Microsoft today published its latest round of ad product updates.
Among the most important updates is the launch of Microsoft Store Ads on desktop devices.
Announcement Microsoft product updates include:
- Microsoft Store Ads
- Expanding the audience in the market
- Update responsive search ads
Let’s dive into each of them to update And how to benefit from each of them as a marketer.
Expand your reach with Microsoft Store ads
If you are into apps or games, this update is for you.
This new appearance Your ad will display in the Microsoft Store app on Windows 10 and 11 desktop devices.
More specifically, ads will appear in the Apps and Games tabs of the Store.
Here is an example of what Microsoft Store ads will look like:
Some of the new Microsoft Store advertising benefits include:
- Extended discovery of your app or game on additional devices
- Easy campaign setup and management within the Microsoft Ads platform
- Compatibility with existing UET tag for behavior tracking
To get started with Microsoft Store ads, you’ll need to submit your branding and link Store products to your Microsoft Advertising account. Once approved, you can start using this format right away.
Spreading masses in the market internationally
The next Microsoft Advertising update is for international advertisers.
Just announced, the market audience has expanded to new markets in the Middle East and Africa.
With expansion, 71 Market Audiences is now available in these Middle East and Africa markets:
Middle East regions
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Algeria
- Azerbaijan
- the two seas
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Israel
- Libya
- Moldova
- Sultanate of Oman
- The State of Qatar
- Tajikistan
- The United Arab Emirates
- Armenia
- Georgia
- Kyrgyzstan
regions of Africa
- Ethiopia
- Malawi
- Tanzania
- Zimbabwe
- Lesotho
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- Reunion Island
- Seychelles
- Gambia
- Congo
- Guinea
- Madagascar
- Togo
- Nigeria
The ultimate call for expanded text ads
Although it’s not a new update, Microsoft reminded marketers that January 31 is the last day to create or edit any expanded text ad.
As of February 1st, the only new search ads that can be created are responsive search ads.
If you have existing expanded text ads on your account, they will continue to display. However, you will not be able to create or edit ETAs after the January 31st deadline.
This wouldn’t be surprising if you were running Microsoft search campaigns alongside Google search campaigns. Google was the first to officially announce the sunset ETA of June 30, 2022.
What to expect from Microsoft’s announcements in 2023
At the end of the January product update, Microsoft teased some highlights of what’s to come next year.
From the official announcement, it appears that Microsoft will continue to differentiate its advertising platform from Google by focusing on the following:
- Local search ads
- Ads marquee
- Additional header ads
If you are not used to Vertical ads From Microsoft Ads, officially launched in September 2021. Currently, vertical ads are available for the following products:
- the cars
- Credit card
- Cruises
- health insurance
- Professional services
- Tours and activities
It will be interesting to see which additional sectors Microsoft prioritizes in 2023.
Stay tuned for upcoming Microsoft product updates on February 7th.
Featured image: monticello/Shutterstock
