Google Testing Images On Google Product Queries?
I just happened to do some random searches today only to find that when you do a search for a part number, of specific search on a product, they are showing an image next to the three results that appear on the first page of SERP’s. Obviously this is a further step towards Google’s Universal search, or “Blended Search” as some call it. I think this will certainly create more clickthroughs on Google products. Remember tests have shown that an image is more likely to get a click. Take a sneak peek below: (Picture coming soon, it dissipeared on me???)
Google Say’s Goodbye To Performics (Marketing)
It was announced today by Google and Matt Cutts blog that they are going sell the Internet Marketing aspect of Performics to a third party to avoid a conflict of interest. Woo Hoo!! I think we are all glad to hear about that.
Read more about this below:
Google Gets Deeper Into the Mobile Market
For some time now Google has been showing that it is, indeed, serious about being a (if not the) major player in the mobile advertising market. After launching the mobile advertising platform (which is like AdSense for the mobile), Google is now dabbling in the mobile social networks market in a big way.
Google has their own SM site, www.orkut.com, but have also taken over www.zingku.com , a company that makes it possible for marketers to send advertising messages to mobile social networks. Zingku allows users to share a variety of information like content, pictures, text messages, video, email and other activities all over your mobile device.
A very interesting feature that Zingku has introduced is the flyer function. The function makes it possible for marketers to send promotional messages to Zingku members who can choose to receive these messages via a “zing code”. The flyer function allows members to interact with these promotional messages by allowing them to travel through text and picture messages. (Welcome to the 21st century!)
Why Put Video on My Website?
Video search as I commented before in our blog, will provide driving growth that marketers will need to consider. Today I noticed interesting changes in Google’s search engine results. The sponsored ads to the right are in a full yellow box, and right below them appears YouTube videos, and news articles, just like they said they would at SMX, in fact Tim wrote about this here. They are also appearing in the top 10 results in the organic listings, so basiclly, the video gets two recognitions!
I won’t go on about ‘Stats’ showing why you need to put video in your website, but let me reason with you a bit as to why you had better get on the stick.
Think about this, when you are sitting on your couch, like Tim does all day, watching your favorite athlete (Me) are you interested in commercials? No! you are in “lean back” and “Chill” mode aren’t you? That’s because you are in “sports watching mode”.
Conversely, when you are on the internet, you are likely in “search” mode, you are looking for a service, product, or educational feedback, thus you are in ‘Lean forward’ mode, and are more inclined to view videos, or video commercials right! Yes, just agree with me, you are in the search process.
Google AudioAds – Reaching Offline Customers
I was editing some of my PPC ads this morning, when I finally took a few 
minutes to read up on this. Google has some compelling points, like “57% of online radio listeners look up items on the web after hearing an audio ad”. Now, Google AudioAds really seem to be aimed at the offline customer, where people can hear your ad whether they’re driving to work, or the gym, or the store, you can still get your message across.
If you do decide to advertise with Google AudioAds, or to recommend a client to do so, do your homework on this one. Google claims you will be able to 
“Showcase your business on over 1,600 terrestrial FM and AM radio stations across the U.S., targeting your [currently offline - probably in their car listening to their iPod or standing in line at Starbucks talking on their cellphone, hmmm?] customers on “top ten” stations in all 25 of the most popular US markets.”
Now, granted, these AudioAds do sound very professional, and I can wrap my mind around this ‘potentially’ working for SEM. Listen for yourself, take a minute and listen to some of these already local AudioAds already playing.
New Search Box Appearing Under SiteLinks?
Take a look at this picture. Have you guys seen this? On several large websites, there appears a search box under the SERP’s, with the sitelinks. I have been following a forum post over at WebmasterWorld on this subject. If you hear any more about this, please let me know, my curiosity is killing me!
You Better Watch Your Display URL! Google Will Getcha!
It appears that Google is coming down a tad hard on those that are using redirect and vanity URL’s as display URL’s. They don’t seem to be playin’ either, they made mention that this will be strictly enforced in about 5 weeks, starting April 1st, 2008. Below is an excerpt of their post and a direct link if you want to read it.
An update to display URL policy
“In response to advertiser and user feedback, and in an effort to provide more relevant advertising results and a higher quality experience for our users, we have made the decision to no longer allow certain exceptions with regards to our display URL policy. This includes, but is not limited to redirects and vanity URLs. This policy will be strictly enforced regardless of past approvals and will apply to all advertisers, beginning on April 1st. “
