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Firefox 8 Gets Social with Twitter Search Integration

by ~ November 18th, 2011

In an effort to help its users navigate the infinite content available on Twitter, Firefox 8 launched this week with a built-in Twitter search functionality. Those who update to Firefox’s latest version will have access to the quick drop-down menu selection where they will now find the social network in the company of Google, Yahoo, Bing, Amazon.com, eBay and Wikipedia as a built-in search option.

As reported on Firefox’s blog:

“Twitter is now included as a search option in Firefox for Windows, Mac and Linux. Twitter search in Firefox makes it easier to discover new topics, #hashtags and @usernames. Twitter search is currently available in English, Portuguese, Slovenian and Japanese versions of Firefox, with more languages to come in future releases.”

The social addition is a part of an upgrade cycle that the popular web browser kicked off this past summer. Firefox’s Twitter tie-in may be one of the most visible, if not the only visible, upgrade to even the most avid Firefox users during the period of continuous upgrades. Firefox 8 is currently available for download here.

 

How will the Twitter integration impact search and social? Here is what our search and social executives had to say about the partnership:

“Firefox making a move to become a more social browser is nice, but it’s clearly just step one. I would expect in a year we’ll look back and see how the browser’s primary role changed from a single- pane shell to multi-pane curation tool.”

 - Chris Copeland, Chief Executive Officer, GroupM Search

 

“The inclusion of Twitter in Firefox 8’s search bar speaks to the changing role of social media in how people connect with the things that matter to them. The buzz happening on Twitter gives users a sense of what’s happening at that moment, and is a unique and valuable source of information when compared to the other search engines included in the browser.”

- Tim Fogarty, Lead Strategist, M80

 

The Twitter-friendly browser promises to be faster than the previous versions, with improved support for HTML5. The feature is available now; come December 20, per Firefox, users can expect to see the next installment of their browser upgrade.

What are your thoughts on Firefox 8’s built-in search functionality? How do you think the social inclusion will impact the search experience?

Filed under: Emerging Trends & Tech, Features, Social Media | No Comments >>

Google Launches Google+ Pages: Insight From GroupM into Why Strategy is Critical; Immediate Steps to Take For Your Business

by ~ November 9th, 2011

If you think a brand’s strategy for the Google+ social network platform is a simple as cranking out a Twitter strategy or driving likes and engagement on Facebook, think again.

100 days after kicking off brands who jumped on the Google+ bandwagon at launch, Google has rolled out Google+ Pages, re-opening the door for businesses to move onto their social network platform. At first glance, Google+ may appear to some as just another social network.  However, Google+ represents a different type of social platform and carries greater meaning for a brand’s potential across the entire Google network. It has been placed at the center of all Google initiatives and, as such, the strategy necessary for success is unique – but critical – for brands.

In recent months, GroupM Search CEO Chris Copeland sat down with Google’s product and social execs, including Vic Gundotra, Bradley Horowitz and Christian Oestlien, to discuss the company’s vision for Google+. Drawing from these conversations and identifying the significance and potential for brands long-term via Google+ Pages, Copeland has developed keen perspective on the platform itself, why strategy is critical for brands, and important actions brands and marketers can take today to set course for success on Google+ and across the Google network.

Read more about these insights in the GroupM white paper shared below. If you want to chat more about it with Chris, follow him on Twitter at @SearchBoss.

Google Launches Google+ Pages for Businesses: Insight from GroupM Into Why A Google +Pages Strategy Is Crit…

Filed under: Features, Paid Search, Social Media | No Comments >>

The Me-Ification Of Search And Social

by ~ March 14th, 2011

Chris Copeland wants to be #1. Correction: Chris Copeland knows that Chris Copeland is already an expert, a search and social marketing guru, but he wants Google to know that he is all of that and for Google to give him the self-glorifying satisfaction that comes with one thing: Chris Copeland ranking #1 in the Google search results for the term Chris Copeland.

I am personally excited because I have my sights set on not just being #1 for me, Chris Copeland, in the engines, but am now turning my focus toward the self-gratification that comes with having the most Twitter followers that hang on my every self-serving and validating 140 burst of brilliance from my @SearchBoss handle.

Actually, the paragraphs above have almost not a word of truth in them, but they do make a point – one that seems to have been lost in the gold rush surrounding the latest digital trend. You see, if you asked me to describe my personal philosophy, it would be more “Act like you have been there” than “I’m a Golden God.” But, apparently somewhere in the last few years, that philosophy came to mean that I wasn’t old-school, just old — at least in our industry.

