Google Monopoly for the CMO
When asked what today's ruling against Google means for advertisers, here is what I say. (Without making a prediction about a breakup.)
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Featured
But the ads served, right?
Brands have a massive gap in understanding what their technology vendors are actually solving on their behalf and what the definition of "paid for" actually means.
Programmatic
10 posts
But the ads served, right?
Brands have a massive gap in understanding what their technology vendors are actually solving on their behalf and what the definition of "paid for" actually means.
ANA: Transparency Report (Again)
The ANA is (still) presenting its "Programatic Transparency" study from last year. Perhaps that is because not enough brands have taken action on the results?
Is Hershey's a sellout? They sure hope so.
As the Miami sun began its shift from pleasant to borderline oppressive, it was time to discuss chocolate.
Google Monopoly for the CMO
When asked what today's ruling against Google means for advertisers, here is what I say. (Without making a prediction about a breakup.)
Monetizing AI Overviews
Ads in Google's AI Overviews are already natively integrated for immediate shoppability. What does this mean for advertisers, publishers, and the future of the ad supported Internet?
Browser Without Borders
The DOJ is coming for Google, and they’re not just slapping wrists—they’re aiming to amputate.
CTV
9 posts
⏸️ Pause Ads
I'm back from CES, where (and I can't believe I'm saying this) pause ads were having a moment. I did not have this one on my bingo card. Yes, those ads that pop up when you hit pause on your TV.
Get Better CTV Quality in 2025
I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, but I do want you to look me in the eye and promise that you will press for better CTV quality in 2025. Oh...you thought it all ran on a TV in a living room? Have a seat. We need to talk.
Google AdX: Video disruption looming?
In just a few days, Google's AdX will finally adopt the OpenRTB 2.6 standards. It could upend the biddable video marketplace. Or, the silence of the change could be deafening. Either outcome is worth your attention.
Measurement
7 posts
🔥Hot Take: ROAS is a conflict of interest
It is hot-take-Tuesday, and ROAS sits in our conflict of interest crosshairs.
"Moveable Middles" and the CMO + CFO Relationship
Major Unlock: Marketers go out of their way to ensure that their finance teams understand the value advertising drives in the business. These two panels at POSSIBLE attempt to bring those worlds together through new ways of driving and measuring success.
It's a Trap: Guaranteed Performance
I'm not saying it is a trap. But it is a trap.
Waste
5 posts
But the ads served, right?
Brands have a massive gap in understanding what their technology vendors are actually solving on their behalf and what the definition of "paid for" actually means.
Alert: Systemic Brand Safety Failure
The publishers, tech vendors, and programmatic platforms allegedly failed to prevent the monetization of racist and objectionable content.
Digital Plague Draining Ad Budgets
Made-for-advertising sites are draining your digital ad budgets without you knowing. Today, we discuss how they pull it off. Plus the source code for a script to screenshot ads on any site you want.
Events
19 posts
Opportunity: 70% Hate Trip Planning
Tourism marketing's biggest opportunity isn't another "deal" or offer. It's solving the trip planning problem that frustrates 70% of travelers. Smart destinations are using AI to create hyper-personalized itineraries, predict traveler needs, and solve problems customers don't know they have yet.
Hard Pass: Single-sourced learning
It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the conversations. Here are my notes from a session at last week's Procurecon in Los Angeles.
Instacart's Turnaround
From delivery app to grocery and advertising tech titan. How Fidji Simo led Instacart's remarkable turnaround
Latest
Google Monopoly for the CMO
When asked what today's ruling against Google means for advertisers, here is what I say. (Without making a prediction about a breakup.)
But the ads served, right?
Brands have a massive gap in understanding what their technology vendors are actually solving on their behalf and what the definition of "paid for" actually means.
Opportunity: 70% Hate Trip Planning
Tourism marketing's biggest opportunity isn't another "deal" or offer. It's solving the trip planning problem that frustrates 70% of travelers. Smart destinations are using AI to create hyper-personalized itineraries, predict traveler needs, and solve problems customers don't know they have yet.
TikTok Ban for Advertisers
TikTok goes dark tomorrow for at least one day. Here are the questions you need to ask and the moves you need to make today. Your Saturday evening action items await.
⏸️ Pause Ads
I'm back from CES, where (and I can't believe I'm saying this) pause ads were having a moment. I did not have this one on my bingo card. Yes, those ads that pop up when you hit pause on your TV.
Get Better CTV Quality in 2025
I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, but I do want you to look me in the eye and promise that you will press for better CTV quality in 2025. Oh...you thought it all ran on a TV in a living room? Have a seat. We need to talk.
Agency Rollups: Ok, now what?
Is this the agency equivalent of the Marvel and DC universe colliding? Depending on who you ask, descriptions of the Omnicom acquisition of IPG range from "shotgun wedding" to "strategic juggernaut." For the combined 120,000-person workforce and its clients, change is coming.
Monetizing AI Overviews
Ads in Google's AI Overviews are already natively integrated for immediate shoppability. What does this mean for advertisers, publishers, and the future of the ad supported Internet?
Hard Pass: Single-sourced learning
It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the conversations. Here are my notes from a session at last week's Procurecon in Los Angeles.
Browser Without Borders
The DOJ is coming for Google, and they’re not just slapping wrists—they’re aiming to amputate.
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What is principal media?
How agencies are boosting profits by flipping ad space—and what it means for clients.
