August 14, 2025  |  SIGN UP

 
Sara Jerde

Sara Jerde
DIGIDAY, MANAGING EDITOR

There are evergreen issues that rile marketers when it comes to platforms' tools — lacking standard measurement, unclear capabilities, et al. Still, it takes a lot to move ad dollars in a big way.

We recently spoke with an exec who pulled clients’ money out of Google’s PMax over its execution. And how X’s automated ad vision left advertisers underwhelmed. Curious what the industry is using? We reported that out, too.

In addition:

  • Dentsu’s latest deal signals rising holdco interest in NIL creators
  • Tariff whiplash throws a wrench in brands’ supply chain diversification plans

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Top stories

 
 

MARKETING ON PLATFORMS

'It’s the worst execution I’ve seen': Confessions of a marketer on pulling every client off Google's PMax

While most marketers still plough their ad dollars into Google's AI-powered advertising tool, one marketer explains why that isn't always the best idea.

MARKETING ON PLATFORMS

X's automated ad vision left advertisers underwhelmed

During X's recent Spaces event, Elon Musk unveiled the vision for Grok to automate as much of the ad process as possible.

SPONSORED BY TUNNL

Virtual event: Audience-first strategies from Moderna that build brand trust

In a polarized environment marked by consumer skepticism, regulatory scrutiny and widespread misinformation, Moderna set out to rebuild trust and reduce consumer hesitancy. Join this virtual event on Aug. 20 at 1 p.m. ET, or watch on demand, to learn how to identify and engage high-value — and high-intent — audiences.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

CMO Strategies: How marketers are spending and measuring across social media in 2025 — from Meta to TikTok

The fifth installment of Digiday’s CMO Strategies series examines how marketers are spending and measuring across social media platforms in 2025 — from Meta to TikTok.

A MESSAGE FROM DMEXCO

Where bold minds and digital leaders meet

DMEXCO is Europe’s leading event for digital marketing, tech and business. On Sept. 17 and 18 in Cologne, Germany, the industry’s boldest minds gather to share ideas and shape what’s next. Conference highlights include the CMO Summit with global brand leaders and the Thought Leaders’ Summit with visionary voices.

Get your ticket now

 
 

MARKETING IN SPORTS

Dentsu’s latest deal signals rising holdco interest in NIL creators

The holding company has struck a partnership with a college sports creator matchmaking service to harness athletes dabbling in the influencer world.

BEYOND ADS

Tariff whiplash throws a wrench in brands' supply chain diversification plans

Trump’s unpredictable tariff hikes are derailing brands’ supply chain diversification efforts, leaving companies struggling to plan amid volatile trade policy. 

SPONSORED BY SIMPLI.FI

Why — and how — unified platforms enable campaign flexibility

Marketers who diversify media spend and audience data sources aren’t caught flat-footed when one pillar collapses. They can shift budgets, test alternatives and protect performance as conditions change and demand quick pivots.

 
 

Other things to know

 
 
 

SPONSORED BY REALTOR.COM 

Targeting recent movers reveals an untapped goldmine for advertisers

By understanding how moving shapes consumer attitudes, advertisers gain access to a rich targeting opportunity that spotlights consumer patterns to reveal high intent and key targeting windows.