My job is not about building the brand of Me first. If the adage is true that you can’t take it with you, I have to believe that goes beyond the material possessions to the immaterial of the social sphere. I only need a retweet from St. Peter at the pearly gates when the time comes — not from 1,000 of spambots before I leave this world.

I’m not a rocket scientist or doing brain surgery every day, but what we do in advertising does have a purpose and a meaning. If you care about this business, then you approach your job with a hearty desire to impact the masses – not with your self-fulfilling messages, but rather by connecting consumers with brands and being relevant. It’s not Don Draper sexy 99.44% of the time, but it has its moments. Continue reading >>

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Spy Games: Search Engine Wars Go Public

by ~ February 3rd, 2011

Search advertising has always had a little 007 to it. The space talks of white hat and black hat tacticians. Cloaking is a common practice, as is conquesting. Clearly, the space fancies itself to be more covert than most. Never has that been truer than the breaking news of Tuesday. Originally covered by Danny Sullivan at Search Engine Land, Google provided detailed records showing an orchestrated sting operation to prove Bing was copying its results.

This news broke hours before Matt Cutts, a Google engineer and head of Google’s Webspam team, was to take the stage alongside Bing at a Bing-sponsored event to discuss the future of the space. Suffice it to say that the news of the day was a more pressing topic than where the space was going in the conversation that took place. What followed this event was a search engine Twitter fight between Mr. Cutts and counterparts at Bing that can be seen relived via TechCrunch.

Avoiding the morals of the story, there appears to be three unspoken, to date, points for advertisers to keep in mind when determining future plans: Continue reading >>

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The Worth Of A Word

by ~ January 11th, 2011

What’s a word worth? If we use the old saying, it’s worth approximately one one-thousandth of a picture. Yet, in the advertising world of today, a word may be the most valuable commodity we have at our disposal. In a world where the majority of dollars still go to the creation and associated costs of placing moving pictures in front of consumers, it is the words, put together in unique combinations by consumers, that give us the greatest level of insight into behavior.

Tonight, you and millions of others will likely turn on your television and enjoy some form of entertainment. In exchange for this you will be provided with a series of advertisements for products that may or may not be relevant to your current or future state. The determination of that probable connection is based on how many people like you are watching the same program. What happens next is what starts to form the basis for the importance of words beyond pictures in today’s new advertising equation.

Nearly 70% of all searches are prompted by some kind of offline media influence. In the not-too-distant past, it was commonplace to believe that digital, especially search, was going to have a lasting negative impact on more traditional forms of advertising. The data we see daily suggests that the best influencers for more query volume reside in the offline world. But the keywords speak to us. As a single signal, these words have limited impact. Some words are clear and precise comments on the state of the consumer. They tell us what consumers want, when they want it and how they want to receive it. Others are far less descriptive and give us little insight whatsoever. Continue reading >>

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Mobile Saves the Kringle’s Christmas Crisis

by ~ December 23rd, 2010

Kristina KringleThis year, the United States Customs has placed restrictions on the  mass import of gifts, however the distribution of coal will not be effected and is expected to increase.  There are rumors that it is a move to help stimulate the economy.  Santa has been scrambling for a last-second solution for the past two weeks.  In act of desperation, his shopoholic daughter, Kristina Kringle, was recruited to carry out the task of picking up gifts from the nice list.

She has been armed with following:

  • Smartphone
  • Credit Card
  • Warehouse (gift storage)
  • iPad & Laptop
  • Cargo Van

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Emerging Trends & Tech, Features | 2 Comments >>

Mobile Saves the Kringle's Christmas Crisis

by ~ December 23rd, 2010

Kristina KringleThis year, the United States Customs has placed restrictions on the  mass import of gifts, however the distribution of coal will not be effected and is expected to increase.  There are rumors that it is a move to help stimulate the economy.  Santa has been scrambling for a last-second solution for the past two weeks.  In act of desperation, his shopoholic daughter, Kristina Kringle, was recruited to carry out the task of picking up gifts from the nice list.

She has been armed with following:

  • Smartphone
  • Credit Card
  • Warehouse (gift storage)
  • iPad & Laptop
  • Cargo Van

Continue reading >>

Filed under: Emerging Trends & Tech, Features | 2 Comments >>

Tis The Season To Break Tradition…And Shop Online

by ~ December 20th, 2010

Santa online shoppingSo the holiday season is upon us…Christmas is my favorite time of year, and with it, unwavering traditions that must be tended to. Eggnog lattes, a casual stroll through Target, and tuning the dial to St. Louis’ easy listening station, KEZK, for Delilah’s over-dramatic – yet well-intentioned – holiday wishes would be a few. And though I’m not up with the 5 a.m. fanatics at Kohl’s on Black Friday to catch the very best of deals, you can find me at Best Buy and the major malls at some point to join the crowds and hype of the season. I don’t know – something about overcrowded parking lots and stubborn traffic typically kick starts my holiday spirit.

