Google Ads appears to be reviving — or reinventing — its old Website Optimizer, after new help docs quietly surfaced detailing a tool that would live directly inside the Google Ads interface.
Driving the news. Several new Google support pages were spotted describing Website Optimizer, a tool expected to show up under the Reporting tab. While the name recalls the OG Website Optimizer from 2008 that later became Google Optimize (sunset in 2023), this version appears to be something new.
How it works:
- The tool requires Google Ads access and admin permissions on the linked GA4 property.
- If an advertiser doesn’t have a GA4 property, Website Optimizer will automatically create one.
- Documentation hints that the tool will run directly through Google Ads, streamlining setup compared to legacy testing tools.
Why we care. If Website Optimizer returns as a built-in experiment tool, advertisers could get a native way to test landing pages, on-site UX changes, or conversion flow improvements — all without third-party tools or complex Analytics setups.
Between the lines. Google sunset Optimize without a clear replacement, leaving a gap in the ecosystem. A reintroduced Website Optimizer could signal Google’s attempt to rebuild experimentation capabilities directly into Google Ads and GA4.
What to watch:
- Whether this is a full A/B testing tool or a lighter, automated optimization feature
- Whether it supports server-side testing — something Optimize lacked
- When it will actually show up in accounts
The bottom line. Google may be gearing up to give advertisers an integrated way to test and improve website performance again, two years after retiring Optimize — but for now, it’s all hidden behind early documentation breadcrumbs.
Dig deeper: The help docs were spotted by PPC News Feed owner, Hana Kobzová. Here is what she found:
How can I share Website Optimizer access with my teammates?
Do I have to use HTML for my original content and variations when using Website Optimizer?
Do I need to give my MCC manager special access for Website Optimizer?
