP) that centralizes all customer data in one place. Use AI-driven personalization engines for your website, online store, and email marketing. These systems dynamically adjust content based on each user's click behavior, dwelling time, and purchase history.  2. Conversational marketing: Dialogue as the new funnel  Users no longer want to fill out forms or be stuck on hold. They expect immediate answers and a direct dialog. AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants provide the solution.  Practical implementation: Implement an intelligent chatbot on your website that not only answers standard questions but also qualifies leads, books appointments, and guides users through the purchasing process. Train the bot with your corporate data to ensure accurate and brand-consistent responses.  3. Content strategy: Quality and AI optimization hand in hand  In the age of AI content creation, the sheer volume of content will explode. To stand out, two things are crucial: first, exceptional, human-centered quality, and second, optimization for AI systems.  Practical implementation: Use generative AI as a tool for ideation, draft creation, and text optimization for SEO. However, the final editing, strategic direction, and emotional depth must come from human experts. At the same time, structure your content (e.g., through Schema.org markup) for easy understanding and prominent placement in answers from AI search engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE).  4. SEO and AI: The symbiosis for your visibility  SEO and AI are inextricably linked. Google's algorithms, particularly RankBrain and BERT, are deeply rooted in machine learning. The future of search lies in answering complex queries, not just matching keywords.  Practical implementation: Focus on thematic authority (Topic Clusters) rather than individual keywords. Create comprehensive content that fully answers user questions. Use AI tools to analyze SERPs, identify content gaps, and optimize your content for semantic search.  Global outlook: These AI trends from the USA & Asia are defining the future    While we in Europe are beginning to fully harness the potential of AI, the USA and Asia serve as "future labs." Different regulations, a higher risk appetite, and a deep-rooted "mobile-first" culture accelerate the adoption of technologies that will soon dominate our market. Trend 1 from Asia: The "Super-App" ecosystem & Social Commerce 2.0   In Asia, especially China, with apps like WeChat or Alibaba , "Super-Apps" dominate daily life. In these closed ecosystems, digital life unfolds: chatting, shopping, paying, booking services. AI is the glue that enables a seamless, hyper-personalized customer journey within a single platform .  Live-stream shopping on steroids: Forget QVC. In Asia, live streams are interactive events. AI tools analyze viewer comments in real-time to suggest products to the influencer.  Group-buying through AI: AI identifies potential buyers with similar interests and connects them into groups to obtain better prices through joint purchases.  Trend towards conversational commerce: WhatsApp and Instagram are increasingly moving towards this direction. The trend relentlessly moves toward Conversational Commerce . Your first crucial step into this future is to deploy an intelligent chatbot on your website that not only answers standard questions but also qualifies leads, books appointments, and guides users through the purchase process.   Trend 2 from the USA: The autonomous marketing manager   In the USA, the trend is moving from AI assistance to AI autonomy . So-called "agent-based systems" are AI-generated virtual managers that not only assist, but autonomously manage campaigns and make strategic decisions.  The Autonomous Marketing Manager: Instead of saying, "Create 10 social media posts," the AI will decide whether to write blog articles, launch Google Ads, or start an email campaign on its own. It analyzes the market, target audience, and performance to make these decisions.  What does this mean for you? This trend is technologically demanding but will radically change your role as a marketer. Your task will be to centralize your data infrastructure (e.g., with a Customer Data Platform). Only with clean, accessible data can you effectively leverage AI systems to their full potential.  Trend 3 from the USA & Asia: AI influencers and the era of synthetic media   Virtual, AI-generated influencers with millions of followers and contracts with global luxury brands are emerging. They are precursors to a revolution in content creation.  The forebears of change: AI-generated influencers like these herald new possibilities for brands to easily and inexpensively create their synthetic personas, designed to be visually and characteristically tailored to match a brand.  What does this mean for you? In a world where AI anticipation of needs reduces tolerance for irrelevance, marketers should focus on transparency and creativity. Instead of replacing actual people, AI avatars can be used as fantasy figures, futuristic ambassadors, or scalable, personalized video tutorials.  Transforming the marketer: The new era of AI and marketing  AI is changing the expectations and behavior of consumers. They now anticipate immediate responses and direct dialogues in customer interactions. In response to this evolving technological landscape, marketers must evolve their strategies. It is not enough to merely introduce a few AI marketing tools; the entire marketing strategy must be reimagined using AI as a partner rather than a threat.  Develop data competence: You don't have to become a data scientist, but you must learn to interpret data to draw valuable insights.  Focus on strategic planning: Instead of manually setting up A/B tests, your task will be to set strategic directions while the AI optimizes the methodologies to achieve those strategies.  Master creativity and storytelling: In a world where sheer volume of AI-generated content is set to explode, what will make a difference is outstanding, human-centered quality and content optimized for AI systems.  Prompt engineering as a new skill: The quality of a generative AI's output now heavily relies on the quality and creativity of the input and command structure you provide.  Lifelong learning: In the AI-driven world, continual education becomes a necessity rather than an option, as the technologies and methodologies keep evolving.  Conclusion: The future of marketing is a symbiosis with AI   ​​The ubiquitous presence of AI is inevitably shaping expectations and consumer behavior. AI is freeing us from repetitive, manual tasks, giving us the capacity to focus on areas where humans are irreplaceable.  Success will belong to those who understand this new technology not as a threat but as an ally. The winners will be those who combine the analytical power, speed, and scalability of AI with the irreplaceable human qualities of creativity, strategy, and storytelling.  At internetwarriors, we look forward to this future full of opportunities. We see AI as a partner that frees us from repetitive, manual tasks, allowing us to dedicate our capabilities to where humans make the difference. 

AI Max for Search Campaigns - How AI is Changing Google Ads

Sep 3, 2025

Markus

Brook

Category:

