The new Search Ad feature displays a traffic volume label (100k+ visits in past month) directly under Headlines and Descriptions, revealing how much traffic an advertiser receives in Search Ads, PMax, and AI Max campaigns. However, the source of this data is unclear—it might be based on Google Ads clicks, linked GA4 accounts, or Google's broader ecosystem signals like Chrome and Android usage. Google has not provided documentation on this.
Importance and Implications
This label adds social proof, potentially increasing trust and click-through rates. However, it raises concerns about transparency, data sourcing, and advertiser control. Advertisers may not be able to opt out, meaning competitors can see traffic volumes and infer budget changes. While intended to boost user trust by showing site popularity, it risks exposing sensitive performance data and blurring the line between helpful context and competitive intelligence.
