Automotive Internet Media

Digital Marketing

Prepare for Google AI Mode Ads Coming Soon for Q4 2025

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Prepare for Google AI Mode Ads Coming Soon for Q4 2025

Google is gearing up to roll out its latest innovation in search advertising just in time for Q4 2025 – ads in AI Mode. Agencies have already begun receiving updates on how this new format works and how it differs from traditional search ads.

Introduced in May 2025, AI Mode builds on Google’s earlier AI Overviews technology. Much like ChatGPT, AI Mode delivers more in-depth, conversational responses rather than short, static answers. This shift means users are engaging in richer, multi-step interactions — and now, ads are following suit.

Published: August 11, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Google AI Mode Ads

From Queries to Conversations

The biggest change? Targeting in AI Mode won’t just be based on a single keyword or search query. Instead, ads will be informed by the entire context of a user’s AI conversation. Exploratory and complex questions will directly shape ad placements, marking a significant departure from the traditional keyword-based model.

According to Search Engine Land:

“Google’s transition from static search to conversational, AI-driven results is a massive shift that’s bringing advertisers along for the ride. This changes how ads are targeted and placed, relying on the full context of the AI exchange rather than just keywords. With over 100 million users already engaging in AI Mode and ads set to expand before Q4, brands that adapt early will be better positioned to reach high-intent consumers in this emerging search experience.”

Ads are already appearing in AI Mode, but with the broader rollout planned ahead of the holiday season, Google is balancing innovation with the need to maintain ad revenue — all while navigating evolving user behavior patterns.

What to Expect with AI Mode Ads

  • Familiar formats, new placement logic – Ads in AI Mode will remain primarily text-based and product-focused, much like today’s search and shopping ads.
  • Performance Max and AI Max for Search integration – Advertisers using these campaign types will automatically see their ads surface in AI Mode.
  • Clean, accurate product feeds are critical – Google is emphasizing the need for well-maintained and up-to-date product data to ensure optimal performance.

Google is preparing to ramp up AI Mode ad availability in time for the peak holiday shopping period, working closely with advertising partners to fine-tune placements and targeting ahead of the rollout.

Stay Ahead of Q4 Marketing Trends

As the digital advertising landscape shifts toward conversational, AI-driven search experiences, staying informed will be key to maintaining a competitive edge. Visit Automotive Internet Media for the latest industry updates and insights on what’s ahead for Q4 marketing — including how to position your brand for success in the new AI ad era.

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Why It’s Time Your Dealership Shifted Ad Spend to CTV/OTT

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Why It’s Time Your Dealership Shifted Ad Spend to CTV/OTT

In a world where streaming has officially overtaken cable and broadcast TV, dealerships that are still relying heavily on traditional TV ads risk falling behind. According to Nielsen, streaming services accounted for a record 40.3% of total TV usage in the U.S., surpassing cable and broadcast for the first time—and the trend is only accelerating.

If your dealership hasn’t explored Connected TV (CTV) or Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising, now is the time.

Published: August 1, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Streaming TV in 2025

What Is CTV/OTT Advertising?

Wondering what CTV/OTT advertising is? CTV refers to internet-connected televisions where users stream content—think Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Smart TVs. OTT is the broader category that includes all content delivered via streaming platforms, like Hulu, YouTube TV, Peacock, and more.

These platforms allow advertisers to serve commercial-style video ads to targeted audiences—just like traditional TV, but with digital precision.

Why It Matters for Car Dealerships

Unlike broadcast TV, CTV/OTT campaigns let you:

  • 🎯 Target in-market shoppers based on behavior, intent, and geography.
  • 📍 Geo-fence your delivery to stay within your PMA or zip code range.
  • 📊 Track campaign results—view-through rates, ad completion, and showroom visits.
  • 📺 Access premium, non-skippable inventory, giving you more impactful impressions.

Plus, with more households cutting the cord every day, traditional TV is no longer the go-to medium for many consumers—especially millennials and Gen Z buyers.

Getting Started with Streaming Ads

Transitioning to CTV/OTT doesn’t mean overhauling your entire media plan overnight. Start by:

  • Shifting 10–20% of your traditional TV budget into CTV/OTT.
  • Testing creative formats like 15 or 30-second vehicle highlight videos.
  • Tracking performance across impressions, completion rate, and foot traffic attribution.

