Up North Adwords

box is smaller

[4crests]

My Adwords listing "up north" on the top of the serps is now in a smaller box. It used to be in a shaded box that extended all the way to the right side of the page. Now it only goes as far as the sponsored listings on the right side, and those sponsored listings are moved up a bit.. Anyone else notice this?

[chrisk999]

I've seen this in some European adwords, but not UK or US adwords yet. Perhaps your Google cookie is part of a limited trial...?

[archie goodwin]

Yup, same thing on my computer for the last couple of weeks. It's interesting to see what things are being tested (like the image icons that others were seeing).

[4crests]

It's there even after I clear my cookies.

[sem4u]

If I log on from my home PC, I can see what you are seeing 4crests. At work I can only see the usual format.

[running scared]

I've seen it sporadically in UK serps. I think i like it.

[AdWordsAdvisor]

It's interesting to see what things are being tested (like the image icons that others were seeing).

Agreed! And yes, it is a test.

I think i like it.

Heheh. I've seen it as well, and after 10 or 15 minutes of 'The Shock of the New' (to which, as a human being, I am quite susceptible), I liked it too. ;)

AWA

[Houndstooth]

I also noticed a single, much longer ad being shown in the top position today. Also part of testing?

[AdWordsAdvisor]

Also part of testing?

Yep, almost certainly.

Since we often test new ideas for short periods, I think it's safe to say that when you see ads in a different than usual format, or in a slightly different location, that it's quite likely a test.

AWA