Monday, February 28, 2005
JavaScript to Kill Google Autolink
I'm still not convinced that Google's new autolink feature is all that evil, but if you're interested in blocking Google from adding autolinks on your site, you can use SearchGuild's handy little JavaScript to Kill Google Autolink. I haven't tested it out, so I can't vouch for it's effectiveness, but if you're worried about autolink, give it a shot.
What Has Been Yahoo!'s Greatest Achievement?
This survey on Forbes.com asks what Yahoo's greatest achievement has been. Click over and weigh in on what you think it is. I won't spoil it for you, you've got to go over and vote to see the current results of this unscientific survey.
Search Engine Marketing Study from Internet Retailer
Internet Retailer has just posted the results of a search marketing survey among online retailers.
Based on a recent online survey by Internet Retailer, this enthusiasm for search engine marketing appears well justified. The online survey, conducted in the second week of February using the online survey system of WebSurveyor, was distributed to all 32,000 opt-in subscribers of Internet Retailer`s e-mail newsletter, IRNewsLink, asking respondents to provide details about and rate their experience with search engine marketing techniques to promote their e-retail sites.
Based on a recent online survey by Internet Retailer, this enthusiasm for search engine marketing appears well justified. The online survey, conducted in the second week of February using the online survey system of WebSurveyor, was distributed to all 32,000 opt-in subscribers of Internet Retailer`s e-mail newsletter, IRNewsLink, asking respondents to provide details about and rate their experience with search engine marketing techniques to promote their e-retail sites.
Trip Down Yahoo Memory Lane
Happy birthday, Yahoo! The search/portal pioneer just turned 10 years old. An article on USAToday.com talks about the company's roots and what they've evolved to in their first 10 years.
"In some ways, it feels like we have been doing this for as long as we can remember, but in other ways it feels like we are still at the beginning. Ten years from now, things are going to look vastly different." - David Filo.
More
"In some ways, it feels like we have been doing this for as long as we can remember, but in other ways it feels like we are still at the beginning. Ten years from now, things are going to look vastly different." - David Filo.
More
Google Article on GQ
Friday, February 25, 2005
AOL Does Local Search
AOL hops on the local search bandwagon. Here's an excerpt from the article on Mediapost:
"'They're bringing together an impressive collection of local content, and they're grouping it behind this interface. It's a pretty comprehensive offering,' he said. 'This puts them in the top tier of local search. The challenge for them is to make users aware of search generally and local search specifically--their market share is not in the top three.'"
MediaPost Article
"'They're bringing together an impressive collection of local content, and they're grouping it behind this interface. It's a pretty comprehensive offering,' he said. 'This puts them in the top tier of local search. The challenge for them is to make users aware of search generally and local search specifically--their market share is not in the top three.'"
MediaPost Article
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Google Impression Spam
Google doesn't appear too worried about impression spam--defined as: ad impressions generated outside of normal search activity, in some cases deliberate in other cases not deliberate. I don't know if they say they're not worried because they don't care, or because they feel like they have a handle on it.
There's an article on clickz about it today. I assume most Google advertisers are concerned about the issue. I know I am. I don't want to have to pay a higher CPC just because some jerk jacked up the impressions for my keywords. I think Google's CTR-based ranking system is great in a perfect world--that is in a world with no cheaters. The problem is, there are a lot of dishonest, unethical marketers online who will do what they can to cheat the system.
I actually like the idea of having the ad's placement based partly on CTR. I just hope Google has some reliable checks in place to stop impression spammers. I hope they really are able to keep up with the spammers on this issue as well as click fraud and all the other issues that keep coming up. It would probably be better if we'd keep quiet about it so we don't give spammers any ideas.
Oops. Me and my big mouth.
There's an article on clickz about it today. I assume most Google advertisers are concerned about the issue. I know I am. I don't want to have to pay a higher CPC just because some jerk jacked up the impressions for my keywords. I think Google's CTR-based ranking system is great in a perfect world--that is in a world with no cheaters. The problem is, there are a lot of dishonest, unethical marketers online who will do what they can to cheat the system.