Streaming platforms also support cross-device retargeting, meaning someone who sees your ad on Roku can later see your inventory ad on mobile or desktop.

A Blended Strategy Works Best

CTV isn’t meant to replace traditional advertising—it’s meant to enhance it. When used alongside your paid social, search, and display efforts, streaming video can increase overall brand visibility and recall, driving shoppers further down the funnel.

How Automotive Internet Media Can Help

At Automotive Internet Media, we help dealerships tap into the power of video streaming with:

  • Access to exclusive OTT inventory on major platforms.
  • Targeting backed by real-time shopper intent data.
  • Campaign setup, execution, and optimization all handled by our expert team.

Whether you’re looking to promote a sales event or elevate your brand image in-market, we’ll build a CTV strategy tailored to your dealership’s goals. 

Final Thoughts

The advertising landscape is evolving fast—and so are your customers. Streaming isn’t the future; it’s the present. Dealerships that adapt their strategies now will be better positioned to drive qualified leads, grow their brand, and ultimately sell more cars.

Ready to bring your dealership into the streaming era?
 Contact Automotive Internet Media today to learn how we can launch your next CTV campaign.

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Why a Marketing Partner with a DSP Gives You the Edge

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Why a Marketing Partner with a DSP Gives You the Edge

At Automotive Internet Media, we understand that digital advertising success requires more than just placing ads – it requires control, efficiency, and data-driven strategy. That’s why we built OptaClick, our proprietary Demand Side Platform (DSP).

Published: June 23, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Demand Side Platform

But what exactly is a DSP, and why does it matter that we own ours?

A Demand Side Platform is a powerful software system that enables advertisers to buy digital ad inventory across multiple ad exchanges and networks in real-time, all from a centralized interface. By owning our DSP, we’re able to offer our automotive clients significant strategic advantages that general agencies, or even those relying on third-party DSPs, simply can’t match.

Here’s a closer look at the top benefits of working with a marketing partner that operates its own DSP:

1. Streamlined Advertising Workflow

With OptaClick, there’s no need to juggle multiple platforms or vendors. Our DSP simplifies and automates the entire media buying process, allowing you to manage, monitor, and adjust campaigns from a single dashboard. This not only saves time, but also boosts responsiveness and control over campaign performance.

2. Smarter Spend & Greater Cost Efficiency

Real-time bidding technology enables OptaClick to automatically optimize ad placements based on performance and pricing. By reducing waste and bidding more intelligently, we help you make the most of your advertising dollars and generate better results at lower costs.

3. Broader Reach Through Premium Inventory Access

Our DSP connects you to a wide array of ad inventory, from top-tier publishers to open web placements. That means more opportunities to place your ads in front of the right audience, across websites, apps, and video platforms that your target audience trusts and visits daily.

4. Precision Targeting at Scale

OptaClick is built to reach in-market automotive shoppers actively searching for their next vehicle. With advanced targeting capabilities based on demographics, online behavior, interests, location, and more, our platform ensures your ads connect with serious buyers. Whether you’re aiming to move inventory fast or build brand awareness in key zip codes, OptaClick delivers the precision targeting needed to drive showroom traffic and online leads.

5. Real-Time Performance Insights

One of the most powerful aspects of a DSP is the access to live campaign data. With OptaClick, we continuously analyze performance metrics to identify what’s working and where there’s room to improve which allows us to adjust and refine campaigns on the fly for maximum impact.

6. Flexible & Scalable for Any Dealer Size

Whether you’re a local dealership or part of an automotive group, OptaClick adapts to your needs. Our platform scales easily, supporting everything from modest brand campaigns to multi-location, multi-channel efforts, without sacrificing control or visibility.

7. Higher Return on Investment

Ultimately, our DSP enables smarter ad delivery, better targeting, and more efficient campaign management, all of which work together to deliver a stronger ROI. With OptaClick, your dealership’s marketing budget goes further, driving real results that can be tracked, measured, and improved continuously.

Why Does This Matter?

