LIVE updates: This month in search marketing [September 2024]

3rd September 2024

Google Trends email subscriptions going away next month

Google is shutting down its email subscription service for Google Trends on 29th October 2024. Users who have subscribed to Google Trends via email will no longer receive trend notifications or be able to create new alerts.

Google recommends that users copy their existing subscriptions from the Google Trends subscription page before the 29th of October if they wish to keep a record of them.

As an alternative, Google suggests using RSS feed subscriptions or subscribing to the main homepage newsletter to stay up-to-date on trending topics.

3rd September 2024

Canva’s price hike may drive brands to explore alternative campaign creation tools

The price of some Canva subscriptions is set to increase significantly next year due to the company’s introduction of new generative AI features. Canva Teams, a subscription plan for businesses, will see prices rise by over 300% in some cases. Canva justifies the increase by citing the added value of its new AI tools.

In the UK, Canva teams users are reporting subscription increases from £120 per year to £500 per year, a 40% discount will be available for the first 12 months.

The content creation service has been quietly transitioning existing users to this new pricing structure since April. The company’s communications lead, Louisa Green, says “The changes are necessary to reflect the current price of the plan and the value of its expanded product experience”

Canva has introduced several generative AI features, such as its Magic Media text-to-image generator and Magic Expand background extension tool. These features have broadened the platform’s appeal beyond design and marketing professionals, and while the company has previously announced pricing changes, these latest increases were communicated only through customer emails. Other subscription tiers, such as Pro and Enterprise, remain unaffected.

3rd September 2024

Google simplifies consent management for advertisers

Google has introduced a new integrated consent management setup across its advertising platforms, designed to simplify privacy compliance for advertisers. This update partners with four leading Consent Management Platforms (CMPs) to streamline the process of obtaining user consent for data collection and usage.

The new setup aims to make it easier for advertisers to navigate the complex landscape of privacy regulations and ensure they are collecting user consent in accordance with applicable laws. By integrating with multiple CMPs, Google is providing advertisers with greater flexibility and choice in selecting the best solution for their needs.

The integrated CMP setup includes guidance within the Google Tag user interface, integration with various CMP providers, and options for banner installation. This will help advertisers manage consent banners and deploy consent mode more efficiently.