I actually like the idea of having the ad's placement based partly on CTR. I just hope Google has some reliable checks in place to stop impression spammers. I hope they really are able to keep up with the spammers on this issue as well as click fraud and all the other issues that keep coming up. It would probably be better if we'd keep quiet about it so we don't give spammers any ideas.
Oops. Me and my big mouth.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
MSN Search Will Sponsor Mensa Events
I guess smart people use MSN search. Who knew? Or is it that even geniuses can't resist the power of the almighty buck.
Lycos Dating Search Engine is a Huge Mistake
Jason Dowdell isn't too keen on the new Lycos Dating Search Engine. I don't know much about this new search engine (or online dating for that matter), but it seems like they're just trying to be the online dating version of yahoo shopping or froogle. In fact, Jason cites that as one of the problems with the business model, but I don't really think Froogle and the other shopping search sites are suffering too badly. It seems like a feed-based model makes the most sense when you have a bunch of different sites all using unique formats for the same information. I don't know enough about this to say whether it's a good business model or not, but that hasn't stopped most of the search engines from making stupid decisions in the past, why should they start now?
Lycos to Launch Dating Search
Looks like Lycos is getting into the dating niche with a dating search engine that will search personal ads from multiple dating sites.
Article on Clickz
Article on Clickz
A9 Search Looks to Patent Behavioral Search
Amazon's A9 search engine wants to get a lock on the biz of targeting search results based on past user behavior with a patent on their system.
Article on Internetnews.com
Article on Internetnews.com
Smart Searches Without Google
We all know Google's the bomb, but what would we do if we woke up tomorrow and Google was gone? Sure, I know it won't happen, but if it did, there would be other ways to find information and survive online.
Steve Bass gives a few ideas for Google alternates in his PC World column. I like that he points to some really good, unique resources (hint: it's more than just other search engines).
Steve Bass gives a few ideas for Google alternates in his PC World column. I like that he points to some really good, unique resources (hint: it's more than just other search engines).
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Picsearch announces collaboration with MSN for image search
Apparently MSN has already integrated Picsearch's technology into the new and improved MSN search
Picsearch announced today that it has entered into an agreement to supply the new MSN Search service with image search services. This means that MSN consumers may search for electronic images on the Internet using technology made available by Picsearch.
Nils Andersson, CEO of Picsearch, said "I am very excited that Picsearch's technology will be used to find images on the Web for this worldwide service. MSN shares our desire to be at the forefront of the net search market. Picsearch will continue providing the highest quality image search service in the world. New features are always being developed."
The new MSN Search, launched on February 1, delivers the information consumers are looking for online more precisely through a combination of up-to-date resources and search tools that make it possible for consumers to tailor their search to their needs. With a database of hundreds of millions of images Picsearch forms part of this integrated service.
press release
By the way, their image search seems to be very good. I haven't used it much, but it always pulled up what I was looking for in a couple test searches. I'm guessing they use a similar search algorithm to Google's image search.
Picsearch announced today that it has entered into an agreement to supply the new MSN Search service with image search services. This means that MSN consumers may search for electronic images on the Internet using technology made available by Picsearch.
Nils Andersson, CEO of Picsearch, said "I am very excited that Picsearch's technology will be used to find images on the Web for this worldwide service. MSN shares our desire to be at the forefront of the net search market. Picsearch will continue providing the highest quality image search service in the world. New features are always being developed."
The new MSN Search, launched on February 1, delivers the information consumers are looking for online more precisely through a combination of up-to-date resources and search tools that make it possible for consumers to tailor their search to their needs. With a database of hundreds of millions of images Picsearch forms part of this integrated service.
press release
By the way, their image search seems to be very good. I haven't used it much, but it always pulled up what I was looking for in a couple test searches. I'm guessing they use a similar search algorithm to Google's image search.