Choosing a digital marketing partner that owns its own DSP, like Automotive Internet Media, gives you unmatched transparency, control, and efficiency. We don’t just run your campaigns; we craft them from the ground up, leveraging our technology to get your message in front of the right audience at the right time.

Ready to See What OptaClick Can Do For Your Dealership?

Contact us today to learn how programmatic advertising with a fully owned DSP can transform your digital strategy and drive smarter, more profitable results. Our team at Automotive Internet Media is ready to help you reach the right audience at the right time.

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The State of Streaming TV in 2025

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The State of Streaming TV in 2025

In 2025, streaming television has firmly established itself as the dominant form of TV viewing, surpassing traditional pay-TV in global revenue. Here’s what you need to know about where streaming TV is at and headed next.

Published: May 13, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

CTV vs OTT

What’s the Difference Between Linear TV and CTV/OTT?

Linear TV, also known as traditional television, is the kind of TV that’s delivered through cable or satellite services. Viewers watch scheduled programming on specific channels, with ads inserted at predetermined times. While it still reaches a broad audience, Linear TV’s ability to target specific viewers is limited, and there’s little opportunity for advertisers to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns in real time.

Connected TV (CTV) refers to internet-connected television screens—like smart TVs and devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. It delivers video ads through streaming platforms like Hulu and YouTube TV, reaching viewers on their big screens at home. CTV combines the impact of traditional TV with the precision, engagement, and real-time tracking of digital advertising—making it a smart choice for today’s marketers.

Over-the-top (OTT) refers to any video content streamed over the internet, whether on mobile, desktop, or TV devices. OTT advertising reaches viewers who consume content outside of traditional cable, and while it includes CTV, it also expands your reach to phones, tablets, and laptops. The key benefit? OTT gives you the power to target audiences with the precision of digital marketing—across all screens.

Why Should You Consider CTV/OTT Advertising?

CTV/OTT advertising offers the best of both worlds: the advanced targeting of digital ads and the immersive viewing experience of traditional TV. CTV focuses on delivering ads to viewers on internet-connected TV screens like smart TVs, Roku, or Fire TV, while OTT extends your reach across additional devices like smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Together, they allow advertisers to engage audiences wherever they’re streaming content.

Here are three key benefits of CTV/OTT advertising:

Data-Driven Targeting Capabilities
With CTV/OTT, you can unlock powerful targeting options using 1st-party data, 3rd-party segments, and lookalike audiences. This ensures your ads are tailored to specific user behaviors, demographics, and locations—reducing wasted spend and helping your dealership reach the right shoppers at the right time.

Higher Engagement
CTV/OTT ads often appear in high-resolution formats and are frequently unskippable, leading to more completed views. Some formats are even interactive, inviting users to engage directly. According to StackAdapt, “In the first half of 2022, CTV ads achieved a global viewability rate of 93.2%,” showing how effectively these formats capture audience attention.

Real-Time Insights
Unlike traditional TV, CTV/OTT campaigns provide real-time data. Advertisers can monitor impressions, conversions, cost-per-conversion, and video completion rates instantly. This allows for quick optimizations and better campaign performance from start to finish.

The Future of TV Is Shifting

As more viewers continue to cut the cord and move away from traditional Linear TV, the growth of CTV is undeniable. According to Statista, “Streaming services reached a record 40.3% share of TV usage in the U.S., far surpassing cable and broadcast at 27.2% and 20.5%, respectively.” This data shows that the shift to CTV is not just a passing trend—it’s a long-term transformation that continues to grow.

Infographic: Streaming Hits 40% of U.S. TV Usage for the First Time | Statista You will find more infographics at Statista

Reach the Right Audience with CTV and OTT

CTV and OTT give automotive dealers the ability to reach in-market shoppers with video—just like traditional TV—but with far more control over who sees the ad and how often. With the power of digital targeting, your dealership can reach car buyers not only in their living rooms but also across all devices—phones, tablets, laptops, and more.

At Automotive Internet Media, we offer comprehensive CTV/OTT advertising services designed to help dealerships like yours reach the right audience and drive more conversions—powered by our own demand-side platform. Whether you’re new to streaming video ads or looking to optimize your current strategy, our team is here to help you get the most out of this powerful channel. [Click here to learn more], or contact us today to get started!