Search Engine Advertising

Banner for a blog post about the new AI Max campaign setting

Online marketing is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovations. A current example is the introduction of Google's AI Max campaigns. This campaign type is specifically designed for search campaigns and utilizes artificial intelligence to control ads more efficiently. Below, we explain what AI Max for search campaigns is, the benefits it offers, and the requirements it places on advertisers.  Key Points  AI Max is a new campaign feature in Google Ads that uses machine learning for automated ad placements and bidding. AI Max combines existing Google Ads features such as Broad Match, DSA, and automatically generated assets.  The focus is on maximizing conversions and conversion values. AI Max combines traditional search campaigns with AI-driven bidding strategies. Automation reduces management effort but requires clear goals, data, and high-quality assets.  Control is achieved through goal definitions and continuous monitoring of campaign performance. Introduction: What is AI Max?   Google continually develops its advertising platform, increasingly relying on artificial intelligence. With AI Max for search campaigns , a new campaign feature is introduced specifically designed for Google search. AI Max uses machine learning to automatically control ads, adjust bids in real-time, and increase the likelihood of conversions. The goal is to reduce manual effort and enhance the efficiency of search campaigns. How AI Max Works   Unlike traditional search campaigns, Google AI Max heavily relies on automation. Assets, including ad titles, descriptions, sitelinks, or extensions, are provided to the system. The AI combines these components independently and dynamically creates ads that optimally match the respective search query.  Additionally, the system continuously analyzes user signals like location, search history, or interaction patterns. This data is used to identify relevant target audiences and optimize ads in real-time. This makes campaign management significantly more precise and faster than manually possible. 1. Keywordless Technology: Search Ads Without Classic Keywords   A central element is the so-called “keywordless matching.” Instead of relying on exact or phrase match keywords, Google analyzes landing pages, existing assets, and user behavior with AI to serve appropriate search queries. This is reminiscent of Dynamic Search Ads functionality, but in an even more automated framework.  2. Text Automation with AI   The automatically created assets are another building block in AI Max. Google dynamically creates ad texts based on the website, previous ads, and other available data.   3. Final URL Expansion   With final URL expansion, Google may direct users to a different target page than originally set if the AI assumes a better conversion probability exists there. This feature is also based on known DSA campaign mechanics. Benefits of AI Max in Google Ads The introduction of AI Max offers several benefits for advertisers: Time Savings Through Automation : Manual adjustments of bids and ad texts are mostly eliminated. Higher Conversion Probability : Google itself states that AI Max can generate up to 14% more conversions on average. Extended Reach : Ads are no longer only triggered by classic keywords but can also cover additional relevant search queries.  Transparency : New reporting features show how AI makes decisions and what adjustments were made automatically. Despite the advantages, AI Max also carries risks. Automation can lead to unexpected and sometimes uncontrollable results. For example, AI may serve ads for search terms that do not directly align with the brand core or product, leading to irrelevant traffic and reduced efficiency. Another risk is that performance heavily depends on the quality of the provided assets and the data foundation. If these are faulty or insufficient, the AI may draw incorrect conclusions and steer the campaign in the wrong direction. In the worst case, this could result in wasted marketing budgets without achieving the desired results. Especially for clients with limited budgets and insufficient conversions, we currently do not recommend using AI Max. Challenges and Limitations   Reduced Manual Control : Many decisions are taken over by the AI, meaning fewer intervention possibilities.  Dependence on Data Quality : The AI can only work effectively if high-quality assets and precise conversion goals are provided.  Continuous Monitoring Required : Even automated campaigns must be regularly reviewed and adjusted to be successful over the long term. First Practical Insights: What Companies Achieve with AI Max   AI Max is not just a theoretical concept but already delivers real results, as proven by two early case studies from the beta phase that Google itself presents. Both L’Oréal Chile and the Australian provider MyConnect used AI Max and were able to make their search campaigns significantly more efficient.  L’Oréal Chile: Higher Conversion Rates at Lower Costs   The cosmetics giant used AI Max specifically to identify new keyword potentials and increase the relevance of its ads. With success: the conversion rate doubled while the cost-per-conversion decreased by a whopping 31%.  An example shows the potential: The campaigns suddenly targeted search queries like  “what is the best cream for facial dark spots”  – terms that would likely never have been covered with classic keyword strategies. AI Max thus helped to specifically address relevant long-tail intentions without manual setup.  MyConnect: More Leads Through New Search Impulses   The Australian company MyConnect was already using Broad Match and tROAS. Nonetheless, activating AI Max brought clear improvements:  16% more leads  13% lower costs per conversion  30% more conversions from novel search terms  Particularly intriguing: the strong increase in so-called “net-new queries” – search queries previously not covered by the existing keywords or assets. Here lies the real added value of AI Max: it recognizes opportunities that were not visible before. Best Practices for Using AI Max   For AI Max to be successfully used, companies should follow some principles:  Provide High-Quality Assets – Diverse ad titles and descriptions make it easier for AI to optimize.  Define Conversion Goals Clearly – The more precise the goals, the better the AI can control the campaign.  Conduct Regular Analysis – Despite automation, controlling metrics like ROAS, CTR, and conversion rate remains important.  Review Brand Keywords – It may be wise to exclude brand terms to reach new target groups instead of just serving existing search queries. Conclusion: Opportunities and Limits of AI Max   AI Max for Search Campaigns is a step towards greater automation in Google Ads. Companies can benefit from this technology if they strategically prepare their campaigns, set clear goals, and regularly monitor the results.  The AI does not replace a well-founded marketing strategy but complements it. When used correctly, AI Max can help use budgets more efficiently, reduce administrative effort, and enhance performance.  If you want to discover how AI Max or other innovative approaches to Google Ads with AI can help your company, we are here for you as experts in SEO , GEO, and SEA . Contact us today for a free consultation to revolutionize your online marketing strategy. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about AI Max   What is the difference between Performance Max and AI Max?   Performance Max covers all Google channels, while AI Max is specifically developed for search ads.  Is AI Max suitable for every company?   AI Max is best suited for companies with clear conversion goals that have enough budget to provide the AI with enough data for learning. For smaller budgets or very specific niche markets, a classic Google Ads campaign or a targeted SEO strategy may be more sensible.  How do I maintain control when so much is automated?   Control is exercised through assets, conversion goals, and regular analysis reports. These provide transparency and show how the AI is optimizing.  Can I exclude keywords?   Yes, excluding keywords is an important best practice. It helps ensure the campaign does not only target users already searching for your brand but also reaches new potential customers. 

LLM Content Focus: What ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini Prefer

Aug 21, 2025

Nadine

Wolff

Category:

