PPC marketing in 2026 will be dominated by AI-driven automation and smart bidding, enabling real-time optimization across search, social, and video platforms. Marketers will rely on first-party data, intent-based targeting, and high-quality creatives to succeed in a privacy-first, AI-led advertising ecosystem.

Search Engine Land has published a new video, ‘The new PPC best practices: Navigating AI powered PPC without sacrificing control’.

The SEL team says, “As automation evolves into AI, Google Ads is at risk of becoming commoditized. A long overdue democratization of high-powered tools has rendered “best practices” as antiquated and average. With Smart Bidding, Performance Max, broad match, and responsive assets… advertisers are often left wondering: where does automation end and strategic control begin? Come explore what’s working and what’s not across thousands of Optmyzr accounts. You’ll learn how to best leverage Google’s powerful machine learning while maintaining control over PPC outcomes, how to better guide automation, and how to prevent waste and ensure profitable growth for your business. Walk away with proven tactics for maximizing performance without sacrificing strategy.”

Search Engine Land