News Flash! Big Companies are Clueless About Search
I guess some things never change. Or at least they're very slow to change. Oneupweb does a study every year about the same issue. It will be interesting to see what their study turns up this year after a couple hot years for search marketing. It seems like companies are starting to get a clue about search, although it's more of a clue that tells them they need to get a clue about search marketing.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Google AutoLink Gets Some Blog Time
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Is The New Google Toolbar Stealing Traffic?
Andy Beal mentions an article on CNet that suggests the new AutoLink feature in the Google Toolbar could be accused of stealing traffic.
I still haven't had a chance to try out the new toolbar, but everything I've read about it leads me to believe that it's a fairly benign applicaction, that only provides actually useful info (Read: not ads), and even that is only upon a user's request for the info. I don't see how that's any different than just searching from the google toolbar. Keep in mind this is Google we're talking about, so it's sure to catch a lot of attention, but that's to be expected in these Google-happy times.
I still haven't had a chance to try out the new toolbar, but everything I've read about it leads me to believe that it's a fairly benign applicaction, that only provides actually useful info (Read: not ads), and even that is only upon a user's request for the info. I don't see how that's any different than just searching from the google toolbar. Keep in mind this is Google we're talking about, so it's sure to catch a lot of attention, but that's to be expected in these Google-happy times.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Show me some of that love
Everyone seems to be playing Google games these days. It's fun, free, and easily impresses your friends. How about the latest Love/Hate brand scores from Jennifer Rice? Looks like Linux, Google and Apple are the most loved brands. And the most hated? I'll give you one guess. Yep, it starts with an "M" and ends with an "icrosoft".
Speaking of fun google games, if you haven't seen it already, be sure to pay a visit to Google Fight - it's a graphical representation of the love/hate phonemenon mentioned above.
Speaking of fun google games, if you haven't seen it already, be sure to pay a visit to Google Fight - it's a graphical representation of the love/hate phonemenon mentioned above.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
ABC News: One-on-One with Bill Gates
Peter Jennings interviewed Bill Gates on ABC News last night. I missed the interview, but just read the online transcript . Pretty interesting article. They talk briefly about competing with Google, but mostly touch on a lot of different topics.
Here's an excerpt:
Well, I have a meeting today with our people doing search. And that's an area where Google has got out in front, does a very good job. We're sort of the David vs. Goliath in that (chuckles) particular battle so we'll have fun talking to them about their progress. I am meeting with our tablet people about the idea of carrying text books around. They'll have just a tablet device that they can call up the material on. That's been a dream for a long time, we're making progress there. So review of the software projects and encouraging them in terms of what they are doing well and telling them who else they need to work with. That's the primary thing on my schedule.
Here's an excerpt:
Well, I have a meeting today with our people doing search. And that's an area where Google has got out in front, does a very good job. We're sort of the David vs. Goliath in that (chuckles) particular battle so we'll have fun talking to them about their progress. I am meeting with our tablet people about the idea of carrying text books around. They'll have just a tablet device that they can call up the material on. That's been a dream for a long time, we're making progress there. So review of the software projects and encouraging them in terms of what they are doing well and telling them who else they need to work with. That's the primary thing on my schedule.
Google soups up search toolbar, adds new features
CNet Reports on the new Google Toolbar. One interesting feature of this new toolbar is the AutoLink feature. I haven't tried out the new toolbar yet, but this is what they say about the autolink feature:
The online review of a great new restaurant has the place's address but no map. You could type the restaurant's street, city, and ZIP code into the search box, but why bother, when clicking the Toolbar's AutoLink button will automatically create a link to an online map (US addresses only)? AutoLink can also link package tracking numbers to delivery status, VIN numbers (US) to vehicle history, and publication ISBN numbers to Amazon.com listings.
