Yesterday Google released a blog post here detailing statistical work they undertook to determine whether conversion rates vary with ad position. Take a look, it’s quite a decent (and short) read. However I have some concerns about their methods.
Search Ads Layout in Google SERPs: an Update
We recently discovered that Google appeared to be testing a new SERPs layout which brought the PPC ads closer to the organic search results. This was originally showing in Firefox only, but not any more! It appears that the test may now have reached a positive conclusion.
Google Caffeine
Google recently announced developer tests of its new search architecture, codenamed Google Caffeine. This is a new set of algorithms underlying search that are optimised for speed. Google regularly update their search algorithm, so why is this different? Read on. (more…)
Google Testing New PPC Ad Layout in SERPs
With increasing numbers of people throwing out their bulky old CRT monitors and switching to large flat screen monitors with their increased resolutions, this is a very welcome change to the search engine results page (SERP) layout on Google.
It only seems to be a test at this stage as it only shows for me in Firefox 3 and not in Internet Explorer 8. A colleague of mine cannot see the change at all in either browser. Take a look at the two screenshots below (full size images at the bottom of this post).
Introducing Bing
Bing has arrived - to date a word mostly associated with microwaves, cycle bells and Chandler from Friends, this one syllable word is now the great white hope for Microsoft’s search offering. (more…)
How to unseat Google
The recent launch of Wolfram Alpha (see my colleague’s excellent blog entry below) was followed by the usual flurry of press speculation along the lines of ‘Will this be the new Google?’. Which in turn was followed by the usual conclusion that it wouldn’t.
Google and Agencies
This week Ben and I were invited to Google’s London office to hear more about their latest plans for closer working with search marketing agencies like ourselves. A non-disclosure agreement prevents me from mentioning any details of what was discussed, but we found the overall tone of the messages very encouraging.
Google Lifts Gambling Advertising Ban
Google have announced that they are to lift the ban on advertising gambling websites on their Adwords platform in the UK.
As of tomorrow (17/10/08), gambling websites including poker, bingo, and sports betting will be able to advertise on Adwords in the UK providing that they hold a license in their home countries.
GooHoo! “”Promoting Competition, Innovation and Consumer Protection in Online Advertising”"
The long-scrutinised ad serving deal between Yahoo and Google took a step closer to realisation with Google launching an information site about the partnership.
Google reckon that their technology will help users to target previously lacking long-tail keywords to ads on the Yahoo SERP. Surely a much needed improvement.