But this year, that dearest of traditions for me started to evolve. I took my shopping from the streets of St. Louis to the results of Google and Bing. Not all of it, now. Let’s say 20% or so. I like being creative when it comes to gift giving, and the possibilities for originality and utility online seem endless. It’s not that I’m just getting older and lazier… perhaps I’m in denial as I did just reach a depressing birthday milestone. I just want to find the best presents I can this year. And if it means saving a few pennies here and there, well, I guess I’ll take that too.

As I sat at my computer on Thanksgiving, staring at Amazon.com, my experience was seemingly on par with the norm. I quickly got distracted shopping for myself, and started drawing blanks as my mature siblings are only getting harder to impress with gifts. The holiday energy wasn’t quite there, as I wasn’t dodging wandering children in the aisles and didn’t see any lines ahead that I’ll have to waste time in. I suppose the holiday theme I saw at the top of the screen helped – a nice graphic of snowflakes, horns, bells and ornaments, though it would have been nicer if, perhaps, I heard some Bing Crosby as I browsed their merchandise. Amazon’s wish list feature was pretty cool, letting me create my Christmas list with a single click and allowing it to be public so other Amazon users can access it. (And buy me exactly what I want this year!) There was also a universal wish list option that allows you to add items from any site you browse, not just Amazon. Just install the button and start shopping! Very cool. The search option, as we’re well aware, is quite helpful, and any purchase over $25 has free standard shipping, 5-8 days. With nearly a month on hand, why, this new online shopping tradition was just perfect. Continue reading >>

Filed under: Features | 1 Comment >>

What Bad Business and the Big Business of Google Say About the Future of Your Business

by ~ December 8th, 2010

The verdict came swiftly. A public trial created by the media was settled with a single blog entry. A decision rendered that may have far-reaching impact for businesses everywhere, and a new reality furthered that the fate of business will be determined in no small part by the court – the court of public opinion that is.

On Nov 26, the New York Times ran a story by David Segal about DecorMyEyes and the questionable business practices of its founder and owner, Vitaly Borker. The story detailed how Mr. Borker was able to benefit through improved positioning on Google and other search engines from largely negative reviews of his business and its practices. As part of the story, the apparent inability of a search engine, specifically Google, to differentiate between positive commentary and negative reviews was highlighted. For a brief time the NYT had brought forward an obvious gap in the “Do No Evil” king’s prized algorithm – the inability to weight based on good and bad versus simply crediting for scale of commentary and links.

At any given time Google has hundreds of ranking factors at work to determine the best blend of results for a user. The basis for search engine optimization (SEO) was built more than a decade ago by aspiring companies focusing on on-page factors such as keyword density and behind-page tags, as well as off-page association via linking. The evolution of the algo has been vast with Yandex claiming to index 2,000 different criteria earlier this Fall. With so many more criteria, it is safe to say that Google and others have been indexing the opinions of the people, but like the determination of what to do with tweets and other new content types, the application of such been the delay to market.

It seems that the exposure in the NYT did not go unnoticed in Mountain View. Within days Google posted its response, making it clear that they continue to place utmost value on the type of experience they connect users with and have weighted it so in their algo. Of note was this piece on the official Google Blog:

“In the last few days we developed an algorithmic solution which detects the merchant from the Times article along with hundreds of other merchants that, in our opinion, provide an extremely poor user experience. The algorithm we incorporated into our search rankings represents an initial solution to this issue, and Google users are now getting a better experience as a result.” Continue reading >>

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Understanding Relevance In Digital Advertising

by ~ December 2nd, 2010

“When I was your age…”

It’s a near certainty that every young person has heard someone of a previous generation describe the hardships they experienced when they were of similar age. Often, these conversations center around what the youth of the day have that the previous generation went without – be it technology, opportunity or roads leading to and from schools that went any direction but uphill.

It is also the basis by which every generation criticizes its descendants as being material and wanting instant gratification. The way the adults of today look at their own children and think the same things is the crux of a great challenge of understanding relevancy.

Google has built a multi-billion dollar business on the back of enabling relevant connections between consumers through their expression of intent, and advertisers’ response in content. This began as text-to-text, keywords-to-websites and ads associated with those sites.

Now it is a myriad of responses including video, images, news and product SKUs (stock-keeping units), as well as websites. But the fact that there is a direct and immediate response does not mean that the gratification is fulfilled solely in that moment. Continue reading >>

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