If you haven’t used Google Analytics in a while, you really have to take a look. The updated version is Flash based and really slick. The reporting is much easier to understand for the webmaster who wants to take a look at his/her stats once in a while and the depth of data is there for the hardcore user. Great job Google.
Had to make a note of this. I don’t expect much when it comes to customer service from the PPC companies (Google, Yahoo Search Marketing, or MSN). I am talking about a new account here, not an account that has a large volume with a rep. I was very surprised to fill out a form at MSN and receive a phone number to reach a service rep who has been very helpful. I am waiting on an answer regarding an ad and the rep actually went out of her way to call me and let me know she was still waiting to hear.
A pleasant surprise. Now just get some quality volume and you guys will be in good shape.
I understand when a large companies outsource certain operations, but I usually expect that they are masking the fact that they are doing so. Microsoft is one company in particular that outsources a lot. Heck, outsourcing beats skimping on pay and benefits for part-time employees (permatemps).
I had a question for MSN advertising. We are working a site that sells cigars and accessories. An initial submission of ads in Adcenter were rejected for:
- Tobacco-related content - Content guidelines
- Website contains forbidden content - Content guidelines
This is really 2 topics here.
1) Staffing with Kelly Services Inc and not veiling it
2) Adcenter potentially changing their tune on tobacco ads (this is for a different post)
Check out the screen shot of the e-mail.
The rumors are flying… Again. If you follow the market, or the search space, you have heard this one before. I own shares in YHOO and because of that, I think that it is a great idea. On the business side? I am not inspired.
I don’t think that consolidation is needed in this space. At least not at this level. I am still a big fan of Yahoo Search Marketing (formerly Overture).
For people doing SEM and PPC (one in the same in most views) MSN coming along was something that was cheered by most. Finally another player who is significant enough to gain distribution and allow us another market to compete in. Well, it didn’t exactly turn out that way. When MSN Adcenter was finally live, I was very excited. With the reach of MSN through the various properties, I felt certain that they could challenge Yahoo for the number 2 spot in the PPC world. Not the case. In fact, it has been rather disappointing. You can achieve some nice results with Adcenter advertising, but the scale just isn’t there.
Well, what does Microsoft do? What does Yahoo do? Does a marriage make sense?
For shareholders in Yahoo (YHOO) this does make sense. For users… we shall see. I picture a post acquisition Yahoo with many of their parts being shut down.
What I think of most when I think of this possible combination is “what a free email behemoth this is”.
Tired old line, isn’t it? It is really a question for investors, fans, etc. Have they jumped the shark? By Google jumping the shark, I don’t mean that they are suddenly a bad company, or going to start doing things poorly. I am really referring to the fact that the unique company that is doing things differently might not be the case anymore.
Google renames Froogle to Google (GOOG) Product Search. Why? This sounds very Microsoft’ish (MSFT). Are they trying to bury it? Trying to make it more corporate sounding so that large companies can embrace the possibility of the product feeds? I certainly have more questions than answers.
What tipped me on this one? Rumors of Google buying Monster Worldwide (MNST). This is very “me too” or Yahoo’ish (YHOO). Is Ask.com going to jump on the “me too” bandwagon (rather redundant)? If so, Robert Half International (RHI) should be the next target.
What is the next phase of acquisitions for the big 3, I mean big 4 networks… err search companies? Feels like the old network game doesn’t it. Then along came cable and Fox fit in. Ask.com is the online version of Fox. I have always like their search technology. Can be harder to game and therefore a better result. It will be interesting to see if the Ask.com advertising campaign of 2007 will help deliver.
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