It sounds like it could be a useful feature, but it also is not clear if those links will include advertising links. If they are purchased by advertisers (adwords advertisers?), it sounds a lot like ezula's toptext and Microsoft's smart tags--both of which generated a lot of negative feedback from the public. Like I said, I haven't tried it out yet, but it seems like this is a little different because it sounds like it doesn't automatically add links to website content, it's an optional feature that requires the user to ask for "AutoLinks". Besides, this is Google, the darling of the Internet. They can't do anything evil, right?
The online review of a great new restaurant has the place's address but no map. You could type the restaurant's street, city, and ZIP code into the search box, but why bother, when clicking the Toolbar's AutoLink button will automatically create a link to an online map (US addresses only)? AutoLink can also link package tracking numbers to delivery status, VIN numbers (US) to vehicle history, and publication ISBN numbers to Amazon.com listings.
It sounds like it could be a useful feature, but it also is not clear if those links will include advertising links. If they are purchased by advertisers (adwords advertisers?), it sounds a lot like ezula's toptext and Microsoft's smart tags--both of which generated a lot of negative feedback from the public. Like I said, I haven't tried it out yet, but it seems like this is a little different because it sounds like it doesn't automatically add links to website content, it's an optional feature that requires the user to ask for "AutoLinks". Besides, this is Google, the darling of the Internet. They can't do anything evil, right?
eComXpo Starts Today
I'l be attending my first virtual tradeshow today: eComXpo - it's an online tradeshow for affiliate marketing. I'll be interested to see how it works and if I can get any useful info and/or contacts out of it. I'll post any helpful tidbits I get out of it.
I just logged in and they have this flash tradeshow floor, complete with the sound of a crowd of people milling around the place. Kind of funny, but a nice touch, I guess.
I just logged in and they have this flash tradeshow floor, complete with the sound of a crowd of people milling around the place. Kind of funny, but a nice touch, I guess.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Google Employees give Democratic-ly
An interesting article on USA Today reveals the political leanings of Google employees--overwhelmingly democratic--at least among those who are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
"Google employees gave $207,650 to federal candidates for last year's elections, up from just $250 in 2000 when it was still a start-up. And 98% went to Democrats, the biggest share among top tech donors, a new USA TODAY campaign finance analysis shows."
Read More
"Google employees gave $207,650 to federal candidates for last year's elections, up from just $250 in 2000 when it was still a start-up. And 98% went to Democrats, the biggest share among top tech donors, a new USA TODAY campaign finance analysis shows."
Read More
Friday, February 11, 2005
Would You Like a Side of Affiliate Marketing with That?
Today I was a special guest at the Rocky Mountain Affiliate Marketing Association's meeting. It's a local organization (here in Utah) of companies running online affiliate marketing programs. I guess they wanted to get the affiliate marketer's perspective on how to attract the best affiliates and keep them happy.To be honest, I don't recall much of what I said, but I'm sure it was all very inspiring. Mostly I wanted to open it up to questions to see what they wanted to know. They all seemed pretty interested in what I have to say. It's rare that they get the chance to talk face to face with an affiliate like that. I know I haven't met many affiliate managers I work with in person. It was also interesting to hear a bunch of affiliate managers talk about the world of affiliate marketing, to see kind of what makes them tick...too bad I had to leave before they got into any of the real secrets of the trade.
The meeting was at 1800 CONTACTS in Draper, where they have a full-time chef. The grilled ahi was highly recommended by the chef, but I decided to go with the prime rib--it was very good. The heath/chocolate chip cookies also got my stamp of approval for dessert.
If by chance anyone from the meeting reads this and has any questions, call or email anytime.
Thanks again for letting me sit in on your meeting!
The meeting was at 1800 CONTACTS in Draper, where they have a full-time chef. The grilled ahi was highly recommended by the chef, but I decided to go with the prime rib--it was very good. The heath/chocolate chip cookies also got my stamp of approval for dessert.
If by chance anyone from the meeting reads this and has any questions, call or email anytime.
Thanks again for letting me sit in on your meeting!
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Yahoo! Toolbar for Firefox
Yahoo has officially embraded the Firefox crowd with it's Yahoo! Toolbar for Firefox.
