How do you stay updated with changes in Bing Ads bidding features and best practices?

Staying updated with changes in Bing Ads (now Microsoft Advertising) bidding features and best practices is crucial for maintaining effective and efficient ad campaigns. Here are several strategies you can use to keep yourself informed and ahead of the curve:

1. Follow Official Microsoft Advertising Resources
Microsoft Advertising Blog: Regularly check the Microsoft Advertising Blog for updates on new features, best practices, and case studies. This is the official source for changes to the platform, including updates to bidding features.

Help Center & Knowledge Base: Microsoft's official Help Center provides in-depth articles on bidding strategies, tools, and feature updates. It's a great resource for detailed, technical information on how to use new features effectively.

Release Notes: Microsoft provides release notes and documentation that detail new features, bug fixes, and any updates to bidding options on the platform.

2. Join Online Communities and Forums
Microsoft Advertising Community: Participate in the Microsoft Advertising Community, where advertisers share tips, ask questions, and discuss updates to bidding features. It's a great place to get feedback and learn about real-world usage of new bidding features.

Reddit and Other Forums: Subreddits like r/PPC and other digital marketing forums often have discussions around updates to Microsoft Advertising. These communities can be a valuable source of peer insights and experiences with new features.

3. Subscribe to Industry Newsletters
PPC Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters that specialize in paid search and PPC advertising. Examples include PPC Hero and Search Engine Land. These newsletters often cover updates from platforms like Bing Ads and provide insights on how to use new features effectively.

Marketing Blogs: Popular marketing blogs like Neil Patel, Moz, and WordStream frequently cover Bing Ads updates, including bidding strategies and best practices.

4. Attend Webinars and Online Training
Microsoft Advertising Webinars: Microsoft offers regular webinars and online training sessions to help advertisers learn about new features and best practices. These webinars often include live demonstrations and expert advice on using the latest bidding strategies.

Third-Party Training: Many PPC experts and agencies offer free or paid training on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Microsoft Advertising. Look for webinars or workshops focused on bidding and optimization strategies.

5. Utilize Social Media and Thought Leaders
Twitter: Follow thought leaders in the PPC space on Twitter, such as @PPCHero, @BingAds, and @siddharthv, as they often share updates and insights on new bidding features and best practices.

LinkedIn: Many digital marketers and Microsoft Advertising professionals share updates, case studies, and industry insights on LinkedIn. Follow Microsoft Advertising's official page as well as other experts in the field for the latest information.

6. Experiment with New Features
Beta Programs: Microsoft Advertising occasionally runs beta programs for new features. If you're eligible, participating in these beta tests can give you early access to new bidding features and allow you to experiment with them firsthand. Keep an eye on your Microsoft Advertising account for any beta opportunities.

Testing New Features in Campaigns: If Microsoft introduces a new bidding feature, test it on a small scale within your existing campaigns to see how it performs. Staying hands-on with new tools and features helps you stay ahead of the competition and ensures you understand the real-world application of the updates.

7. Monitor Competitor Activity
Competitor Insights: Keep an eye on competitor campaigns, especially those in similar industries or targeting the same keywords. Tools like SEMrush, SpyFu, or iSpionage allow you to analyze competitor bidding strategies and adjust your approach accordingly.

Competitive Analysis: Changes in bidding behavior from competitors may indicate shifts in platform features. If your competitors start using certain bidding strategies more effectively, it may be a signal to investigate those features further.

8. Engage with PPC Experts and Agencies
PPC Consultants: PPC experts and consultants are often early adopters of new features. If you work with a PPC agency or consultant, they can help you stay informed and adjust your bidding strategy accordingly.

Industry Events and Conferences: Attend digital marketing conferences such as SMX, Hero Conf, or Pubcon, where sessions often cover the latest trends in search advertising and bid management, including updates to Bing Ads.

9. Use Tools and Automation to Monitor Changes
Bid Management Tools: Platforms like SEMrush, WordStream, or Marin Software often integrate with Bing Ads and provide real-time insights into bidding performance. They also keep you updated with new features and best practices, which can help inform your bidding strategies.

Automated Reporting: Set up automated alerts and reports to track performance and notice any significant changes in trends or bidding results. Many platforms offer notifications when new features are released or performance metrics change.

Conclusion
Staying updated with changes in Bing Ads bidding features and best practices involves a combination of following official channels like blogs and webinars, engaging with the PPC community, subscribing to industry newsletters, testing new features, and leveraging tools and platforms to keep track of updates. By combining these strategies, you can ensure that you're always at the forefront of the latest developments and best practices in bidding on Bing Ads.