"Back in May, we covered how Google was testing a new sponsored results label that placed a few ads beneath it, as opposed to labeling each and every ad as sponsored. Well, that version seems to be expanding and more and more people are seeing it and many are not liking it. I asked Greg Finn to send me a screenshot, so I can show you the differences."
"The new one, it just puts a title at the top and lumps the ads together. Greg, who does PPC all day long, said he was even confused and didn't realize that they were all ads. Why? Because you need to scroll and see where the hide sponsored results button is but until you see that button, you don't know if they are grouped. Greg spoke about it in yesterday's It's New at the 9:40 mark."
Google is testing a grouped 'sponsored results' label that places a single header above multiple ads instead of labeling each ad individually. The grouped label can be less obvious than individual 'sponsored' tags, causing confusion for some users and paid search professionals. The interface requires scrolling to reveal a 'hide sponsored results' button that signals grouping. Screenshots and social media posts show widespread noticing and mixed reactions. Several commentators warn that the new display could make ads resemble organic listings and could materially change click behavior, potentially impacting both paid and organic traffic metrics.
Read at Search Engine Roundtable
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