> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.smaq.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.smaq.io/documentation/features/creative-intelligence/google-competitor-ads.md).

# Google Competitor Ads Monitor

The Google Competitor Ads Monitor scans the **Google Ads Transparency Center** for ads run by competitor advertisers. SMAQ pulls the ad creative, format (Search, Shopping, Display, Video), and any associated landing pages.

### What you need

* No Google Ads connection required — the Transparency Center is public.
* The competitor's **domain name** (e.g. `competitor.com`).
* Optionally, the region whose ads to scan.

### Configuration

> **\[Screenshot needed]** Configuration form with three competitor domains entered.

#### Competitor domains

Add one or more competitor domains. Each entry:

* **Domain** (e.g. `nike.com`)
* **Label** (optional)

Up to 10 competitors per automation.

#### Region

Pick the region (country) whose Transparency Center to scan. Defaults to the US if unspecified.

#### Schedule

Weekly is standard.

### Output

* **Email** with ads grouped by competitor, broken down by format (Search ad, Shopping ad, Display, YouTube ad).
* **Snapshot** with the full creative grid in-app.

The AI extracts themes — pricing emphasis, value propositions, hero benefits — and flags significant shifts.

> **\[Screenshot needed]** Example email output with a competitor section showing Search ad copy, Shopping ad thumbnails, and a Display ad creative.

### Limitations

* **Coverage varies by region.** Some regions have richer Transparency Center data than others.
* **No spend or impression data.** Same as Meta's Ad Library — creative only.
* **Smaller advertisers have less data.** The Transparency Center weights heavier-spend advertisers.

### Tips

* **Combine with Meta competitor ads.** Same competitors, different platforms — useful for spotting cross-channel theme alignment.
* **Watch landing pages, not just ads.** The Transparency Center exposes the landing URL. Click through occasionally — landing page changes often tell you more than the ad.

### Tier availability

* **Scale & Agency** — fully available.

### Related

* [Competitor Ads Monitor (Meta)](/documentation/features/creative-intelligence/competitor-ads-meta.md).
* [Search Term Analysis](/documentation/features/search-term-analysis.md) — for your own search-term performance.