PPC in 2026 will be dominated by automation, AI-driven bidding, and predictive audience targeting to maximize ROI. Marketers will rely on real-time analytics and cross-platform optimization to deliver more personalized and efficient ad experiences.

Search Engine Journal and CallRail have published a new report, ‘PPC Trends 2026’.

The SEJ team says, “With strategies from 6 leading PPC professionals, this year’s edition will help you tackle the challenges of automation, privacy, and generative AI, and give you the tools to stay competitive in 2026.

You’ll get insights into:

  • Practical uses (and limitations) of AI tools in paid media campaign management.
  • Maintaining control as platforms shift into black-box, AI-first campaign types.
  • Durable measurement approaches amid privacy shifts and third-party cookie deprecation.
  • Generative AI’s impact on ad creative and testing.

In this guide, industry experts explore the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping paid search and paid social, and provide actionable strategies that you can implement immediately.”

PPC Trends 2026

Search Engine Journal

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