The Criteria for Using AdSense for Search (AFS)

As digital advertising continues to evolve, it's essential for advertisers to keep up with the latest standards to ensure their ads perform effectively and provide the best user experience. Google AdSense for Search (AFS) is a powerful tool for delivering relevant ads alongside search results, helping advertisers to reach their target audience. However, it is crucial to follow the necessary guidelines to optimize your ad placements and maintain a high level of engagement.

In this post, Gamob will discuss the latest criteria for using AdSense for Search (AFS), including the recent design improvements and the standards that will help you create better-performing ads. These standards are not only meant to enhance the user experience but also to ensure that your ads are fully compliant with Google's latest advertising policies.

Enhanced Default Call-to-Action (CTA) Style

One of the significant updates in AFS is the introduction of an enhanced default Call-to-Action (CTA) style. This improvement is designed to increase user engagement and interaction with the ads. The new CTA design focuses on delivering a more streamlined and visually appealing layout, making it easier for users to click on your ads. It’s important to regularly review your CTA designs to ensure they are in line with the enhanced default settings, which can lead to better performance and higher conversion rates.

Margin, Font Size, and Padding Standards

Google will enforce new standards for margins, font sizes, and padding within the AFS ad units. These changes are aimed at creating a more consistent and user-friendly experience. Here's a breakdown of the key guidelines that all advertisers must follow:

1. Padding Settings:

• The padding setting for the general options and CTA button should not exceed a maximum value of 20px.

• Padding settings within the CTA button must be limited to a maximum of 10px to ensure clarity and legibility.

2. Margin Settings:

The margin for the CTA button is also restricted and should not exceed 10px. This ensures a balanced appearance without overcrowding the ad content.

3. Border Width:

• The border setting for CTA buttons should not exceed a maximum width of 2px. This helps keep the design clean and prevents the CTA from appearing too bold or distracting.

Changes to Text Ad Element Padding

In addition to the padding and margin changes mentioned above, Google has removed or limited the padding control for various text elements within the ad units. These include:

• Advertiser URL/Display URL

• Headline Text

• Description Text

• Website Links

• Enhanced Website Links

• Rating Points

• Price and Promotional Offers

• Disclosure Information

By removing unnecessary padding controls, Google ensures that ads are displayed in a more uniform manner, providing a better visual experience across different devices and platforms.

Minimum Font Size for Ad Badges

Another significant change is the introduction of a minimum font size requirement for ad badges. To maintain consistency and readability, the minimum font size for the Ad Badge must be 14px on the standard website template. This ensures that the ad badge is visible and easy to read, thereby improving transparency and user trust.

To make the most out of AdSense for Search, it’s vital to stay up to date with the latest design criteria. The enhanced CTA styles, along with the new padding, margin, and font size rules, are designed to make your ads more engaging and user-friendly. 

By following these guidelines, you ensure that your ads are not only effective but also meet Google’s expectations, leading to better ad performance and improved results for your business. Furthermore, collaborating with a partner, especially Gamob - Google Certified Publishing Partner (GCPP) will help publishers to be easier in applying Adsense for search (AFS). 

Instead of researching and deploying AFS, you can choose Gamob as your AFS development partner. Gamob is Google Certified Publishing Partner (GCPP) that empowers over 10,000 publishers helping them deliver expert solutions in Product and User Acquisition Consultancy, Revenue & Inventory Optimization, and Inventory Quality Assurance. Our mission is to boost publishers' and ad networks' success, ensuring quality, efficiency, and sustainable growth through trusted, innovative partnerships.

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Gamob | GCPP - Empower your monetization journey

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