Of course, many firefox users (myself included) have been using the Firefox UltraBar with great results. The thing I like about the Ultrabar is that you can search several engines (including yahoo) very easily, without having to install a bunch of different toolbars.
Of course, many firefox users (myself included) have been using the Firefox UltraBar with great results. The thing I like about the Ultrabar is that you can search several engines (including yahoo) very easily, without having to install a bunch of different toolbars.
Highlights from Google's Analysts Day
Don't have time for the 4 hour analyst conference? Nick over at Threadwatch boils it down to the four most important bullet points from the conference.
My favorite: the statement that beta products could stay in beta for up to 5 years!
Greg Linden also comments on Google analyst day
My favorite: the statement that beta products could stay in beta for up to 5 years!
Greg Linden also comments on Google analyst day
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Teens Aren't so Net Savvy After All
This article on internetretailer.com points to data from a study conducted last month by Nielsen Norman Group as proof that teenagers aren't such hot stuff online.
“Teens are not the technowizards many assume,” at least when it comes to the Internet, Nielsen Norman’s report “Teenagers on the Web” concludes. Among the key findings: Teens achieved a success rate in completing web tasks of 55%. Adults achieve a success rate of 66%."
This is a very interesting concept, and I think the first time I've ever seen a study specifically addressing this issue. It seems that teens give up more quickly than adults. Adults are more determined (stubborn?) so they use "some sort of secondary strategy" to find what they're looking for. Teens ditch out or move on to more important things like chatting with friends.
What does all this mean? Besides proving that teens aren't all the tech whizes some people have pegged them as, it makes a strong case for intuitive user interface design. Make it easy to get to your products if you want teens to have a chance to find them.
Here's the link to the original study by Nielson/Norman (129 bucks!)
“Teens are not the technowizards many assume,” at least when it comes to the Internet, Nielsen Norman’s report “Teenagers on the Web” concludes. Among the key findings: Teens achieved a success rate in completing web tasks of 55%. Adults achieve a success rate of 66%."
This is a very interesting concept, and I think the first time I've ever seen a study specifically addressing this issue. It seems that teens give up more quickly than adults. Adults are more determined (stubborn?) so they use "some sort of secondary strategy" to find what they're looking for. Teens ditch out or move on to more important things like chatting with friends.
What does all this mean? Besides proving that teens aren't all the tech whizes some people have pegged them as, it makes a strong case for intuitive user interface design. Make it easy to get to your products if you want teens to have a chance to find them.
Here's the link to the original study by Nielson/Norman (129 bucks!)
It's Official - Ask Jeeves Buys Bloglines
The rumors proved true with the official announcement of the purchase of Bloglines by Ask Jeeves. Bloglines has published a fairly comprehensive FAQ about the purchase.
Here's the answer to why Ask Jeeves bought bloglines:
Steve Berkowitz, the CEO of Ask Jeeves Inc., has stated that the company's strategy is to build or acquire differentiated, next-generation and best-in-class information products or technologies. By purchasing Bloglines, the leading free, online service for searching, subscribing, publishing and sharing RSS news feeds and blogs, Ask Jeeves is able to add this rich web content to its search technologies. Like Bloglines, Ask Jeeves is dedicated to providing the most innovative solutions for helping consumers and business users manage the web information overload they face every day.
As a sidenote: Danny Sullivan wrote an interesting post on his blog about the fact that many in the media knew about this deal going down, but was under a media embargo to not say anything until it was officially announced. He discusses how it's not just bloggers who can't keep these types of secrets, reporters in traditional media do it all the time.
Here's the answer to why Ask Jeeves bought bloglines:
Steve Berkowitz, the CEO of Ask Jeeves Inc., has stated that the company's strategy is to build or acquire differentiated, next-generation and best-in-class information products or technologies. By purchasing Bloglines, the leading free, online service for searching, subscribing, publishing and sharing RSS news feeds and blogs, Ask Jeeves is able to add this rich web content to its search technologies. Like Bloglines, Ask Jeeves is dedicated to providing the most innovative solutions for helping consumers and business users manage the web information overload they face every day.
