Ecommerce Trends 2026: Google AI, Temu & CPC Forecast
Tue Dec 23 2025
In the final episode of 2025, Chris and Mike trade their suits for matching Christmas pajamas to deliver a raw, honest review of the year in digital marketing. 🎄
They break down the biggest surprises of the year, from Google’s unexpected pivot toward transparency to the "Naughty List" players who frustrated the industry. Mike reveals details about his behind-the-scenes meeting with Temu, while Chris explains why Mark Zuckerberg is on his bad side this year.
Plus, we look ahead to 2026. Will CPCs finally slow down? What is "Gen 2 Commerce," and how will AI reshape the shopping experience next year?
In this episode, Mike and Chris cover:
The 2025 in Review: Highs, lows, and navigating information overload. The Naughty & Nice List: Why Google’s PMax updates won us over, and why Meta’s ad strategy is failing agencies. The Temu Report: Mike’s personal experience meeting with Temu reps. 2026 Predictions: Economic outlook, AI commerce features, and the future of media buying.Ready to grow your Ecommerce business? Visit us at: https://smarter-ecommerce.com
About smec (Smarter Ecommerce):
At smec - Smarter Ecommerce, we specialize in transforming business goals into optimized ad campaigns. With over 16 years of experience in Google & Microsoft Ads, our intelligent software and expert services help retailers achieve superior results.
We're committed to giving you the tools and insights needed to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of digital advertising.
Make sure to follow smec - Smarter Ecommerce for more performance marketing insights:
smec - Smarter Ecommerce: https://www.smarter-ecommerce.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/smarter-ecommerce-gmbh Newsletter: https://smarter-ecommerce.com/en/newsletter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarterecommerce/
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In the final episode of 2025, Chris and Mike trade their suits for matching Christmas pajamas to deliver a raw, honest review of the year in digital marketing. 🎄 They break down the biggest surprises of the year, from Google’s unexpected pivot toward transparency to the "Naughty List" players who frustrated the industry. Mike reveals details about his behind-the-scenes meeting with Temu, while Chris explains why Mark Zuckerberg is on his bad side this year. Plus, we look ahead to 2026. Will CPCs finally slow down? What is "Gen 2 Commerce," and how will AI reshape the shopping experience next year? In this episode, Mike and Chris cover: The 2025 in Review: Highs, lows, and navigating information overload. The Naughty & Nice List: Why Google’s PMax updates won us over, and why Meta’s ad strategy is failing agencies. The Temu Report: Mike’s personal experience meeting with Temu reps. 2026 Predictions: Economic outlook, AI commerce features, and the future of media buying.Ready to grow your Ecommerce business? Visit us at: https://smarter-ecommerce.com About smec (Smarter Ecommerce): At smec - Smarter Ecommerce, we specialize in transforming business goals into optimized ad campaigns. With over 16 years of experience in Google & Microsoft Ads, our intelligent software and expert services help retailers achieve superior results. We're committed to giving you the tools and insights needed to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of digital advertising. Make sure to follow smec - Smarter Ecommerce for more performance marketing insights: smec - Smarter Ecommerce: https://www.smarter-ecommerce.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/smarter-ecommerce-gmbh Newsletter: https://smarter-ecommerce.com/en/newsletter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarterecommerce/