2025 GCPP Starlight Series: Pt 2 - Program Overview

Summary

In this 2025 Starlight series session, key updates for the GCP program are shared, focusing on the program's timeline, benefits, and certification requirements. Highlights include a deep dive into the premier and specialist programs, a spotlight on the GCP Opportunities Hub, and details about new features, such as app and video tracks. The session emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality standards and staying in good standing through re-evaluation. Additionally, there are insights into video monetization initiatives, and the future expansion of the GCP Opportunities Hub for platform partners. Key benefits and resources available through the GCP portal are also outlined.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Starlight series is a key program aimed at enhancing the experience for Google Certified Publishing Partners (GCPP).
• 😀 The program offers early access to new tools and training sessions to help partners maximize their growth opportunities.
• 😀 The certified publishing partner benefits include access to exclusive product opportunities and exposure to new features.
• 😀 Google has introduced new custom priority deal tiering and external APIs for better pod targeting in 2025.
• 😀 A major focus of the program is helping partners leverage video-specific resources and trainings to stay ahead in a competitive market.
• 😀 The GCP Opportunities Hub, which is crucial for resellers, will be extended later this year to include more partners.
• 😀 The roadmap for GAM 360 includes a detailed schedule of upcoming features and launches, available for partners via their account managers.
• 😀 Part 1 of the MCM-specific roadmap under the Starlight series has already been released for better alignment with partner needs.
• 😀 Google encourages partners to engage with their account managers for personalized roadmaps and strategic planning.
• 😀 The Q2 launch did not initially support resellers in the Opportunities Hub, but this will be rectified later in 2025.
• 😀 The video emphasized the importance of leveraging the benefits available through GCPP and staying informed about new updates and opportunities.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the 2025 Google Certified Publishing Partner (GCP) program?

The main focus for 2025 is to support a clean ecosystem through high-quality inventory and compliance with MCM and GCP program standards, while also scaling the impact of the specialist programs to drive value for the overall publisher ecosystem.

How does the GCP program structure help partners grow with Google?

The GCP program is structured into three key partner tiers: Premier, Certified, and Specialist. Each tier is designed to meet different partner needs, with Premier representing the top 5% of partners, Certified being the majority of partners, and Specialist focusing on expertise in certain product and services.

What are the key metrics of the GCP index?

The GCP index includes three key metrics: Quality Score, Growth Score, and User Advertiser Score. These metrics are critical for evaluating GCP performance and guiding partners on where to optimize their business.

What resources are available for certified GCP partners?

Certified partners have access to various resources, including the GCP portal, which houses program-related resources, benefits, and learning materials, as well as the Google for Publisher social channels and the GCP Publishers on Air platform for on-demand training.

How does the GCP Opportunities Hub support partners?

The GCP Opportunities Hub provides a platform for partners to access recommended opportunities aimed at optimizing monetization. It supports data-driven decisions, improves collaboration with account managers, and enhances overall efficiency to drive better revenue from managed content.

What is the certification and re-evaluation process for GCP partners?

GCP partners are re-evaluated every six months to ensure they meet ongoing program requirements, including quality score, activity requirements, and revenue performance. If a partner fails to meet these criteria, they receive a 90-day warning, and failure to comply may result in removal from the program.

What are the key differences between Premier and Specialist program tiers?

Premier partners represent the top 5% of certified GCPs based on revenue and GCP index, and they receive exclusive benefits such as marketing support and executive summits. Specialist partners, on the other hand, are experts in specific product or service areas (like apps or video), offering targeted solutions and additional benefits such as training and product betas.

When will the GCP opportunities hub be available for platform partners or resellers?

Currently, the GCP Opportunities Hub is not available for platform partners or resellers but there are plans to extend access later in 2025, allowing resellers to pitch opportunities at scale.

What are some of the monetization initiatives for video publishers in 2025?

Key monetization initiatives for video publishers include improving mediation solutions, expanding opportunities across OEMs, server-side unwrapping (SSU) to reduce latency, open bidding direct pay, and programmatic product improvements like external APIs and custom priority deal tiering.

How can GCP partners maintain good standing within the program?

To remain in good standing, GCP partners must consistently meet quality scores, activity requirements, and other program criteria. Additionally, partners need to pass the annual GCP product exam and comply with GCP policies, especially in areas like marketing and press releases.