Google Responsive Search Ads Are Now Default For Search Campaigns

[engine]

Google has confirmed that Responsive Search Ads are now the default ad type for Search Campaigns.

Starting today, responsive search ads will be the default ad type for Search campaigns in Google Ads. Expanded text ads can still be created if needed.

[support.google.com...]

Google has also published a document to help advertisers get the most out of Responsive Search Ads
[support.google.com...]

Earlier story

[webmasterworld.com...]

[FranticFish]

I've used a device split (100% negative bid adjustment) to run two sets of different-sized plain text ads (mobile, tablet & desktop) for a few years now.

Has anyone done A/B testing on this method vs responsive ads? Did they get better CTR?
Also, what's the reporting like for responsive ads? Do you get to see which versions of your ad inventory worked? Or is that inside the black box?

Even with text ads I've stayed away from adding extra / alternative descriptions because (last I checked) Google treats all three as one unit for reporting purposes. As far as possible I want to see exactly what it was that was most / least effective.

[RhinoFish]

They do give you more asset based data, dig in, you'll see it.
But the problem is your quest...
"As far as possible I want to see exactly what it was that was most / least effective."

These is not a "most" effective overall... for each person, there is a most effective ad.
In the aggregate, the "best" ad is often not the best to serve up to the next ad viewer, that person may react differently than average... you want the best ad for each ad viewer, NOT the best ad for the aggregate average best stats.

Like picking your best friends... not the one that one average everyone likes the best, the ones YOU like the best.

[FranticFish]

@ RhinoFish
Can you share how it is possible to see performance data for different descriptions within the same ad please? I've not implemented these so if you have an (obfuscated) scfreenshot or an indication of where these show up would be much appreciated. For instance is it under the 'Segment' command?
Any specific pointers much appreciated.

[RhinoFish]

article on it here:
[clinkdigitalmarketing.com...]

[FranticFish]

@ RhinoFish - thanks, but we're talking at cross purposes. I wasn't talking about Responsive Ads, but Expanded Text Ads.

[RhinoFish]

@FranticFish - "Also, what's the reporting like for responsive ads? Do you get to see which versions of your ad inventory worked? Or is that inside the black box?" Thanks for clarifying that you were asking about ETAs.

[FranticFish]

@ RhinoFish gotcha.

I was reading your answer in the context of the first part of my question (which is of primary interest to me): ETAs. I've done a lot of digging around these as I really like them and so I was keyed into getting an answer there and misread your reply.

I didn't grasp the significance of the word 'asset' but I see now now you were answering the second question: responsive. I didn't get that first time.

Thanks for your replies.