Recent conversations around search arbitrage in the affiliate marketing world are heating up. If you're in the space, you’ve likely received a crucial update: Google Ads accounts will now be automatically opted out of serving ads on parked domains.
The first heads-up came in February, when Kirk Williams (Founder of Zato Marketing) shared a Google email on LinkedIn: "Starting March 19, your Google Ads account will be automatically opted out of advertising on parked domains." This early warning is like a pebble thrown into the lake, which has aroused widespread discussion in the industry. Recently, Google sent this email notification to some users again, and the adjustment time will start on April 14.
Email notification sent by Google in February
Email notification sent by Google in March
Interestingly, this wasn’t a complete surprise. Back in September 2024, Google had already hinted at this move, announcing that newly created accounts would default to disabling ads on parked domains starting October. Some of you might recall the buzz this generated at AWE Budapest 2024. Now, Google is applying the same logic platform-wide.
1. AFD vs. RSOC
AFD (AdSense for Domains) is Google’s legacy monetization tool for parked domains. It allows domain owners to generate revenue by showing ads to users arriving via direct navigation or paid referral traffic—without building a site. Ads are contextually targeted based on user location and device.
RSOC (Related Search on Content) is a newer Google feature that improves user experience by embedding relevant search queries within content (often at the top or in-line within articles). It helps increase engagement, boosts session duration, and directs users to more relevant searches.
2. Why Google is Taking Action
Although search arbitrage gained momentum in China’s outbound advertising ecosystem in early 2024, seasoned marketers know AFD has long occupied a gray zone. Some advertisers have misused parked domains to deliver low-quality, low-relevance ads, ultimately degrading the user experience.
Google's goal is clear: clean up the ad network, improve quality, and prioritize user-centric ad delivery.
For advertisers dependent on AFD traffic, this is a turning point. As parked domain traffic decreases and advertiser demand declines, cost per click (CPC) is expected to decrease, conversion rates may be negatively impacted, and business scalability will be challenged.
3. The Transition Window: From AFD to RSOC
However, this does not mean that AFD will immediately retire from the stage of history: according to the Clickflare team, it is expected that there will be another 6-8 month cycle, that is, by the autumn there may be a definite ending.
Feedback from Novabeyond’s media partners suggests the impact on China’s search arbitrage ecosystem has been moderate so far. While fluctuations are evident, the dramatic drop-off many feared hasn’t occurred yet.
These signals indicate that we can continue to operate in the current business for a certain period of time, which gives the market some time to adapt and transform AFS/RSOC.
4. RSOC Rises: The Smart Path to Monetizing High-Relevance Traffic
Compared to AFD, RSOC's content-first approach offers broader applicability and improved engagement. It can precisely target a wide range of traffic types, and because the ads are highly relevant to the user's search, they often lead to better click-through results. For advertisers and marketers looking to effectively monetize their traffic, RSOC offers a broader range of opportunities and revenue potential, making it a smarter choice today.
Google has shown a clear strategic intent in driving this shift. As RSOC matures and evolves, it is reshaping the industry landscape, forcing media buyers to adapt to new market conditions and keep innovating.
What Can You Do Now?
Stay Informed – Follow updates from Google and trusted sources. RSOC’s evolution is still in motion. Follow Novabeyond for real-time insights.
Start Experimenting – If RSOC is new to you, now is the perfect time to test and learn. Early adopters will gain a first-mover advantage.
At Novabeyond, we are a one-stop service provider focusing on providing comprehensive digital advertising and marketing solutions to global enterprises, and our current business mainly covers media placement, media agency, and programmatic advertising. If you need any media account opening services that can be placed in the process of placing CPL or searching for arbitrage products, such as Facebook, Google, native media (Taboola, MediaGo, MGID, Zemanta), social media (TikTok, BIGOAds, Kwai), Mintegral, etc., or need to connect with Clickflare, or want to get some experience in the process of applying for a feed, you are welcome to get in touch with our Novabeyond commercial team at any time.
Important Note: Novabeyond does not engage in traffic arbitrage. We focus on core digital services, offering strategic guidance and full-funnel solutions for partners navigating search arbitrage and performance media.
Let’s Talk
Email us at sales@novabeyond.com — let us know what you need, and we’ll help you transition confidently into this next phase of performance marketing.
