• by Laurie Sullivan  @lauriesullivan, May 21, 2024

Extra Space Storage and Google are running a limited U.S. trial in Search Ads for a recommendations-driven ad unit that ties in generative artificial intelligence (GAI).

The very small test in the U.S. will roll out in the coming weeks, Google said Tuesday during a roundtable for press at Google Marketing Live.

A button within the ad connects the consumer in search results to an advertiser to start the process.

Consumers will take photos of the furniture needed to be stored during a home renovation, for example, and can then upload them through the ad into the GAI system. The technology calculates the space needed to store the future, along with any additional packing supplies required.

The AI returns a detailed recommendations list to the consumer. The transaction is completed on the Extra Space Storage website.

Google said it will test additional types of business in the future.

The photos will not be shared or stored with Google or the advertiser but are deleted, Google said. Pricing for the AI experience advertising unit has not been determined.

The ads are intended to guide consumers through complicated buying decisions using AI assistance.