Artificial Intelligence

Header for a blog post about LLM and content: Robots at laptops

Standard search engine optimization was yesterday – today it's also about designing content in such a way that it can be found, understood, and integrated into responses by Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini.  Being cited as a source in AI-generated results not only benefits brand awareness but often also provides valuable backlinks.  However, each LLM has its own focus when it comes to selecting content. In this article, you'll learn how these three models work and how you can tailor your content to their preferences.  An Overview of the Three LLMs   Before we delve into specific tactics, it's worth taking a quick look at how the models function. Each LLM evaluates content according to its own criteria. ChatGPT scores highly with well-structured explanations, Perplexity prioritizes recency and sources, and Gemini uses strong signals from the Google Index and prefers structured and multimedia content. These differences determine which content you should prioritize.  ChatGPT – Creative & Dialogical Content  ChatGPT excels at reproducing content in a natural, human-sounding language. It favors text that is easy to read, provides clear explanations, and is organized in a logical structure.  Preferred Content: Storytelling, illustrative examples, step-by-step explanations  Style: dialogical, accessible, understandable to a wide audience Data Source: Mainly training data, with web access in the Pro version  Success Factor: Evergreen content that is mentioned on many trustworthy sites has a better chance of being included in the model   Perplexity – Research, Sources, Recency   Perplexity is an LLM with integrated real-time web access. The unique aspect: It always shows sources and directly links to them.  Preferred Content: Recent studies, statistics, professional articles, precise analyses  Style: factual, evidence-based, concise  Data Source: Live internet search + structured sources  Success Factor: Clear source citations, publication date, author, imprint – and content that directly addresses the question posed  Extra Tip: FAQ formats and How-To guides are particularly visible because Perplexity often presents answers in a Q&A structure   Google Gemini – Multimodal & SEO-Driven   Gemini is closely linked with the Google ecosystem and uses traditional search data to integrate content into AI responses. Additionally, it can combine text, image, video, and audio.  Preferred Content: SEO-optimized articles, rich snippets, structured data (Schema.org)  Style: informative, well-organized, with visual elements such as infographics or tables  Data Source: Google Search Index + multimodal analysis  Success Factor: Content that already performs well in organic Google ranking has a significantly better chance of appearing in Gemini   Content Priorities in Direct Comparison   There are significant differences between the models. ChatGPT prefers reader-friendly explanations, Perplexity demands recency and sources, and Gemini rewards SEO structure and media diversity. Use this matrix as a guide for your editorial plan.    Criterion   ChatGPT   Perplexity   Google Gemini   Type of Content  Explanatory texts, examples, storytelling Professional articles, data, primary sources SEO structured articles, media mix Recency  more evergreen very high high, based on Google Index Sources indirect via training data direct, visible links Google signals, rich results, markup Format Prose, Q and A sections FAQ, How-to, tables, lists H2 H3 structure, Schema.org, Multimedia Language dialogical, accessible factual, precise  informative, search-intention oriented Optimization Strategies for Each LLM   Even though best practices overlap, focusing on the specific preferences of the models is worthwhile. This way, you can garner more mentions and links.  Optimize for ChatGPT   Begin each key section with the most important answer, followed by brief justifications and at least one example. Explain technical terms in your own words, add a concise definition, and link to additional internal pages if necessary.   Structure is crucial. Use clear H2 and H3, frame frequent user questions as subheadings, and answer them directly in the first paragraph below. Add practical examples, checklists, and small sequences of steps. This increases the chance that passages will be used as complete answers.   Optimize for Perplexity   Build a clean source concept. Name primary sources, use quotes sparingly but precisely, and provide numbers with links and dates. Insert a brief summary with three to five key statements at the beginning of an article.  Make the publication date, author, and company information clearly visible. Regularly update content.   Maintain an FAQ block with real user questions and concise answers of 40 to 80 words. Include tables with important metrics. This increases the likelihood of being directly linked. Additionally, you can bundle in-depth resources and provide them in a resources section at the end.   Optimize for Gemini   Focus on proper on-page fundamentals. Optimize title and meta description, establish a clear heading hierarchy, and use Schema.org markup.  Build internal links with descriptive anchor text to thematically related pages, such as guide articles or service pages. Create media to foster understanding, such as an infographic with process steps or a table with pros and cons. Pay attention to E-E-A-T signals. An author profile with qualifications, references, and contact information builds trust.   Examples of Content Elements that LLMs Favor   Short definition at the beginning, maximum two sentences, directly related to the question.  Explanation section with a real-life example.   Mini checklist with three to five points that makes a task doable.   Table with criteria, such as comparison of methods, costs, or risks.   FAQ section with three to seven real questions.  These building blocks can be used in blog posts, service pages, and knowledge articles. In online shops, they can also function as supplementary guides on category pages.   Common Mistakes That Prevent Mentions   One of the most common mistakes is an unclear structure where users cannot find a direct answer at the beginning of a section immediately. A lack of sources or the use of outdated data also negatively impacts credibility.  If a topic is too broadly covered on just a single page, relevance decreases along with the chance of being mentioned. Furthermore, the absence of publication date and author leads to less trust in the content. Likewise, a lack of internal linking can result in crucial context signals being missed, causing LLMs not to rate the content as particularly relevant.  To avoid these hurdles, you should regularly review existing content, structure it carefully, and update it specifically.  Conclusion   Optimization for LLMs is not futuristic – it is already crucial to remain visible in the new search world.  ChatGPT prefers easily understandable, creative, and well-explained content  Perplexity relies on current, evidence-based, and source-supported content  Gemini accesses SEO-strong, structured, and multimedia content The requirements of ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini vary – but with the right strategy, you can excel in all three models. We support you in developing content that is found, mentioned, and linked not only by search engines but also by AI systems. Get in touch now.    FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Content Focus   How do I know if my content is mentioned in LLMs?  With Perplexity, it's easy – sources are linked. With ChatGPT and Gemini, you can test this through targeted queries or monitor it with tracking tools.  Do I need to optimize separately for each LLM?  Yes, as the models have different focuses. However, there are overlaps, e.g., with clear structure and high source quality.  How often should I update content?  For Perplexity and Gemini regularly, as recency is a crucial factor. Evergreen content for ChatGPT should also be maintained. 

The AIO & GEO Platforms Report 2025

Aug 13, 2025

Axel

Zawierucha

Category:

