Introducing, The PlusBox

24.04.2009 Posted in Search

A small observation from the sponsored links today. Google appears to be testing a new, expandable ad format. Seen here with an advert for bed sheets at Littlewoods (I was searching for plastic sheets, the acrylic variety). Users have the option of expanding the ad to view some of the products on offer without clicking through to the Littlewoods website. Presumably, the cost is only incurred when a user clicks through to the website.

Ad appears as a normal AdWords text ad, with a small + to expand.

When clicked on, the ad drops down to show three products with product info and pricing, it even supports a small image of the products:

Images in the sponsored links are as yet (with the exception of Google Maps) an entirely new thing and an interesting development. I’d be surprised if this is enough information for a potential purchaser to decide whether or not they want to buy their bed sheets from Littlewoods. If thats the case, then how much use is this? For the time being, only Google (and perhaps Littlewoods) know I suppose.

The only question which remains is: Will Littlewoods get a viable ROI advertising on the keyword ‘Sheet’ in broad match with DKI in the title!? Littlewoods, if you’re listening, add ‘plastic’ as a negative - I wasn’t looking for bed sheets!

Update: This is officially called a ‘plusbox’, they are in beta but apparently we might all be able to play with them soon!