Filed under: adwords, content search, google, google content, google sign in, internet demographics, search engine marketing, the future of search engine marketing | Tags: adwords, contextual search, demographic targeting, google, google content
The adwords blog has announced the launch of a demographic bidding beta test and is offering the chance for advertisers in the UK and the US to sign up for the trial. Reading into the release the targeting is only going to be available on the content network placement network and is dependent on the publisher site having the capability to provide the information on the users. If the site has this information, more often than not through a sign in system, then it will be shared anonymously to Google and the appropriate ads.
From the detail in this article the benefits of this system over MSN’s own demographic targeting system is that the system will allow you to up weight your bids by a higher percentage (MSN’s limit is 150%) and that you will also be able to choose not to show your ads to certain audiences. This is certainly an advance on MSN but the impact of it will be limited by the reliance on the publisher site and the fact that the targeting wont apply to the main Google search results, where it could have most benefit. This is obviously due to the fact that you dont need to be signed in to Google to use it although they could have implemented it for those people who have a Google account and perform searches whilst signed in. Maybe that will be in the next release, I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.
Filed under: content search, google, google content, natural search, search engine optimisation, sergey grin, serp, universal search, wiki, wikipedia
It was announced last week on the official google blog that Google are currently testing out their latest project Google Knol which is a wiki based information source populated by knowledgeable contributed and edited by the users. This is obviously a direct competition to Wikipedia and is based on the same principles and ideas.
Apparently the challenge posed by Larry, Sergey and Eric was to find a way to help people share their knowledge, and this was their solution. At the moment the tool is only open to a select group of invited individuals and the tool is in its first stage of development and testing but with the speed at which Google tend to do things I cant see it being long before its launched to the public. According to the article goal is for Knols to cover all topics and to highlight and credit authors, something which is rarely done online.
Much like on Wikipedia users will be able to submit edits, questions, comments, additional content etc etc but they can also include Adsense ads in relation to their article and earn a percentage of the revenue earned through these ads. This is where Knol might steel a march on Wikipedia as Wiki users participate for free and have no option to earn money. It is a nice touch from Google as they are appearing to be giving back to the contributors when in reality they are obviously taking the Lion’s share of the profits for themselves.
One question that does need to be asked is what does this mean for Wikipedia, and in particular their search rankings? They do very well in the natural results and Google have often been criticised for ranking the site so well. Could it be that we will start to see the demise of Wiki’s search rankings once Knol is introduced, now that would be convenient! However Google might not even need to do this as they say in their article “A Knol on a particular topic is meant to be the first thing someone who searches for this topic for the first time will want to read.” Which suggests to me that the Knol’s may become a part of the Universal Search page and appear above all the natural results anyway. Could the end be nigh for Wikipedia?
Tags: wikipedia, Google, universal search, google knol, knol
Filed under: google content, miva, miva precision network, precision network, vertical search marketing
Vertical search engines have been discussed for a while now. They have obvious benefits in terms of targeting but limitations in terms of search volume. Miva have recently tried to tap into this market with their precision network which has shown rather underwhelming results, conversion rates 5-10% higher than the standard network but costs as much as 100% higher! effectively pricing themselves out.
Google’s site targeting function is another route into the vertical communities and this holds more benefits as it will be no more expensive, and possibly cheaper, than their standard network. It is effectively the Google content market bu with the ability to select the sites and verticals you wish to appear on, meaning you can choose those most targeted to your industry.
Vertical search marketing allows for more accurate targeting and potential higher conversion rates but it remains to be seen whether this will be the case for the time being, the jury is still out!
Vertical communities are ‘the future of social networking’
by Hayley Pinkerfield Revolution UK 18-Jun-07, 11:45
LONDON
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and 10Duke have launched the first tennis-dedicated online network, claiming that vertical communities will displace the likes of YouTube and MySpace.
The ATP is using 10Duke’s technology platform to take its existing offline community online. Users can upload footage to 30Love.net via online and mobile to show off their tennis skills. Tennis fans can access behind the scenes clips from the pro tennis tour, view exclusive player video clips and share photos, videos and personal profiles.
Etienne de Villiers, ATP executive chairman and president, said: “30Love.net will be the online home for everyone with a love for tennis and is the latest stage of our ongoing drive to ensure the sport remains relevant. Huge opportunities exist for our sport online and 10Duke’s social networking platform allows us to bring together the tennis community in a way that we have never been done before.”Michael Leavey, CEO of 10Duke, added: “This will be one of the first world-wide communities of its kind, based on a particular interest rather than general sites such as YouTube or MySpace. Vertical communities will be the future of social networking.”Chris Seth, MD of online teen network, Piczo, questioned the niche network business model: “It remains to be seen whether consumers have the time and inclination to visit multiple niche social networks online. The difficulty with a niche strategy is around being first to market. Piczo and others have gained critical mass to create a community and have a viable business proposition for brands.”
The 30Love.net site will launch at the start of Wimbledon with support from leading ATP Players, and will be promoted at ATP’s 63 tournaments this year.