Artificial Intelligence

Blog Article AIO and GEO Report

The digital marketing world is facing its biggest upheaval since the introduction of mobile-first indexing. Artificial intelligence, particularly in the form of generative answer machines, is redefining the rules of online visibility. In this comprehensive report, we analyze the landscape of AI Tools specifically developed for this new era, and provide you with a strategic compass to not only survive in the world of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) but to win.  Critical Assessment and Classification of AI Tools   A critical assessment was conducted when integrating the new tools. Tools like Superlines, Rankscale.ai, Kai, ALLMO.ai, Quno, Finseo, Scrunch, SEOMonitor, Ayzeo, LLM Pulse (Generative Pulse), Deepserp, AI Peekaboo, and Evertune were identified as relevant GEO monitoring, content, or hybrid platforms and were integrated into the corresponding sections of the report. Other mentioned tools were deliberately excluded after careful review, as they do not align with the core focus of AI visibility analysis: Behamics is an e-commerce revenue platform, Advanced Web Ranking is a traditional rank tracker without explicit GEO functions, and 'Am I on AI' tools are AI content detectors (which check if a text was written by AI, not what an AI writes about a brand). This differentiation ensures that the report exclusively focuses on the most relevant and direct solutions for Generative Engine Optimization.  The Paradigm Shift in Digital Marketing: Generative Engine Optimization   The emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) represents the most significant paradigm shift in digital marketing since the introduction of mobile-first indexing. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the GEO tool market, which is predicted to reach a volume of 7.3 billion USD by 2031. It outlines the bifurcation of the market into established SEO providers (SE Ranking, Semrush) and specialized startups (Profound, Otterly.ai), evaluates their capabilities, and provides a strategic framework for implementation. The key insight is that visibility in AI-generated answers is no longer optional; it is a critical, measurable, and optimizable component of modern brand strategy.  Understanding the New Search Paradigm – Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)   This section provides the strategic context by defining the transition from traditional SEO to optimization for AI-driven answer machines. It familiarizes readers with the new terminology, principles, and technical requirements necessary to compete in this evolving landscape.  Defining the Post-SEO Landscape: From Search Engines to Answer Engines   The fundamental shift in digital search behavior is transitioning from a list of links (Search Engine Results Pages, SERPs) to synthesized, conversational answers provided by generative AI models. This development fundamentally changes the customer journey and optimization goals. While traditional search engine optimization (SEO) focused on achieving clicks, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) aims to receive citations in AI answers and influence the portrayal of one's brand within these answers. The current market landscape is characterized by a myriad of overlapping terms. For the clarity of this report, the following working definitions are established:  AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization): This is the broadest term, often referring to making content machine-readable.  AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): A more specific term that focuses on structuring content to answer direct questions. This targets featured snippets, "People Also Ask" boxes (PAA), and voice search. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): This is the most current and relevant term. It encompasses the holistic practice of optimizing content and brand signals to appear in AI-generated answers on platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. This report will use GEO as the primary overarching term.   This shift is not just theoretical. The data confirms the urgency and importance of the topic. As of March 2025, 13% of all Google searches already triggered an AI Overview – a 72% increase over the previous month. Moreover, Gartner predicts that the volume of traditional search engine usage will decrease by 25% by 2026 and by 50% or more by 2028, as users increasingly switch to AI assistants.  The coexistence of multiple competing acronyms for a similar concept is a classic sign of an emerging, rapidly evolving market. This indicates not a marketing failure but rather evidence that the practice of AI optimization is solidifying faster than the industry can agree on a unified name.    Core Principles of GEO: A Strategic Framework for AI Visibility   The formalization of GEO as a concept in academic research provides a rigorous theoretical foundation. One of the key insights is that incorporating citations, quotations, and statistics can increase the visibility of a source in AI answers by more than 40%.  The E-E-A-T principles of Google (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) are of paramount importance for GEO. AI models are explicitly designed to prioritize credible sources. GEO also requires a shift from isolated keywords to building thematic authority around entities (people, products, concepts). A critical tactic is obtaining unlinked brand mentions (co-citations) in authoritative content.      Metric  Traditional SEO  Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)  Primary Objective   Ranking on the SERP Being cited in the AI answer  Core Unit of Optimization   Website Brand/Entity Key Tactics   Keyword optimization, Backlinking Semantic Structuring, E-E-A-T signals, Co-citations Primary KPIs   Organic Traffic, Keyword Rankings Share of Voice, Mention Frequency, Sentiment Content Focus Long-form Articles  Snippet-ready, Structured Answers Authority Signals Domain Authority, Backlinks Expert Citations, Data Quotes, Reviews   The Technical Foundation: The Critical Role of AI-Friendly Schema and llms.txt    Schema markup is the essential infrastructure that makes content readable for AI systems. It provides explicit context and helps AI differentiate facts from filler.   Best Practices for AI-visible Schema:   Using JSON-LD: The format preferred by Google. Prioritizing Key Schema Types: Organization, Product, FAQPage, HowTo, and Article are particularly effective.  Mapping Visible, Real Content: Do not add schema for invisible content. Completeness and Accuracy: Fewer, but complete properties are better than many incomplete ones. The llms.txt file is emerging as the new standard – similar to the robots.txt – to provide clear guidelines to LLMs on using website content. It can be easily created with free online tools or WordPress plugins like AIOSEO . The robots.txt file, on the other hand, should be set up by experienced SEOs, as even small errors could, in the worst case, result in LLMs being completely excluded from access. Market Analysis and Future Outlook   This section offers a macro perspective on the GEO market, analyzing its size, growth drivers, and future development.   Market Landscape: Sizing the GEO Opportunity and Growth Forecasts   The global market for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services was valued at 886 million USD in 2024 and is expected to grow to 7.318 billion USD by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.0%. This growth is driven by the rapid adoption of AI-powered search by users. The discrepancy between the growth rates of the GEO market (34.0% CAGR) and the traditional AI SEO Tools market (12.6% CAGR) signals market disruption. Budgets will likely be reallocated from traditional channels. Those not investing in GEO risk the erosion of their existing search visibility.   