As a sidenote: Danny Sullivan wrote an interesting post on his blog about the fact that many in the media knew about this deal going down, but was under a media embargo to not say anything until it was officially announced. He discusses how it's not just bloggers who can't keep these types of secrets, reporters in traditional media do it all the time.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Ask Jeeves Buys Bloglines
I've been reading all kinds of rumors that Ask Jeeves has bought Bloglines. It is supposedly going to be announced on Monday or Tuesday. If it turns out to be true, that could be a big part of the reason they decided to join the blogosphere with their own blog.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Super Bowl Advertisements Already Being Searched On
We've got a couple days before the big game, but people are already looking for the famous superbowl ads, according to Yahoo's Buzz Index:
"The Super Bowl is often (OK, always) overshadowed by what transpires off the field. The game's halftime entertainment has become an event in and of itself in recent years, and that ill-received evolution from marching bands to strip shows is having an effect on which commercials make it on the air. Indeed, Janet and Justin's forbidden dance in '04 inspired so much 'moral outrage' advertisers (namely Budweiser and Ford) are engaging in self-censorship, voluntarily pulling their own randy ads before they have a chance to offend anyone. Of course, these attempts to keep doe-eyed Americans away from impure thoughts have only served to increase interest in the too hot for TV commercials -- searches on 'Budweiser commercial' are up 1,640% this week. Goodness gracious, it's like prohibition all over again! Interest in Ford's defunct ad featuring a defrocked priest is soaring as well. Just like the game itself, we'll have to wait to see which surviving ads come out as winners, but from the looks of search, most armchair critics are running out of patience. Searches on '2005 Super Bowl commercials' have already surged 123%, and we're still days away from kickoff."
"The Super Bowl is often (OK, always) overshadowed by what transpires off the field. The game's halftime entertainment has become an event in and of itself in recent years, and that ill-received evolution from marching bands to strip shows is having an effect on which commercials make it on the air. Indeed, Janet and Justin's forbidden dance in '04 inspired so much 'moral outrage' advertisers (namely Budweiser and Ford) are engaging in self-censorship, voluntarily pulling their own randy ads before they have a chance to offend anyone. Of course, these attempts to keep doe-eyed Americans away from impure thoughts have only served to increase interest in the too hot for TV commercials -- searches on 'Budweiser commercial' are up 1,640% this week. Goodness gracious, it's like prohibition all over again! Interest in Ford's defunct ad featuring a defrocked priest is soaring as well. Just like the game itself, we'll have to wait to see which surviving ads come out as winners, but from the looks of search, most armchair critics are running out of patience. Searches on '2005 Super Bowl commercials' have already surged 123%, and we're still days away from kickoff."
The Butler Did It
Ask Jeeves just announced their fourth quarter results, and the butler aint' doing so bad. Granted, it's not quite in the same league as Google, but how about doubling their profits? Not bad!
Ask Jeeves, Inc. (ASKJ) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2004.
Revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 were $86.1 million. These fourth quarter results represent 170% growth over revenues of $31.8 million for the comparable year-ago quarter.
"In the fourth quarter Ask Jeeves once again showed strong growth -- financially, from a traffic standpoint, and in terms of our products," said Steve Berkowitz, Ask Jeeves' CEO. "This quarter was the culmination of a great year for the Company. We launched many innovative features and products to make searching easier and more useful. Users responded positively, leading to gains in both reach and frequency. In 2005, we plan to continue to outgrow the search market as a whole as we roll out new products, build on the differentiation of our core technologies, and expand globally."
Press Release from Ask Jeeves
Ask Jeeves, Inc. (ASKJ) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2004.
Revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 were $86.1 million. These fourth quarter results represent 170% growth over revenues of $31.8 million for the comparable year-ago quarter.