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Why Google Continues to Lead in Search Despite AI Advancements

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Why Google Continues to Lead in Search Despite AI Advancements

Google Search Isn’t Going Anywhere — and Here’s Why That Matters

Published: April 9, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Google Search vs. AI Tools

In the era of rapid AI innovation and the growing popularity of tools like ChatGPT, one might expect Google’s dominance in search to be challenged. But the data tells a different story — one that highlights Google search for lasting consumer trust, reliable performance, and ongoing value for marketers.

% of US consumers who use AI chatbots or AI search tools to find out information, by generation, Dec 2024

EMarketer Graph

According to a December 2024 survey from Pearl, conducted by Censuswide and reported by eMarketer, 57.8% of US consumers still prefer to use Google search over AI platforms like ChatGPT when they need a factual answer. That’s more than half of the population choosing Google — not out of habit, but because they trust it for real, reliable information.

Consumers Still Trust Google for Facts

The key takeaway from the survey? When accuracy matters, users turn to Google. Despite the conversational aspect and accessibility of AI platforms, people still see Google as the definitive source for factual information. This trust has been built over decades of delivering relevant, credible results — reinforced by Google’s sophisticated algorithms and its vast indexing of the web.

The fact that people still trust Google says a lot and it’s something marketers should pay attention to.

Google Search Ads Are Not Dead — They’re Essential

With so much buzz around AI, it’s easy to assume traditional digital marketing tactics like search ads are losing relevance. However, it is evident that Google search ads remain highly effective, especially because the platform is still where the majority of users go when they’re actively looking for information.

If your audience is still using Google for answers — especially fact-based or purchase-intent queries — then showing up there through paid ads and organic SEO remains a smart investment. Marketers can use this data to validate an ongoing (or even increased) focus on Google-centric strategies and campaigns.

But Don’t Ignore the Rise of AI Search

While Google continues to lead, the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other answer engines shouldn’t be ignored. The survey chart highlights two key points: Google is still the top choice, but new search habits are forming. As AI tools grow, people are starting to mix traditional search with conversational AI — especially for things like product discovery and more detailed questions. Marketers should take note and start thinking about how to show up on these AI platforms, too.

What This Means for Your Strategy

  1. Keep prioritizing Google SEO – It’s still the most trusted search engine for factual content.
  2. Don’t sleep on search ads – They’re still a crucial and relevant tool for promoting your products and services.
  3. Start integrating AI-aware strategies – Position your brand for visibility not just in Google, but in the growing number of AI-driven platforms.

Final Thoughts

The future of search is evolving, but that doesn’t mean one platform has to replace another. Google isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the search behaviors it’s shaped over the years. Marketers who recognize both the staying power of Google and the rise of AI will be best positioned to thrive in this shifting landscape.

Growing Concerns Over Bot Traffic in Digital Marketing

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Growing Concerns Over Bot Traffic in Digital Marketing

Advertisers Question the Accuracy of Human Verification Systems such as HUMAN Security, Integral Ad Science (IAS) and DoubleVerify.

Published: April 8, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Human Verification Systems

The digital advertising industry faces an escalating challenge with bot traffic, as trusted verification systems—like Human Security, Integral Ad Science (IAS), and DoubleVerify—are not effectively blocking non-human traffic as promised. These platforms, which advertisers pay for pre-bid bot filtration, are failing to prevent ads from being served to malicious bots that may be slipping through the cracks. 

According to AdExchanger, “Adalytics also observed multiple major DSPs and SSPs serving ads to bots, despite claiming to use bot detection tech, including HUMAN Security, to scan 100% of impressions. The scale of potential waste reflected in the report is staggering. Adalytics analyzed source code for millions of ad impressions served to bots between 2019 and 2025.” This highlights the significant volume of ad impressions wasted on bots instead of reaching real human audiences.

Even with advanced bot detection tools like HUMAN Security, verification systems are failing to deliver, causing advertisers to question the effectiveness of MRC and TAG-accredited services. There’s growing frustration over the lack of accountability in the supply chain, especially when advertisers are investing a lot of money into “bot-free” segments, only to find that their campaigns are being contaminated with non-human traffic.

