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Ep. 453

October 5, 2026

AI in Search Is Snatching Up Clicks. Are Users Or Publishers Actually Benefiting?

This week on Marketing O’Clock: Studies are investigating how AI in Search is affecting users and publishers, and how the technology is changing the digital information ecosystem. Plus, OpenAI introduces its new AI agent.

Main Digital Marketing News

AI in Search Reduces Publisher Referrals Without Improving User Experience: Experimental Evidence 

The Impact of Google AI Overviews on Publisher Traffic and User Experience: Evidence from a Field Experiment∗

A New AI Mode Ad Format 

OpenAI Introduces “Dots” 

Google AI Overviews Jump From 26% to 80% of Branded Queries 

AIO Shown on Branded Queries 

It's New 10/1: Brand Queries Showing AI Overviews, Rosters Too, Microsoft Ads, ChatGPT Ads Updates 

Take of the week

 

 

 

If Only Google Did This For Its AIO

In case you missed it

 

 

 

Google Ads’ “Customer Hostile” Behavior

 

 

 

Shopping Feed Optimization Is the Most Underrated Lever In Google Standard Shopping - Which Advanced Feed Tactics Actually Moved Performance For You?