Investments & Innovation: A Look at the GEO Startup Ecosystem   The high growth potential has attracted significant venture capital and led to the emergence of specialized startups like Profound, Otterly.ai, and BrandBeacon. These companies are designed from the ground up for GEO and are driving innovations in areas critical for AI Search Monitoring and AI search tracking , such as real-time brand monitoring in LLMs and sentiment analysis of AI answers.   The Future of Digital Discovery: Expert Perspectives   Experts agree: The change is irreversible. One of the main challenges is measuring GEO successes. Traditional metrics are losing relevance. New KPIs like AI Search Visibility , Share of Voice, and citation frequency are becoming established. LLMs provide "opinions, not lists". If a brand is not among the first mentions, it is practically invisible.   Comparative Analysis of AIO/GEO Visibility Platforms   This is the core of the report: a detailed, feature-based comparison of the key AI Tools on the market.   Evaluation Framework: Key Metrics and Capabilities   To fairly evaluate the tools, we defined a framework with the following criteria:  LLM & Platform Coverage: Which AI engines are monitored?  Core Visibility Metrics: What is measured? (e.g., Share of Voice, Sentiment)  Competitive Analysis: How well are competitors tracked?  Data & Analytics Capabilities: How is the data processed?  Action Orientation & Workflow: Does the tool assist in execution?  User-Friendliness & Target Audience: Who is it designed for?  Pricing & Value: What is the cost structure?   The Established: How SEO Suites Adapt to the AI Era   These players leverage their existing infrastructure to enter the GEO market.  SE Ranking AI Visibility Tracker: An all-in-one platform that combines traditional SEO and GEO. Ideal for SEO professionals and agencies looking for an integrated solution. Semrush AIO: An enterprise solution focused on large-scale benchmarking and unmatched data depth.  SEOMonitor: Specifically developed for agencies to optimize workflows with AI-powered tools. The Challengers: A Deep Dive into Dedicated GEO Monitoring Startups   This category represents the "pure" GEO platforms, which are often more innovative and agile.  Profound: A premium solution for businesses with real-time insights and advanced features like the "Conversation Explorer." Otterly.ai: An Austrian startup with a strong focus on brand safety and risk management. Peec AI: A specialized platform for global businesses with multilingual and cross-country support. Rankscale.ai: Offers an intuitive user interface and AI-generated suggestions for content optimization at the URL level.   Scrunch: Focuses on optimizing the AI customer journey, including journey mapping and persona-based prompting. ... and many more, detailed in the comparison table.    The Big Comparison Table of GEO Tools   Tool  Strategic Focus  Covered LLMs Key Metrics Pricing Model Ideal User Profile SE Ranking Integrated SEO + GEO Google AIO, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini Mentions, Links, SoV Subscription (part of SEO plans) SEO Professionals, Agencies, SMEs Semrush AIO Enterprise Monitoring Google AIO, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini  Mentions, Sentiment Subscription (Enterprise focus) Large Enterprises, E-commerce Brands  SEOMonitor   Agency Workflow Automation  Google AIO, ChatGPT, Gemini  AIO Visibility, GEO Tracking  Subscription (from €99/month)  SEO and Digital Marketing Agencies  Profound   Enterprise GEO Intelligence  ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Copilot, Claude  Mentions, Citations, SoV, Sentiment  Premium Subscription ($499+)  Enterprise Brands, Data-Driven Agencies  Otterly.ai   SME Brand Safety  ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AIO  Rankings, Citations, Brand Safety Warnings  Tiered Subscription ($29+)  PR Teams, Brands in Sensitive Industries  Peec AI   Global GEO Analysis  ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, Grok  Position Score, Sentiment  Tiered Subscription (€90+)  International Corporations, Global Agencies  Rankscale.ai   Actionable GEO Analysis  ChatGPT, AIOs, Perplexity, etc.  Rankings, Citations, Sentiment  Affordable Subscription (from €20/month)  SEOs seeking quick insights  Scrunch   AI Customer Journey Optimization  Leading LLMs (incl. Grok, Claude)  Sentiment, Competitive Position  Unknown  Agencies, Enterprise Brands  Deepserp   Technical GEO Audit  ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.  AI Crawl Behavior, Citations  Subscription (from $99/month)  Large Websites, Technical SEO Teams  LLMrefs   Freemium Visibility  Key LLMs  LLMrefs Score, Mentions  Freemium ($0 / $79)  Freelancers, Small Businesses  The Specialists: Niche, Integrated, and Hybrid Platforms   This category includes tools that have integrated GEO/AEO functionalities into their core offerings.  Wix AI Visibility Overview: The first major CMS with an integrated tool for tracking AI visibility, an extremely convenient solution for millions of Wix users.  Content & On-Page Optimization Platforms (Rankability, Surfer SEO, etc.): This group focuses on creating content that is structured and semantically rich enough to be cited by AI.  PR-Focused Platforms (LLM Pulse): These solutions highlight which media and sources influence a brand's representation in LLMs.  Strategic Implementation and Recommendations   This final section translates the analysis into an actionable strategy.   Choosing the Right GEO Platform: A Needs-Based Decision Matrix   Selecting the right tool depends on your specific goals.  User Profile  Primary Goal  Top Recommendation(s)  Alternatives  Enterprise Brand Manager Comprehensive Brand Monitoring Profound   Semrush AIO, Peec AI  SEO Agency   Scalable Client Management  SE Ranking   SEOMonitor, Semrush  SME/Startup Owner   Cost-Effective Visibility Tracking  Otterly.ai   Rankscale.ai, LLMrefs  Content Marketer/Strategist   Creating AI-Optimized Content  Rankability   Surfer SEO, Finseo  Technical SEO   Monitoring AI Crawling Capabilities  Deepserp   ALLMO.ai  Building a GEO-Centered Content Strategy: From Audit to Execution   Step 1: Define Requirements & Test Tools: Set your goals and test a shortlist of tools.  Step 2: Conduct Baseline Audit: Use a tool to measure your current AI visibility and identify gaps.  Step 3: Integrate Analytics: Connect GEO data with web analytics (e.g., GA4) to measure ROI.  Step 4: Implement Technical Foundations: Create AI-friendly schema and an llms.txt file.  Step 5: Execute Content Strategy: Create structured, authoritative content that directly answers user queries.  Step 6: Monitor, Iterate, and Report: Continuously track performance and refine your strategy.    Concluding Analysis: Mastering Visibility on the AI Search Front   The synthesis of the findings shows: The GEO tool market is dynamic and bifurcated, yet the underlying principles focus on E-E-A-T and structured data . The shift from search to answer engines is irreversible, making investments in this area a strategic necessity. The most successful approach will be a hybrid: combining in-depth monitoring features of specialized AI Tools with the optimization features of AEO-focused platforms. The winners in the next era of digital marketing will be those who master the art and science of being the most credible, citable, and machine-readable source of information in their field.  Ready for the New Search Reality?   Take advantage of the first-mover advantage in Generative Engine Optimization. We support you in making your brand visible in AI answers – with a well-founded GEO strategy, tool setup, and content optimization.  Talk to our experts and secure your AI visibility of tomorrow!  

