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Google Expands the Test Pool for its New Generative AI Elements in Search

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Google Expands the Test Pool for its New Generative AI Elements in Search

Google’s making its new generative AI tools available to more users, with the expansion of its Search Labs early access program. The expansion enables people to try out its AI elements within Search – and also highlights some interesting use cases for product discovery in the app.

Google had initially resisted jumping into the generative AI waters as OpenAI’s tools gained traction, with Google’s view being that such tools are still too prone to errors, and could end up spreading misinformation as a result. But now, with OpenAI partnering with Microsoft, that’s essentially forced Google’s hand – though it is still being relatively cautious in how it implements these new elements, and integrates them with its current Search and ad offerings.

Within the new Search Labs experience – accessible by tapping on the beaker icon in the top right (to approved users) – searchers will be able to get more contextual information on queries, based on the terms that they enter.

As per Google:

“The new generative AI powered Search experience will help you take some of the work out of searching, so you can understand a topic faster, uncover new viewpoints and insights and get things done more easily. So instead of asking a series of questions and piecing together that information yourself, Search now can do some of that heavy lifting for you.

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So it’s much like ChatGPT, in that it will provide you with an overview of a topic, as opposed to just the search matches. However, Google’s looking to integrate these results into its regular SERPs, meaning that generative AI results won’t replace traditional Search, as such, but will offer additional pointers and guidance within the process.

Which also relates to shopping.

Google Search Labs

As you can see in this example, with Google’s new generative search pointers, the results will display additional contextual notes in-stream, which could help to streamline your discovery process.

For brands, that could make it more important to ensure that you’re addressing long-tail queries with explainers and info on your site in order to better align with more specific matches. As you can also see in this example above, unlike ChatGPT, Google’s still looking to highlight relevant web links – so Google’s essentially looking to remain a key driver of referral traffic, while also aligning with advancing generative AI trends.

It’s an interesting approach, which will keep Google’s systems aligned with its core business, and could end up driving more benefit, for both Google and Search users, in the long term.

By ensuring that relevant links are still the focus, that also provides more means to double-check and confirm the info being generated, which could actually be more beneficial than the ChatGPT Q and A approach. Within that process, ChatGPT presents its responses as fact, when they’re often not – while Google will still be looking to refer users to third-party sources, even with its generative AI prompts.

It’ll be interesting to see how the system develops. You can sign up for the Search Labs waitlist at labs.google.com/search.

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

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This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

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“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

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Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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