Google tests clickable hyperlinks in Search ad descriptions

Google is highlighting selected phrases within ad copy as clickable links, potentially helping advertisers improve CTR.

Google appears to be testing a new Search ads format that adds clickable, keyword-rich hyperlinks within ad descriptions, potentially giving users another way to engage with sponsored listings.

If rolled out more broadly, the feature could influence how advertisers think about ad copy and click-through rate (CTR) optimization.

What’s happening. PPC marketer Nayan Prakash spotted the experiment, which shows selected words or phrases within an ad description as hyperlinks. Clicking the highlighted text takes users to the same landing page as the main ad headline rather than a different destination.

Prakash suggested Google may be dynamically selecting which text to hyperlink based on a user’s search intent, although Google has not confirmed how the feature works or whether it will expand beyond the current test.

The experiment builds on previous Google Ads tests that introduced “Learn more” and “Read more” links within ad formats, but this is the first time Google has been seen hyperlinking descriptive text itself.

Why we care. Additional clickable elements could make Search ads more engaging and encourage higher click-through rates by drawing attention to the most relevant parts of an advertiser’s message. If Google’s systems choose which phrases to highlight based on query intent, advertisers may have even less control over how their ads are presented.

Bottom line. Google is experimenting with clickable hyperlinks inside Search ad descriptions, a small interface change that could have a meaningful impact on how users interact with sponsored results if it rolls out more widely.

Spotted. Prakash shared spotting this new ad type on LinkedIn.

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Topics on this page

Google AdsGooglePay-per-clickSearch engine marketingUser interfaceClick-through rateHyperlinkLinkedInSearch advertising
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About the Author

Anu Adegbola has been Paid Media Editor of Search Engine Landsince 2024. She coverspaid search, paid social, retail media, video and more.

In 2008, Anu started her career delivering digital marketing campaigns (mostly but not exclusively Paid Search) by building strategies, maximising ROI, automating repetitive processes and bringing efficiency from every part of marketing departments through inspiring leadership both on agency, client and marketing tech side.Outside editing Search Engine Land article she is the founder of PPC networking event – PPC Live and host ofweekly podcast PPC Live The Podcast.She is also an international speaker with some of the stages she has presented on being SMX (US, UK, Munich, Berlin), Friends of Search (Amsterdam, NL), brightonSEO, The Marketing Meetup, HeroConf (PPC Hero), SearchLove, BiddableWorld, SESLondon, PPC Chat Live, AdWorld Experience (Bologna, IT) and more.
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