Find SEO Keywords and Develop a Keyword Strategy

Jul 30, 2025

Julien

Moritz

Category:

SEO

The magnifying glass displays the term Keywords in full screen

Keywords have been an important foundation of search engine optimization from the beginning. But their role has changed, just as the way we use them has, not least due to the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI). We are convinced that keywords are still very important, so this guide will teach you how to find keywords, what to look for when choosing keywords, which tools you can use, and how to optimally use keywords in SEO. What are keywords? In search engine optimization, we refer to keywords or key phrases as the terms or phrases that users enter into search engines in order to find answers, information, content, or products. We use these terms on websites in certain elements to increase the probability of achieving good positions in search results. In SEA (e.g., Google Paid as opposed to SEO = Google Organic), we bid on keywords to display ads for those terms in search results. To make the topic more illustrative, we explain all the points in this blog post using a specific example: a fictional bicycle online shop or bicycle store with a website, namely the topic "bicycle" or "buying a bicycle". The graphic shows a small selection of different relevant related keywords for this topic: Types of keywords We differentiate between different types of keywords. This distinction plays a role in the strategic direction of our content and the priority we give to those keywords. By length: Short Head & Long Tail Keywords In general, there are two different types of keywords that are defined by their length: Short Head Keywords are short, very general terms that generally have a very high search volume but also correspondingly high competition. The intention behind these keywords is not clear. For example: "bicycle" is a Short Head keyword, which can imply a search for information, such as (what types of bicycles are there?), as well as a purchase intention or even a search for images. Long Tail Keywords , on the other hand, are longer, specific phrases or questions. Depending on the topic, the search volume and competition behind them are significantly lower, and the intention is generally clearer. For example: "best e-bikes 2025" or "buy cheap used kids’ bicycle" or "how to patch a bicycle tire?" In addition, you can define " Mid Tail Keywords " that lie between these two types of keywords. By intention: Information, Navigation, or Transaction? Another important classification of keywords is the intention behind the search query: Informational keywords indicate a search for information. These can be the beginning of the user journey, the first step on the way to a purchase. For example: "trekking bike vs. city bike" or "what to consider when buying a bicycle?" Navigation Keywords point to the search for a specific brand, website, or product. For example: "Decathlon bicycles" or "Cube E-bikes". Transactional keywords show a purchase intention. Users are looking for an online shop or a local buying opportunity. For example: "buy trekking bike" or "order gravel bikes". In addition to these classifications, there are other characteristics of keywords, such as search volume (how often is the term searched per month?) or the "Keyword Difficulty" calculated by many SEO tools (the difficulty of ranking in top positions for this keyword in search results). Why are keywords important in search engine optimization? Keywords reveal which terms (and topics) are searched frequently. To improve visibility in search results for relevant keywords, we use these terms on the respective pages. This way, we show search engines that a page (URL) is relevant for a specific topic and the associated terms. Therefore, we research and analyze keywords as the basis of content optimization - to know how and what to optimize. What is the significance of keywords in the age of AI? Are keywords still important in the age of AI? Let’s take a look back and take a short journey through SEO history. The role and significance of keywords have constantly evolved over the last few decades: While about 20 years ago keywords had to be used in their exact form to rank well, Google's language understanding developed over the following years. Various grammatical forms, singular and plural, were recognized as identical terms. Similarly, the connection between synonyms and related terms was recognized - it became about semantics instead of exact keyword matching. We have not been thinking in pure keywords in search engine optimization for many years. Instead, we optimize on topic clusters, naturally supported by keywords. Keywords are still used as the basis, but the context behind them has become significantly more important. A sign of this is that Google often displays websites optimized for a synonym for search queries - Google recognizes that terms mean the same thing. In addition to the clusters, another term has become important: the entity. An entity is a uniquely identifiable object or concept, such as a person, a place, a process. An indication of what Google identifies as an entity includes, among other things, the Knowledge Graph in search results or suggestions for topics or concepts. This can be seen in the example "pedelec": These connections between topics or terms also play a role in AI SEO . Keywords are far from dead; they still serve an important purpose even in the AI age: Keyword analysis helps you understand the terms your (potential) customers use - and to speak the same language as your target audience. Keywords, especially “long tail keywords” like questions, help you better understand the intentions and problems of your target audience and offer corresponding content. Keywords still underpin entities and topic clusters, only they are not used as strictly as they were years ago. It is more important to cover the topic comprehensively and satisfyingly for customers, to meet the intent, and to present yourself as an authority to users and search engines. Keyword analysis - Finding keywords in 3 steps How do we find keywords for our keyword and content strategy? Depending on resources and available time as well as the topic, a keyword analysis can be a complex task. The more general the topic, the more extensive the analysis and the more subtopics and keyword clusters are found. It is easier to research keywords for a single page and a very specific topic. 1. Brainstorming Ideally, you are well-versed in your topic for which you want to find keywords. The first step is always a rough brainstorming session where you jot down all subtopics, terms, and questions related to your topic. With this, you have the first foundation for your analysis on which you can build. If you want to research keywords for an entire website, think of these terms, for example: Your brand name (depending on its popularity, there may be a relevant search volume behind a brand name) Your industry (e.g. bicycle online shop) Categories (e.g. e-bikes, city bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, bikes for seniors, accessories, etc.) Brands (e.g. Cube Ebike, Bergamont Bicycle) Products or services (specific product names of bestsellers, e.g. cube kathmandu hybrid pro 750) Frequently asked questions about products or categories (e.g. which bike for commuting) 2. Analyzing keywords on the website If you already have a website or an online shop, you should establish a status quo: for which terms are you already (well) found, and through which terms do you get clicks and impressions? To do this, analyze the terms you find in the performance report in Google Search Console, and for which you get many impressions or clicks and add them to your brainstorming list. If you have access to a professional SEO tool, you will find all keywords for which your domain has a position in the top 100 here. You can filter these keywords by search volume or positions and export this list. This way, you find out where there is already potential on which you can build optimization. Particularly interesting here are the so-called "threshold keywords" - keywords that are "on the verge" of a certain area. Usually, this refers to - depending on the definition - keywords between 11 and 20, which are just before the top 10, or keywords starting from position 4 or 6, which are on the verge of the top 5 or top 3. 