SearchFuel Banner
Home > Blog > 2009 > July

Google Squared: Structuring Web Data One Square at a Time

by ~ July 30th, 2009

Google Squared #1

A few weeks ago, my fiancé and I decided to move the date of our wedding up from April 2010 to September 2009. I have absolutely no idea how to put a wedding together, so I’ve obviously turned to my dear old friend the Internet to find some answers… quickly.

I find myself searching for lists of this and that on a daily basis. Take for instance my bridal quest for the perfect flowers – I’d like to find a list of flower types with a photo and some additional information. Enter Google Squared!

Google Squared is a product that allows users to research information quickly and efficiently by offering a neatly packaged online spreadsheet that pulls information from multiple webpages in response to search queries. So, when I search “flowers,” I receive a comprehensive list of just about every blossom on Earth, which also includes an image, description, genus, order and kingdom. I don’t need the last three tidbits of information, but I do want to know the seasonality of the flowers as it will help me to stay within my wedding budget to use Fall flowers. So, I simply type “season” in the add columns field and can get rid of the unnecessary columns if I choose.

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Emerging Trends & Tech | 1 Comment >>

Microsoft and Yahoo! Deal: Increased Scale and Competition Deliver Value, But Questions Remain

by ~ July 29th, 2009

After years of discussion and speculation around a business deal between Microsoft and Yahoo!, an agreement has been reached that strengthens both companies and creates heightened competition against Google. In the deal, Microsoft’s new search engine, Bing, will power Yahoo! search on all of Yahoo!’s sites, while Yahoo! will become the exclusive worldwide relationship sales force for both companies’ premium search advertisers.

Other key highlights of the agreement:

– The deal will become official in 2010, pending regulatory approval, with a term of agreement for 10 years. Full implementation is expected within 24 months following approval.

– Microsoft will compensate Yahoo! through a revenue sharing agreement on traffic generated on Yahoo!’s network.

– The agreement impacts each company’s search business only. The companies will continue to compete in other areas and maintain their own separate display advertising business and sales force, as well as individual web properties, products, email, instant messaging and other aspects of their business.

The companies have set up an informational website with more details about the agreement at: www.choicevalueinnovation.com.

Our Thoughts

As the search marketing strategist for many of the world’s largest advertisers, GroupM Search and its brands welcome this deal and the value it brings to our clients. We’ve always said that competition, scale and innovation are important to large advertisers in any market. Microsoft is back on the map with their innovation and technology developments which have catapulted Bing into a compelling alternative with improved consumer experience and advertiser opportunities. That technology, coupled with the audience and service Yahoo! brings, has the potential to deliver a more relevant search platform with better efficiencies and opportunities for advertisers, as well as increased volume in search queries.

“We like what we’ve seen with the enhancements behind Bing, and know that Yahoo has a terrific structure for agency service within their sales force. If focus continues on development in these areas, then the industry can expect a more competitive marketplace than ever before,” said Chris Copeland, CEO, GroupM Search – The Americas.

“A 30 percent market share is a giant step forward, and Microsoft is the better positioned company between the two against Google to develop technology. The success of the agreement and growth for the companies will lie in the innovation Microsoft is hinting to with Bing and how that will come to life.”

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Features | No Comments >>

Twitter: Will it be the Pulse of the Planet?

by ~ July 29th, 2009

twitterfuture- BTanta

Well, isn’t this a doozey? So I write an entry about what I think are Twitter’s five and ten year plan, and all of a sudden, TechCrunch comes out with enough inside information on Twitter’s goal for global domination that I had no option but to revise my initial entry. Then, as I submit this for publication, Reuters manages to scoop an interview with Biz Stone prior to his appearance at the Fortune Brainstorm: TECH conference.

So here’s the deal – Twitter is growing up (read as: Twitter is working on being monetizable) and every major player in the Internet/Entertainment space wants to be its surrogate parent. Facebook already made a play for Twitter but was rejected like Madonna in Malawi. Google’s taking the slower approach and looking for more integrated solutions. Now, from the flurry of information I just read on TechCrunch, everyone else from Microsoft to Oprah want a piece of the action. But Biz Stone made it clear that Twitter will not be bought and assimilated, but rather will work as a stand alone partner whose capabilities can complement any of the other companies.

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Social Media | 2 Comments >>

Could you be more Spezific?

by ~ July 23rd, 2009

spezify 1

Starting my usual morning routine usually consists of a GIANT cup of coffee. As I began getting my coffee buzz, I stumbled on an article discussing a new search engine. In my previous post, I asked the question of what will they think of next? Unbeknownst to me at the time I was writing that post, another new search engine was preparing to launch June 15th.

It is called Spezify.com and is a VISUAL based search engine. The interesting thing about this search engine is that it pulls data from MSN, Yahoo!, eBay, Amazon.com and Twitter. This engine gives search results in three ways: text, video and images, all with the option of turning off bits and pieces. Whether you want to see text only, images only, or if you only want to pull data from Twitter, Spezify.com will allow you pick and choose how you want to see interesting tidbits.

