Google’s May 2026 core update threw your rankings on a rollercoaster.
Buckle up: Rolling out from May 21st, it triggered two waves of volatility before a third spike last weekend hinted the ride is nearly over.
Google called it a routine relevance update. Two weeks of turbulence beg to differ.
And big Google is always watching: A new lead management dashboard tracks every lead through the funnel.
That includes total leads, new leads, qualified leads, lost leads, lead status, and progression through the funnel. It then feeds quality signals straight back into your bidding.
Meaning, your campaigns can stop optimising for tyre-kickers and start chasing leads that close.
Full send, VIPs, or a welcome mat: A branded search control has appeared in AI Max, letting you choose between all searches, controlled brand targeting, or unbranded only.
The unbranded option is one to keep your eye on. It makes sure AI Max hunts for new customers instead of poaching conversions your brand campaign already owns.
It hasn’t rolled out globally yet, but check your account settings now.