3. Keyword research After you probably already have a long list of keywords, it's time to research additional terms. A wide variety of sources and tools are available for this. If you want to conduct particularly comprehensive research, you can use all tools, but you can also focus on just a few if you have identified a sufficient number of keywords through these. Tools for keyword research The bad news first: Good keyword tools that you can work with effectively are always chargeable. Free versions generally limit the number of results or queries per day. You have to enter each keyword individually, instead of analyzing a list of terms, and the filter and export options are mostly restricted or unavailable. Professional SEO tools usually come with a keyword tool where you get important information for your entered terms, such as monthly search volume, as well as related terms that you can cluster and further analyze. Some of the most well-known tools include: Semrush, Ahrefs, Sistrix, Surfer SEO, or the KWfinder from Mangools. Free, limited options are available, for example, through Ubersuggest or Answerthepublic. Both tools offer a paid version as well as free research options. A unique feature of answerthepublic is the focus on long tail keywords. If you run ads on Google Ads, you can use the Google Keyword Planner, which gives you search volume, CPC, and competition for each keyword. Further sources to find keywords Besides the classic keyword tools, there are a whole series of other sources available to find keywords. These include: Google Suggest: Terms suggested by Google when entering terms in the search box Google related terms under search results Google Trends: Development of interest over time, but only for frequently searched terms Questions in Google search results Social Media Hashtags on relevant platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. YouTube Autosuggest: Suggested terms when entering a word in the search Topics on platforms with user-generated content such as Reddit Thesaurus like Woxikon All these screenshots are included, check if you want to use all of them or just a few and how you want to present them: Google Suggest: Google Trends: YouTube Suggest: Woxikon: Google Questions: People also search for in Google: Keyword Gaps A very valuable analysis is the so-called "Keyword Gap Analysis", where you compare your website or online shop with one or more relevant competitors. Here, not only direct competitors are relevant (in our example other bicycle online shops), but all websites that are present for your topic in the search results (for example, an online magazine about bicycles). Using a professional keyword tool, the domains can be compared, and you receive a list of keywords for which your competitors are already ranking in the search results, but your domain is not yet. From this, opportunities arise to expand the website or shop, for example, to include new subcategories or new blog posts. Create a keyword strategy What do you do now with the many keywords you have found through the various sources? The first step is always to cluster these keywords thematically to get a better overview. These clusters can, for example, be oriented along the structure in your online shop and the type of page: Homepage Keywords (most general terms and brand, e.g. bicycle online shop) Categories (e.g. mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, etc.) Subcategories (e.g. 16-inch bikes, dirt bikes, folding bikes, etc.) Product keywords (e.g. Cube Agree c62, Bergamot Sponsor Tour S, etc.) Guide keywords (e.g. what to consider when buying a bike, what is a trekking bike, adjusting hub gears, etc.) FAQ -Keywords (e.g. what frame size for a bike, how long does an e-bike battery last, etc.) What makes a good keyword? Out of the large number of keywords you have researched and clustered, you will not be able to use all of them. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and prioritize these keywords. Various criteria are important for this, and prioritization also depends on your strategic goals and your industry: Relevance: all keywords must be relevant to your business (if you don’t sell road bikes, the keyword "buy road bike" is irrelevant) Search Volume: a higher search volume means a higher probability of generating traffic. However, for niche industries, search volume is not the decisive factor. A more suitable keyword with a lower search volume can be more valuable than a more general one with high search volume. The goal is to find the optimal balance. The intention behind the keyword: The intent behind the search query must always match what users find on the page. Keywords indicating purchase intent (e.g., "buy mountain bike") are less important for a pure online magazine than informational keywords. Conversion probability: For an online shop, keywords with a relation to purchases are particularly valuable, as they are more likely to lead to a conversion than informational keywords. The more specific the term (for example, a product name), the higher the chance that someone will buy. Keywords for blog posts usually do not detract from this point. The competitive situation: Keywords with high competition (for which many large domains rank that have been on the market for a long time and have built up trust and authority) can be too big a challenge for new domains or smaller websites at first. It can take years to rank well for highly competitive keywords. Instead, keywords with less competition can achieve quicker results. Possible existing rankings: It is generally easier to improve keywords for which there is already a ranking, than to be found for brand new keywords. This is particularly true for keywords in threshold positions. Summary: a good keyword Has high relevance for your business Has relevant search volume Covers the appropriate intention Has a high conversion probability Has low to medium competition May already have existing rankings that can be improved. There is no blueprint for assessing and prioritizing keywords and creating a keyword strategy that can be applied to every industry and company. It requires both experience and a general company and marketing strategy to which the keyword strategy is adapted. We can therefore only give you suggestions at this point but are happy to support you in creating a professional keyword strategy! Keyword Mapping The most important step in the keyword strategy is creating a so-called keyword mapping. This involves assigning keywords to target pages (either existing pages or newly planned pages). It’s important: For each important keyword, exactly one page is defined that should rank for it Each important page is assigned a keyword set of 1-2 main keywords and several secondary keywords This setup prevents multiple pages from competing for the same keyword (the result can be that neither page ranks if Google is unsure which is the more relevant page - the so-called “cannibalization”). You can also identify which important keywords still lack a suitable target page. Based on this keyword mapping, you can then plan and optimize your content. Content Strategy Once we have assigned the keywords to the appropriate, existing, or new pages, we can create an editorial plan from them, in which all topics are included, for which we need to optimize pages or create new texts. For example, with bicycles, this could include these texts and pages: Children’s bicycles : the category page for children is supplemented with a guide, a product comparison, and buying advice. Buy bicycle under 500 dollars : either a category page or a filter page with the appropriate criteria or a blog post with a product comparison Best bike for beginners : blog post with a product comparison and buying advice Buy a bike with hub gears : the appropriate category page is supplemented with relevant content (comparison of hub gears and derailleur gears, advantages of hub gears, most popular bikes with hub gears, etc.) What to consider when buying a bicycle : guide article for the blog with an overview of different types of bicycles, criteria for purchase (usage, size, features, etc.), online purchase vs. local purchase, etc. Buy bicycle in #city : landing page of the own local shop with an overview of the assortment, address, maps, opening hours, etc. Using keywords The use of keywords could fill another long article, so we would like to give you an overview of the most important elements on a website or in an online shop where you should use keywords: In the metadata (page title/title tag and meta description/page description) In the headlines In the text In filenames of images and image descriptions In internal links Caution: Avoid keyword stuffing! One of the biggest mistakes in using your researched keywords is repeating the same keywords too often. If your text sounds unnatural because you've stuffed it with too many identical or similar terms, no one will want to read it, and search engines will likely evaluate it as "keyword stuffing." Make sure you always write content for users. Use synonyms and related terms and avoid pure lists of keywords or even grammatically incorrect use of terms just to cover a keyword exactly. The focus is on providing relevant, helpful content for your target audience, using relevant keywords naturally! SEO vs. SEA Keywords Effective SEO keyword strategies also benefit paid channels. Many synergies can be created between SEO and SEA (especially Google Ads), for example, by using the same keywords for organic optimization and paid ads and occupying two positions in search results with your website: one paid and one unpaid. A keyword and content strategy for search engine optimization can also be used in the SEA area SEA can also be used nicely for A/B testing ad texts and CTAs (call-to-actions) that can be used in the metadata (page title and meta description). Also, optimizing page content and using the most searched keywords helps for SEA - for example, to improve the quality score and pay low click prices. To gain the greatest benefit, the insights of both channels can be combined - which is why a company greatly benefits when SEO and SEA are in one hand. Incidentally, at internetwarriors, we have both long-standing SEO and SEA expertise in the team! A tailor-made keyword & content strategy for you Finding the right keywords and deriving an effective strategy that matches your business goals can be a challenge. The SEO experts at internetwarriors are happy to assist you. We analyze your website, your industry, and your potentials, research the appropriate keywords, and create an individual content strategy for you. We are also happy to help you optimize the content or create new content or train you and your team on how to use keywords effectively - even in the age of AI.

