The Beecommercer Daily Buzz
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Brought to you by: beecommercer.com
Good morning. The regulatory heat on Big Tech is intensifying dramatically, as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reportedly launched a major investigation into the advertising practices of both Google and Amazon. At the same time, a recent technical change by Google is sending shockwaves through the SEO industry.
Here’s the essential news you need to know today.
FTC Investigates Google & Amazon; Google Cracks Down on Rank Tracking
FTC Launches Major Ad Investigation: According to reports, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now investigating the advertising practices of both Google and Amazon. This major probe from a key U.S. regulator signals a significant escalation of antitrust scrutiny that could have massive implications for the two tech giants.
Did Google Just Prevent Rank Tracking?: Following Google's elimination of a key SERP parameter last week, the SEO community is grappling with the fallout. A new analysis from Practical Ecommerce asks the critical question: "Did Google Just Prevent Rank Tracking?" The piece explores how this technical change could fundamentally alter or even end traditional rank tracking as we know it, forcing the entire SEO tool industry to adapt.
The State of Global E-commerce: New Report Released
Data intelligence firm Similarweb has released its 3rd Annual Global Ecommerce Report. This major study provides a comprehensive look at the digital commerce landscape, offering key benchmarks, consumer behavior trends, and insights into the fastest-growing categories and brands across the globe. It's a must-read for any business looking to understand the current state of the market.
New Tools & Automation for the Holiday Push
Google Expands AI Tools for the Holidays: In its push for the crucial Q4 shopping season, Google is expanding the availability of its new AI-powered advertising tools, aiming to give retailers more automated solutions for the holidays.
Google Auto-Enables Store Visits: As part of this push, Google Ads is now automatically enabling "Store Visits" as a conversion goal for many advertisers with physical locations. This move is designed to better connect online ad spend to offline results.
Meta Deepens WhatsApp Integration: Meta is enhancing its messaging capabilities, adding new "Click to Message" ad options for WhatsApp Status. This allows businesses to use the Stories-like format to directly engage customers on the world's most popular messaging app.
Your Strategic Playbook: The Future of Agencies & Local Search
How Will Automated Meta Ads Impact Agencies?: A new Forbes article features insights from 18 experts on how Meta's increasing ad automation will impact the role of marketing agencies. The consensus is a major shift away from manual execution and toward high-level strategy, creative, and data analysis.
Masterclass on Local Search: For businesses focused on driving local traffic, Search Engine Land is offering a masterclass on local search strategies that convert, providing an opportunity to learn actionable tactics from industry experts.
Final Buzz
Today's theme is pressure and adaptation. The pressure is coming from all sides, with regulators launching major investigations and platforms making technical changes that reshape entire industries. The adaptation is happening in real-time, as brands and agencies learn to leverage new AI tools and rethink their strategic value. In this environment, having a clear understanding of the data and a mastery of the latest tactics isn't just an advantage—it's a necessity.
Have a great day.
The Beecommercer Team