We rolled out AI Max for Search across campaigns for clients in multiple verticals, including eCommerce, online education, and nonprofit. In most cases, it captured 5–10% of Search spend, produced ~30% stronger ROAS than non‑AI Max traffic, and uncovered incremental volume. However, it also proved to “cherry-pick” volume from existing keywords, which masked some inefficient spend, emphasizing the need for strong conversion signals and constant guardrails.

For years, marketers have been talking about AI. At this year’s Think Leads event, it finally felt tangible and purposeful. Google pulled back the curtain to reveal how AI is reshaping everything from how consumers search to how advertisers define and predict value. The message was clear: AI isn’t coming; it’s here. And, those not yet embracing it are already behind.

In digital marketing, big declarations never seem to stop. We like to put permanent labels on things because it feels easier: easier to write something off, easier to believe that if you just do X, Y, and Z, you’ll win. Reality is never that simple. And yet, I still hear people confidently claim that paid search is dead. That one surprises me the most. I’m open to new ideas, but in my experience, paid search isn’t dead—it’s just harder, noisier, and far more sophisticated th

There’s been plenty of talk about whether ChatGPT (and other AI assistants) will eventually replace Google search. The reality, at least for now, is more nuanced. Based on data we’ve collected across clients in industries ranging from online education to SaaS to non-profits, ChatGPT is certainly emerging as a competitor, but it’s still a long way from displacing search as the dominant source of traffic.