Server-Side Tracking - An Overview

Jul 16, 2025

Halid Osmaev

Halid

Osmaev

Category:

Web Analytics

Banner for a blog article - Woman sitting in front of a screen

Server Side Tracking is the new standard. A significant advantage is the control provided over the data flow, especially user data. In this article, we discuss Server Side Tracking using Google Tag Manager as an example and review its benefits and which user data is sent. But first, the important question: What is Server Side Tracking? In short: Server Side Tracking is a data collection method where the tracking information is processed not in the browser but directly through the server of the website operator and forwarded to analysis or marketing tools afterward. The traditional tracking method is Client Side Tracking (CTS) , where a code snippet is embedded in the page, for example, via the Google Tag Manager. This sends event data directly to third-party services like Google Analytics 4, Meta Ads, etc. However, control over the sent user data (IP address, demographic data, etc.) is limited to the adjustments offered by the tool. Additionally, a third-party cookie is usually set, resulting in loss of data amount and quality.   Figure 1: Comparison of Client-side and Server-side tagging With Server Side Tracking (SST) , all data is first sent to a private server, where, for example, the Server Side Google Tag Manager is running. This ensures that there is no undesired data transfer occurring on the website with the users. This transfer happens only in the Google Tag Manager Server Side. However, this can then be adapted to a data protection-compliant standard by clear insight into the data and further configuration options like transformers . Server Side Tracking vs. Client Side Tracking The traditional Client Side Tracking (CST) is still widespread but increasingly reaching its limits. In CST, tracking scripts are executed directly in the user’s browser, sending data like page views, clicks, or conversions to third-party tools. However, this approach is very susceptible to modern tracking protection measures such as ad blockers, VPNs, intelligent tracking prevention (ITP) in iOS/Safari, and various data protection regulations. In contrast, Server Side Tracking (SST) uses a different approach: Tracking data is no longer sent directly from the browser to external tools but first to the server. This acts as a proxy or central data hub through which all tracking requests run. The server request is treated similarly to an API request and is thus less vulnerable to blocking . Additionally, all data processing takes place within one's infrastructure , significantly reducing the risk when dealing with data protection authorities. Another difference lies in the use of cookies: While Client Side Tracking relies on third-party cookies – which are increasingly blocked by browsers – Server Side Tracking prefers first-party cookies , considered more trustworthy and stable. Why is Server Side Tracking now standard? While Client Side Tracking is increasingly losing its effectiveness due to growing restrictions, Server Side Tracking offers a future-proof, high-performance, and privacy-friendly alternative – with significantly higher data quality and control for companies. Overview of the benefits of Server Side Tracking: More data control : Unlike the specifications of external tracking tags, companies with SST retain full control over the collected data. Higher data quality : SST can often bypass ad blockers and tracking protection measures, typically leading to at least 12% more data. Performance advantages : Instead of addressing many individual tracking tools directly from the browser, only one server is contacted – conserving resources and improving website load time. Data protection compliance : By processing exclusively within their server structure, companies can better respond to legal requirements. Server Side Tracking and Data Protection Regulations Server Side Tracking offers not only technical advantages but also a significantly better basis concerning data protection laws. The main legal regulations in the European area are the GDPR, the TTDSG, and the EU-USA Data Privacy Framework.  An overview: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) The General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ) mandates that personal data – which can be traced back to a real person, such as name, email address, or IP address – may only be collected and processed with the explicit consent of the users (e.g., through a cookie banner). It has been applicable in all EU member states since May 25, 2018, forming the central legal framework for handling personal data in the European area. The GDPR requires companies to inform transparently which data is collected for what purpose and how long it will be stored. Additionally, users must be able to object to processing or revoke consent at any time. For tracking, this means: No data may be collected or shared with third parties without clear and voluntary consent – even if the technology allows it. Violations of the GDPR can result in hefty fines. Server Side Tracking offers the advantage that data collection, storage, and sharing can be centrally controlled and better documented – facilitating GDPR-compliant implementation. Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG) The TTDSG (Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act) supplements the GDPR specifically for online services and stipulates that no arbitrary user data , especially through cookies or similar technologies, may be stored or read without prior consent . The law came into force on December 1, 2021, merging central data protection requirements from the GDPR and the German Telemedia Act (TMG) as well as the Telecommunications Act (TKG).  For online tracking, this means: Even setting a cookie that is not purely technically necessary requires active, informed consent from users, for example, through a consent banner. Tracking methods attempting to create user profiles without consent – even through technologies like fingerprinting – are prohibited under the TTDSG. This tightens the requirements for data-driven online marketing measures and underscores the necessity to make tracking privacy-compliant and transparent – something that is much better controlled with Server Side Tracking. EU-USA Data Privacy Framework Particularly relevant for international companies is the new EU-USA Data Privacy Framework , which facilitates transatlantic data transfer and has been in effect since summer 2023. Previously, it was problematic to send personal data to US services because US authorities had extensive access to it by law. The new agreement creates more legal certainty when US services like Google or Meta are used – but only if the services are certified under the new framework. These are just a few of the laws affecting tracking. Therefore, an understanding of user data is important. Conclusion: Why does Server Side Tracking offer more data protection compliance? Server Side Tracking allows the entire data processing to initially run through one's server infrastructure. This means: Tracking occurs not directly with the users but only after explicit consent and under full control of data processing on one's server. This allows the requirements of data protection laws to be better implemented, such as targeted anonymization , pseudonymization , or restriction of data sharing with third parties . Overall, Server Side Tracking enables a more data protection-compliant handling of user data, allowing companies to maintain oversight and control – which is essential under the current regulatory framework. What user data is sent with Server Side Tracking? The good news: Only the absolute minimum. What does this mean? Using Google Tag Manager as an example: When an event on the page, like a click, is triggered, an HTTP request is sent to the Server Side Google Tag Manager . Naturally, HTTP header information is sent along. This includes, among others: Time IP address Page URL Approximate location (by IP address) Operating system Browser Resolution Device Additionally, there are other parameters specifically related to configuration. Detailed information can be found in the documentation at [ https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Headers ]. There are also parameters automatically captured by Google Tag for campaign optimization, which include: utm_source utm_medium utm_campaign utm_content utm_term and the Click ID It should also be ensured which data is user-defined sent with the Google Tag Manager configuration. In the Server Side Google Tag Manager, users can configure precisely through the use of transformers, which specific data should be forwarded in what form and which should be withheld. However, for a data-secure implementation, the conclusion should be: “ Track only as much data as needed .” The challenge is to limit tracking to what is necessary without incurring disadvantages. We set up correct Server Side Tracking for you The Internetwarriors are a team of experts in various fields of online marketing. One of our main focuses is web analytics and Server-Side Tracking (SST). With extensive expertise and a profound understanding of the latest trends and technologies in digital analytics, we offer tailored solutions to optimize our clients' online presence. We are thus a valuable partner for you when you want to set up professional tracking that provides all the data you need for strategic decisions and monitoring your online marketing activities. Contact us now without obligation !

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