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Module 13 — Google Ads & Shopping
Google Ads in 2026 — PMax, Standard Shopping, Search
12 min · video · Intermediate
Google Ads in 2026 is three separate games, not one. PMax is the volume play. Standard Shopping is surgical control. Search is brand defense and competitor capture. Today we map which one launches first — and why the order matters.
The three Google Ads channels: what changed in 2026
In 2024–2025, Google consolidated its ad platform around three core campaign types. If you are still thinking in terms of Shopping vs Search as a binary choice, you are operating on 2019 logic.
Performance Max (PMax): The algorithmic, feed-based network. Google feeds your catalog and budget, the algorithm finds intent across Search, YouTube, Gmail, Maps, Discover. Black box. High volume. Lowest setup friction.
Standard Shopping: The legacy (but still powerful) channel. You control bids per product, audience, device, time of day. Manual keywords. Full diagnostic visibility. Surgical.
Search Ads: Text ads on Google Search for keywords you define. Can be branded (defend your own brand name), competitor (bid on rival names), or generic discovery (bid on category terms). AU-specific compliance rules apply.
Which one to launch first: the 2026 playbook
Most Australian dropshippers launch in this order:
Week 1: Standard Shopping (the diagnostic)