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Features | 1 Comment >>

Naver Enters Japan…Again

by ~ July 21st, 2009

NaverIn Korea, Naver is by far the largest and most widely used search engine, currently taking 75% of the search market, with Daum (14%) and Yahoo (4%) trailing behind. Two weeks ago, Naver went beyond its borders and relaunched its web portal in the Japanese market, for a second time. On January 31st, 2005 Naver officially stopped its service in Japan. It wasn`t mentioned as to why it pulled out, but the industry assumption was that it just wasn`t able to make a name for itself in the fiercely-competitive Japanese market, with Yahoo and Google combined accounting for over 85% of the search share.

What`s Unique About Naver in Japan?

Naver in Japan has been operating a closed beta version of its portal since June 15th, recruiting a group of around 5,000 local Japanese internet users to evaluate and test out the new service, which has received positive feedback to-date. Naver’s Japanese portal certainly has a much cleaner UI (user interface) than its Korean version. On the front page, hot search queries are placed prominently using flash showing current search themes. The use of flash is also carried through onto the search results pages mimicking a Windows Vista type style, which adds some nice visual impact. Key services from its top page are the usual web, image, video and blog search services, as well as a question-and-answer message board, and matome, (meaning “arranging” in Japanese), allowing users to edit their search results as well as create new pages dedicated to a certain topic, enabling users to add a variety of content, links, images, etc., which will then be exposed as search results. Kind of a blend of Wikipedia and search. Continue reading >>

Filed under: Features | 1 Comment >>

Use Online Marketing to Help Consumers Save

by ~ July 16th, 2009

Coupons- ABanks

If you are a CPG company and have promotional offerings, are you utilizing the online space to get your message across?  How is your company maximizing the benefits of online search and is your coupon strategy aligned with consumer need?

With the rising cost of consumer products, people are going back to coupon saving.  Once a past time of the 80’s, this money saving opportunity is coming back. Popular talk show hosts cover this “retro” trend by sharing tips and top coupon saving websites.   The Local and National News networks also cover coupon segments and encourage viewers to go online to find out more information. RetailMeNot.com is a top consumer destination for coupons, discounts and promotional codes for merchandise, travel and services. According to RetailMeNot.com, consumers saved nearly 1 million dollars in printable coupons in May. Food, apparel, and sit down restaurants, were the top three search categories during these months. Co-founder, Guy King ofRetailMeNot.com stated that he hopes that by releasing May’s trend data retailers and manufacturers will gain additional insights about their customers. Click here for details.

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Features | No Comments >>

Let's Be Friends – Using Facebook to Build Online Branding

by ~ July 15th, 2009

FB Brand2- MSolomonov

In a recent Business Week article it stated that Facebook recently took a $200 million investment from Russia’s Digital Sky Technologies which values it at a total of $10 billion. But is it really worth that much to your company?

People have been flocking to Facebook for about 5 years now and the user base has crossed the 100 million mark. This sounds great, but you need to start capitalizing on all this traffic that is full of people eager to spread the word and share messages about their favorite brands. Here are some of the options Facebook currently offers:

  • Highly targeted banner ads based on user activities and interests
  • Promotion of a certain event that users can “RSVP” for
  • Creating a customized group where users can become “fans” of your brand

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Social Media | No Comments >>

Let’s Be Friends – Using Facebook to Build Online Branding

by ~ July 15th, 2009

FB Brand2- MSolomonov

In a recent Business Week article it stated that Facebook recently took a $200 million investment from Russia’s Digital Sky Technologies which values it at a total of $10 billion. But is it really worth that much to your company?

People have been flocking to Facebook for about 5 years now and the user base has crossed the 100 million mark. This sounds great, but you need to start capitalizing on all this traffic that is full of people eager to spread the word and share messages about their favorite brands. Here are some of the options Facebook currently offers:

  • Highly targeted banner ads based on user activities and interests
  • Promotion of a certain event that users can “RSVP” for
  • Creating a customized group where users can become “fans” of your brand

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Social Media | No Comments >>

Bing: The Promise Of The Next Act

by ~ July 10th, 2009

This post was written by Chris Copeland and published in MediaPost’s Search Insider, Friday, July 10, 2009

Bing and Advertisers- CCopeland

At the end of “Casablanca,” Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick, utters the famous line “I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.” And in those words, we find the current feelings from advertisers towards the newly credible Microsoft search entry, Bing. So far, the data is good. Query shares are up, and advertisers are reporting positive click and ROI trending. Overall, good news for a space lacking a viable forward-moving competitor for too long.

I recently spent a day being served up a weird mix of Kool-Aid by the individuals tasked with creating and selling the latest, and to date, greatest effort by Microsoft in the search space. The Kool-Aid was spiked with a heavy dose of caution. Every positive data point was met by a word of caution. I appreciate the actions speak louder than words mantra adopted lately, but guys, the goal isn’t to kick Ask.com’s tail, it’s to pass Yahoo at the least and put a bit of competition back in the market.

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Features | 1 Comment >>

Still Think You Can Ignore Social Media?

by ~ July 8th, 2009

SMandSearch- LYoung

While some brand managers have enthusiastically embraced social media and others have dipped their toes in the water, some recent changes at Google should force the rest of the pack to take their head out of the sand.

Google has introduced a number of new features that are aimed at improving the recency and relevancy of results. This is a response to the rise of Twitter, Friend Feed and Facebook Connect, so it should not be a surprise that these search results are fed by social media channels.

Google Search Options…Not a Brand’s Best Friend

Users can find these features by selecting the Show Options link at the top of your search result page. Show Options adds a side navigation bar that does three very important things:

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Social Media | No Comments >>