"In the fourth quarter Ask Jeeves once again showed strong growth -- financially, from a traffic standpoint, and in terms of our products," said Steve Berkowitz, Ask Jeeves' CEO. "This quarter was the culmination of a great year for the Company. We launched many innovative features and products to make searching easier and more useful. Users responded positively, leading to gains in both reach and frequency. In 2005, we plan to continue to outgrow the search market as a whole as we roll out new products, build on the differentiation of our core technologies, and expand globally."
Press Release from Ask Jeeves
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Yahoo launches 'contextual' search
Yahoo's new contextual search tool lets users search for more information about a site's content without leaving the site. This new search tool can be embedded in a site by webmasters. Yahoo also has a toolbar users can download to do this type of searching.
It is definitely a different twist on the contextual search idea. It seems like kind of mix between ezula's infamous toptext and google adwords, with a toolbar thrown in for good measure.
Right now it's mostly a gee-whiz feature, but could potentially become a rival for google's adsense if yahoo decides to share cpc revenue with publishers who implement the technology.
It is definitely a different twist on the contextual search idea. It seems like kind of mix between ezula's infamous toptext and google adwords, with a toolbar thrown in for good measure.
Right now it's mostly a gee-whiz feature, but could potentially become a rival for google's adsense if yahoo decides to share cpc revenue with publishers who implement the technology.
Google Takes Adds Local Search to Homepage
"Google has taken live on its homepage a new service for locating local businesses, which scours millions of Web pages and crosschecks the results with the Yellow Pages data. Google Local was previously part of the company's Google Labs development sandbox, but has now been deemed ready for widespread use."
from BetaNews
from BetaNews
Fathom Online News and Events
CPC rates on paid search dropped during January, according to Fathom Online:
In the month following the 2004 holiday season’s $23 billion online shopping binge, the price that advertisers paid for keywords dropped an average three percent, according to Fathom Online, a leading Search Engine Marketing (SEM) company that has been tracking the prices since Q3 ‘04.
Read the press release
In the month following the 2004 holiday season’s $23 billion online shopping binge, the price that advertisers paid for keywords dropped an average three percent, according to Fathom Online, a leading Search Engine Marketing (SEM) company that has been tracking the prices since Q3 ‘04.
Read the press release
MSN Search test finds some flaws
Edward Baig at USAToday gives a fairly positive reveiw of the new and improved MSN search, but says it failed some of his tests when it came to answering "natural language" questions.
Here's an excerpt from his article:
"Surprisingly, MSN Search also flubbed a question on Microsoft's fact sheet. I typed 'Who won the Super Bowl in 1977?' The answer couldn't be found without digging through links. (You'd think the Microsoft PR team would have made certain the sample questions worked.) When I subbed in World Series, MSN showed the Yankees as the 1977 champs.
How you word a question is critical. 'When was the Jurassic period?' elicits an instant answer. 'When was the Jurassic age?' does not."
He also was less than impressed with MSN's local search features and desktop search.
Read the article on USATODAY.com
Here's an excerpt from his article:
"Surprisingly, MSN Search also flubbed a question on Microsoft's fact sheet. I typed 'Who won the Super Bowl in 1977?' The answer couldn't be found without digging through links. (You'd think the Microsoft PR team would have made certain the sample questions worked.) When I subbed in World Series, MSN showed the Yankees as the 1977 champs.
How you word a question is critical. 'When was the Jurassic period?' elicits an instant answer. 'When was the Jurassic age?' does not."
He also was less than impressed with MSN's local search features and desktop search.
Read the article on USATODAY.com
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Google Announces Record Revenues for 2004
Once again, the King of search backs it up with record financial results in Q4. From Google's Press Center:
"Google reported record revenues of $1.032 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2004, up 101% year over year. Google reports its revenues, consistent with GAAP, on a gross basis without deducting traffic acquisition costs ("TAC"), or the portion of revenues shared with our partners."
"Google reported record revenues of $1.032 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2004, up 101% year over year. Google reports its revenues, consistent with GAAP, on a gross basis without deducting traffic acquisition costs ("TAC"), or the portion of revenues shared with our partners."
