[Meta Advertising Case Study] A New Customer Acquisition Strategy for the AI Search Era: Proven 15% Increase in Google Search Traffic via Branded Search Driven by Meta Ads

DASHBOARD LTD. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Naoki Komakechi), a company specializing in web advertising operations support, has implemented a new advertising strategy using Meta ads to promote users' Google search behavior.

In recent years, the rapid advancement of generative AI technology has significantly changed how users gather information.

Traditionally, users would search for information about products or services of interest using search engines like Google. However, with the widespread adoption of AI-generated responses and information summarization features, the trend of "zero-click searches"—where users obtain information without visiting search result pages—is accelerating. This has become a new challenge for businesses, as it leads to reduced search-driven traffic to websites.

Under these changing conditions, acquiring organic traffic through general keyword searches is becoming increasingly difficult.

For businesses, it is no longer sufficient to simply be found on search results pages. It is now crucial to strengthen early engagement with users before they search, increasing their interest and awareness of the brand so that they actively search for the brand name and visit the website.

To address this, we launched an advertising campaign using Meta ads to enhance brand awareness and generate branded search traffic via Google.

We conducted a conversion lift test to measure how effectively Meta ads could drive website visits through branded searches.

Background: A New Approach to Driving Branded Search in the AI Era

Google search has long served as a critical touchpoint for users interested in products or services, supporting the marketing efforts of many companies.

However, as AI-powered search diversifies information-seeking behaviors, simply waiting for search demand to arise may no longer yield sufficient traffic.

Even if users are acquired through general keyword searches, they may still shift to competing brands during the comparison stage.

Therefore, it is essential to engage users before they begin searching—creating early touchpoints with the brand and fostering a desire to learn more: "I want to know more about this brand."

In this test, we utilized Meta ads as one such method.

Rather than designing Meta ads solely for direct conversions, we structured them as a strategy to boost brand awareness and drive branded searches, then validated the approach.

Test Overview: Measuring Search Lift with Search-Driving Creatives

In this initiative, we ran a brand awareness advertising campaign on Meta for a consumer goods manufacturer.

【Campaign Overview】

・Industry: Consumer Goods Manufacturer

・Campaign Period: May 1, 2026 – May 24, 2026

・Target Region: Nationwide in Japan

・Target Audience: Men and women aged 35–64

・Platform: Instagram

The creatives not only highlighted product features and brand appeal but also included copy encouraging search actions, such as "Search for the brand name."

The goal was not merely to prompt immediate clicks, but to increase interest in the brand and inspire users to search for it and visit the website on their own.

To visualize the actual increase in search behavior driven by Meta ads, we conducted Meta's Conversion Lift Test.

The Conversion Lift Test compares performance between a test group exposed to the ads and a control group not exposed, measuring the net incremental impact generated by the ads.

※Values shown are illustrative.

In this test, website visits via Google search were set as the conversion metric.

We analyzed the impact of Meta ads on branded search behavior.

Test Results: 15% Increase in Google Search Traffic Driven by Meta Ads

The results showed that exposure to Meta ads led to a 15% increase in website traffic from Google search.

※Some figures have been adjusted to protect client information. The growth rate reflects actual test results.

These results indicate that Meta ads can serve not only as a direct traffic driver but also as a catalyst for increasing brand awareness and prompting proactive user behavior on other channels, such as Google search.

Future Outlook

Naoki Komakechi, CEO

This test successfully demonstrated that Meta ads can increase user interest in a brand and drive higher website traffic via Google search.

However, this initiative focused on promoting branded search behavior. Further validation is needed to maximize downstream conversions, such as product purchases or inquiries, following the search.

Going forward, we aim to establish a cohesive advertising strategy that connects "awareness," "search," and "purchase" by designing integrated marketing journeys—from pre-search brand engagement to search results, landing pages, and conversion paths.

As information-seeking behaviors evolve with the spread of AI, DASHBOARD LTD. will strengthen its cross-channel marketing support, focusing not just on individual media performance but on the entire user journey.

For those interested in rethinking advertising strategies for the AI era or exploring new customer acquisition tactics using Meta ads, please feel free to contact us.

📤 Free consultation available here:

https://dash-b.co.jp/contact/

DASHBOARD LTD.

DASHBOARD is an advertising agency that provides end-to-end support for customer acquisition, conversion, and retention through web marketing.

One of the rare agencies holding the Meta Business Partner badge, we have a proven track record across a wide range of digital marketing platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Google, TikTok, Yahoo!, and LINE.

We offer comprehensive support—from strategic planning and creation of engaging creatives to performance optimization—maximizing the results of web marketing campaigns.

Meta Business Partner Agency

Company Overview

Company Name: DASHBOARD LTD.

Headquarters: 1-5-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 14F Jingumae Tower Building

Founded: August 13, 2013

CEO: Naoki Komakechi

Capital: 10,000,000 JPY

Official Website: https://dash-b.co.jp/

Business Activities:

1. Business Consulting

2. Internet-based Advertising Agency Services

3. Development and Operation of Internet Media

4. Distribution of Internet Content, Website Production, Operation, Maintenance, and Management

5. Operation and Management of E-commerce Sites

6. Planning, Production, and Operation of Events and Sales Promotions

7. All Ancillary and Related Business to the Above

▼ Media Inquiries ▼

Email: PR@dash-b.co.jp