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20%-50% of Car Dealer Website Traffic May Not Be Human

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20%-50% of Car Dealer Website Traffic May Not Be Human

by automotiveinternetmedia | March 24, 2025 | Website Traffic, Automotive Industry

Non-Human Traffic

In the digital age, car dealerships face unique challenges. One of these is the issue of non-human web traffic. Studies suggest that 20%-50% of car dealer website traffic may not be human. This includes bots, crawlers, and fraudulent clicks, which can distort analytics data. Digital ad fraud is a significant concern. It can lead to wasted advertising budgets and ineffective campaigns.

Automotive Internet Media has analyzed non-human traffic across hundreds of automotive websites. Through our findings we help dealers optimize their online advertising strategies and target potential customers more effectively.

What is Non-Human Web Traffic?

Non-human web traffic is visitors to a website that are not human; these are frequently “bots” that load web pages, crawl pages, scrape pages, and falsely load ads. Not all of this non-human traffic is malicious – crawlers and search engine bots are good bots.

Non-human traffic can mimic human behavior, inflating website traffic numbers. This skews the analytics data that dealers rely on.

Recognizing the Signs of Non-Human Traffic

What are the indicators that website traffic is non-human? The following can point to traffic being non-human:

  • High Bounce Rate
  • Low Average Session Duration
  • Abnormally High Click Through Rates
  • Unusual Traffic Spikes
  • Unusual Geo Locations

Monitoring and Optimization: Ensuring Traffic Quality

Better quality media will have less non-human traffic and thus provide better outcomes. Monitoring campaigns and optimizing them to minimize non-human traffic is an integral part of what your agency and any paid media vendors should be doing. Eliminating poor traffic sources and placements will maximize the amount you are spending on driving real consumers to your website. Less non-human traffic means less advertising waste!

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About Automotive Internet Media

Automotive Internet Media, AIM, is a leader in digital marketing and technology, headquartered in Hinsdale, Illinois. Our team specializes in media buying and campaign optimization for automotive dealerships across the United States.

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Google’s AI Overviews & AI Mode: How They Affect Your SEO

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Google’s AI Overviews & AI Mode: How They Affect Your Dealership’s SEO

Google’s AI Overviews, formerly known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), launched on May 14, 2024, reshaping search results and negatively impacting organic traffic, conversions, and revenue for businesses, including dealerships.

Now, Google has introduced AI Mode, a new experimental AI-driven search feature. While access is currently limited to U.S. users over 18 who opt in via Labs, it has the potential to impact search rankings and visibility.

Published: Mar. 19, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

AI Overviews

About AI Overviews

AI Overviews leverage generative artificial intelligence to deliver quick, interactive responses, improving user experience but diminishing the visibility of traditional organic search results. Here’s how AI Overviews might be impacting your dealership’s SEO:

  • Declining Organic Traffic: AI-generated summaries appear above organic search results, potentially reducing the number of visitors to your website.
  • Lower Search Rankings: Even top-ranked dealership pages are pushed further down as Google prioritizes AI Overviews and paid ads.
  • Rising Advertising Costs: With Google monetizing AI Overviews through new paid ad placements, competition for visibility increases, making it more challenging—and costly—to outrank competitors.
AI Overviews

Adweek.com states “Google launched its artificial intelligence-powered search engine, Search Generative Experience, in beta last May, sending publishers scrambling to prepare for a significant disruption in organic search traffic, with potential declines ranging from 20% to 60%, according to media executives and search engine optimization experts interviewed for this story.” This highlights the significant potential decline in organic traffic that websites may experience due to AI Overviews.

About Google’s New AI Mode

AI Mode

Unlike AI Overviews, AI Mode applies to all search queries, offering broader AI-powered insights. With an interactive chat interface, users can refine their searches and ask follow-up questions—similar to ChatGPT and other AI chatbots. AI Mode is powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.0, Google’s latest AI model.

How We Stay Ahead of the Trends

As AI Overviews and AI Mode change the search landscape and reduce organic visibility, our team at Automotive Internet Media is committed to helping dealerships navigate these shifts. We focus on optimizing for long-tail queries by crafting detailed, authoritative content to improve visibility, enhancing local SEO by strengthening your Google Business Profile, and diversifying traffic sources by expanding your reach through social media and email marketing.

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