Google Becomes a Domain Name Registrar
There's been quite a bit of chatter over the past day or so about Google's reasons for becoming a domain registrar. Like everyone else and their dog, I can think of several reasons why Google would have an interest in being a domain registrar. A company spokes person from Google gave this statement about it:
"'Google has become a domain name registrar to learn more about the Internet's domain name system,' a Google spokesperson said in a statement. 'While we have no plans to register domains at this time, we believe this information can help us increase the quality of our search results.'"
I really don't think this is a very big deal. I have to assume Google is telling the truth that they don't plan on opening up shop to sell domain names, but rather have become a registrar to simply understand the process and get a "look under the hood" of domain registrations. Besides that, their are several viable business reasons they might want to be a registrar, not the least of which being an opportunity to grow their Adwords for domains product.
If it weren't Google, nobody would care. But this is Google, so let the media frenzy begin...oh, nevermind, it already has begun.
Matt Hicks wrote a good article about this on eWeek.
List of registrars from IANA (Google is #895)
"'Google has become a domain name registrar to learn more about the Internet's domain name system,' a Google spokesperson said in a statement. 'While we have no plans to register domains at this time, we believe this information can help us increase the quality of our search results.'"
I really don't think this is a very big deal. I have to assume Google is telling the truth that they don't plan on opening up shop to sell domain names, but rather have become a registrar to simply understand the process and get a "look under the hood" of domain registrations. Besides that, their are several viable business reasons they might want to be a registrar, not the least of which being an opportunity to grow their Adwords for domains product.
If it weren't Google, nobody would care. But this is Google, so let the media frenzy begin...oh, nevermind, it already has begun.
Matt Hicks wrote a good article about this on eWeek.
List of registrars from IANA (Google is #895)
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Microsoft launching search tool in ad blitz
It should come as no surprise that Microsoft is getting ready to unleash a massive ad campaign--starting today, according to the Seattle Times.
Here's a good quote from the article:
Microsoft executives have repeatedly admitted to missteps in search. Just last week, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, company Chairman Bill Gates summed up Microsoft's past approach bluntly.
"We were stupid as hell," he said, according to a report from Dow Jones Newswires. MSN debuted a test version of its search engine in November but was still using technology from Yahoo! to run its main search engine.
More from Seattle Times
Here's a good quote from the article:
Microsoft executives have repeatedly admitted to missteps in search. Just last week, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, company Chairman Bill Gates summed up Microsoft's past approach bluntly.
"We were stupid as hell," he said, according to a report from Dow Jones Newswires. MSN debuted a test version of its search engine in November but was still using technology from Yahoo! to run its main search engine.
More from Seattle Times
MSN Search Officially Launches
It's official - MSN is out of beta testing. It seems like it's been about 100% live for a couple weeks anyway, but now it's official. You won't see much different than you've been seeing with the beta search. The "beta" under the MSN logo is gone now, but the results look the same as they were in the most recent beta version. MSN also launched a redesigned homepage today. The new homepage is supposed to be streamlined and load 50% faster. Looks like they just eased up on the graphics and went with more text. It's still the portal-style site we've grown accustomed to with plenty-o-links. They still pay homage to the minimalist "Google style" at the search homepage: search.msn.com.
Another big change that went live today was the addition of a prominent MSN search box on Microsoft.com. I'm sure that one simple step will give them a nice boost in search volume. I think it's safe to say Microsoft is ready to pull out all the stops in going after a bigger share of the search market. It's great to see. I think competition is good for the business.
The launch was announced on the MSN blog late last night.
Another big change that went live today was the addition of a prominent MSN search box on Microsoft.com. I'm sure that one simple step will give them a nice boost in search volume. I think it's safe to say Microsoft is ready to pull out all the stops in going after a bigger share of the search market. It's great to see. I think competition is good for the business.
The launch was announced on the MSN blog late last night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
