👀 Future of Ads is Here

Happy Tuesday!

A client asked for our design rates. Told them to check what Google just launched for free.

From ad platforms absorbing creative tools to global shipping partnerships, AI revenue booms, social selling integrations, and government blockchain adoption - the walls between specialties are crumbling fast.

Let's dive in! 🎯

ECOMMERCE ADVERTISING

🎨 Google Ads Transforms into AI Creative Studio

Google Ads launches Asset Studio beta, turning the platform from a media buyer into a full creative production hub. The new tool, accessed under the "Tools" menu, brings AI-powered content creation directly into the advertising interface.

First teased at Google Marketing Live in May, Asset Studio now provides a comprehensive suite for creating and editing promotional content without leaving Google Ads. This positions the platform to compete with dedicated creative tools.

🔍 Key Features:

• AI image generation from text prompts

• Lifestyle visualization for products

• Bulk asset editing and video creation

• Voice-over generation for audio ads

For advertisers, Asset Studio reduces reliance on third-party creative tools while potentially boosting Performance Max campaigns, where asset variety drives results. The integration signals Google's broader push to position its ad platform as a one-stop solution for both media buying and creative production.

ECOMMERCE NEWS

🚢 DHL's Shopify Partnership Opens Global Markets

DHL and Shopify announce a strategic partnership that brings enterprise-level international shipping to small merchants. The collaboration gives U.S.-based Shopify stores access to DHL eCommerce's cost-optimized global network previously reserved for larger companies.

The integration, includes both Parcel International services and DHL Express Worldwide, with options for handling duties and taxes either at checkout or upon delivery.

🔍 Key Features:

• Cost-effective international rates

• DDP and DDU tax collection options

• Phased rollout across markets

The partnership comes at a critical time as SMBs face new tariff challenges. While small businesses may lack the resources of larger competitors, this integration enables them to leverage DHL's global infrastructure while maintaining the agility that gives them a competitive edge in rapidly changing markets.

ECOMMERCE AI

🤖 Alibaba Cloud Revenue Surges 26% on AI Demand

Alibaba Group reports strong financial performance with AI-related products driving a 26% revenue boost in its cloud division. The company's quarterly results show AI-related revenue now accounting for over 20% of cloud business from external customers.

AI applications are fueling momentum in traditional products like compute and storage. The results reflect Alibaba's strategic refocus on "consumption and AI + Cloud" as its two main pillars, while divesting non-core businesses.

📊 Key Results:

• 26% cloud revenue growth year-over-year

• 19% international commerce revenue increase

• 10% growth in China E-Commerce Group

Beyond cloud services, Alibaba's AI-powered tools for marketing, procurement, and product listings are gaining traction with merchants on its wholesale platform, creating new monetization opportunities.

ECOMMERCE NEWS

📌 Wix Adds Native Pinterest Integration

Wix launches direct Pinterest integration, allowing merchants to sync product catalogs and sell directly through the visual discovery platform. The feature requires no technical expertise, with automatic product synchronization between Wix stores and Pinterest listings.

This enables merchants to run targeted product ads on Pinterest while maintaining checkout on their own Wix site. Any updates to products in Wix like prices, inventory, or new items, automatically reflect on Pinterest without additional work.

🔗 Key Benefits:

• Automatic catalog syncing between platforms

• No-code setup from Wix dashboard

• Targeted product ads capability

Available in multiple languages, this feature represents Wix's continued expansion into multichannel selling, giving merchants more ways to reach potential customers.

DIGITAL PAYMENTS

⛓️ U.S. Commerce Dept Moves GDP Data to Blockchain

The U.S. Commerce Department published GDP data on nine major blockchains. The unprecedented move, which includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other leading networks, aims to make economic statistics immutable and tamper-evident.

For businesses, the decision to adopt blockchain involves weighing costs against benefits. The technology shines in scenarios where multiple parties with conflicting interests need to share trusted data, such as supply chains and cross-border trade.

🔍 Key Considerations:

• Verifiability is blockchain's core strength, not efficiency

• Multiple blockchains ensure redundancy and access

• Trust ecosystems benefit most from blockchain adoption

However, traditional databases remain faster and cheaper for many enterprise applications where centralized control is acceptable.

NEWSLETTER TLDR;

WEEKLY ROUND UP

GOOGLE ADS: Asset Studio beta just launched, turning Google Ads into a full-fledged creative production center. Now you can generate images, create videos, and add voiceovers without leaving the platform. Great for Performance Max campaigns where asset variety drives results.*

SHIPPING: DHL and Shopify team up to bring enterprise-level international shipping to small merchants. Available now in U.S. and Germany, with Canada coming in September. Includes options for handling duties at checkout or delivery.

AI COMMERCE: Cloud division revenues jumped 26% on AI-related products, which now account for 20% of external customer revenue. They're doubling down on "consumption and AI + Cloud" while shedding non-core businesses.

SOCIAL COMMERCE: New Pinterest integration lets merchants automatically sync product catalogs and run targeted ads. No technical skills needed - updates in Wix automatically reflect on Pinterest. Available in multiple languages.

BLOCKCHAIN: U.S. Commerce Department will publish GDP data on nine blockchains starting July 2025. For businesses, blockchain makes sense when multiple untrusting parties need shared data - otherwise, traditional databases are still faster and cheaper.

*Worth noting: Google's transformation from ad platform to creative studio represents a major shift in how businesses might allocate their budgets. Watch this space.

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Signing off,

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