Archive for May 2008

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Twitter Updates for 2008-05-31

How Just About Anyone Can Prevent Erectile Dysfunction Posted By :: Erectile dysfunction or ED is a.. http://tinyurl.com/626s2o #
New Article - Business and Time Management Skills of the Employees and Managers Posted.. http://tinyurl.com/4lpe3y #
New Article - Common Myths about Cash Gifting Posted By : Chris A Carpenter : Do you r.. http://tinyurl.com/4cul9o #
Is Your Blood [...]

Twitter Updates for 2008-05-31

How Just About Anyone Can Prevent Erectile Dysfunction Posted By :: Erectile dysfunction or ED is a.. http://tinyurl.com/626s2o #
New Article - Business and Time Management Skills of the Employees and Managers Posted.. http://tinyurl.com/4lpe3y #
New Article - Common Myths about Cash Gifting Posted By : Chris A Carpenter : Do you r.. http://tinyurl.com/4cul9o #
Is Your Blood [...]

Twitter Updates for 2008-05-30

Leeds Tourism Guide Posted By : Karri Madelline: Numerous industries have contributed to Leeds’ wea.. http://tinyurl.com/6emt3q #
New Article - How to use forums for internet marketing Posted By : Mc Glenn: Internet .. http://tinyurl.com/64hawv #
The Beauty of Vatican City Posted By : Pedro Bailey: The text is about such unique state as Vatican.. http://tinyurl.com/642oze #
New [...]

Twitter Updates for 2008-05-30

Leeds Tourism Guide Posted By : Karri Madelline: Numerous industries have contributed to Leeds’ wea.. http://tinyurl.com/6emt3q #
New Article - How to use forums for internet marketing Posted By : Mc Glenn: Internet .. http://tinyurl.com/64hawv #
The Beauty of Vatican City Posted By : Pedro Bailey: The text is about such unique state as Vatican.. http://tinyurl.com/642oze #
New [...]

Google Launches Google Merchant Search

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Google Merchant Search has quietly launched as a test program to compare products and services in shopping comparison engine fashion. Google Merchant Search is a test feature, apparently in the UK, and is not available for every search. You may see it when conducting some searches but not others.

Lead gen providers like Bankrate.com in financial services, one of Google’s largest customer segments, can’t be too pleased with Google offering a free service that competes indirectly with theirs.

Our friends over at SearchEngineLand had the story first with “Outing Google Merchant Search” as if GMS were in the closet.

Here’s the view from Google and their FAQ for Google Merchant Search.

What is Google Merchant Search?

Google Merchant Search is an easy new way for you to find products or services from providers who match your needs.

What products or services are supported through Google Merchant Search?

The service is currently only available for secured loans from financial services providers.

How do you choose which providers to show me?

Our search results are based on the criteria you provided in your request; we compare your request with our list of participating providers, and show those that are most relevant for you. Participating providers pay Google when someone requests a quote through this system.

How does Google connect me to the provider?

You submit your contact details and request a time to speak to the provider. A Google operator will call you at the appointed time, then connect you with the provider. Because we do not share your contact information with the provider, they won’t be able to contact you again about your request unless you decide to give then your contact details.

How much does it cost to use Google Merchant?

This service is free for the user (the person searching for services). Please note that when calling the free phone number from a mobile phone, operator or carrier charges may apply.

Most Irrelevant Google News Story of the Day

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We know how fascinated people are by every move that Google makes. Google experiments on a daily basis. We’re glad. It gives us something to do.

Sometimes, though, we think people get carried away with reporting Google news. It’s like the song “Every Breath You Take” by The Police.

So here’s our contribution: the most irrelevant Google news story of the day.

Google has apparently changed its “favorite icon” or favicon from an upper-case G to a lower-case G, as shown here blown up by 300 percent.

Granted, it may be a slow news day but does this story deserve play in Search Engine Roundtable, SearchEngineLand and SearchEngineWatch? If we’re wrong and this is a life-changing event for you, let us know.

“Every move you make
Every step you take
Ill be watching you

Ill be watching you
Ill be watching you
Ill be watching you
Ill be watching you…”

Google Adsense Video Units Now Available in 8 More Countries

When Google announced the addition of video units to Adsense, it only rolled out the program only to U.S. Adsense users. A month later, the program was expanded to the UK, Ireland and Canada. Now, the program includes 8 additional countries, and here they are:

France
Italy
Spain
Australia
Netherlands
Poland
New Zealand
Japan

Hat tip to Australian SEW reader David Webb, who noticed the change.

Testing Applies to Widgets and Accessories, Not Just Landing Pages

The Google Website Optimizer blog is serving up a helpful tip on testing widgets and other site accessories.

They gave an example of a popcorn company that tested their current trust seal against an upgraded one they were being pitched. The test also included a factor where there was no seal shown to visitors.

Having no seal at all performed poorly. But there was little difference between the old trust seal and the upgraded one. The popcorn company was able to put their money to better use than having a new seal on their site.

Do you test your widgets? Have any tips? Leave your advice in the comments!

Related Reading:
SEO Conversion Testing: Advanced Search Engine Optimization
Testing Landing Pages Includes Testing Best Practices

SEW Experts: Need Sitelinks? Show Google Your Site Is Useful

Search Engine Watch Expert - Chris BoggsSearch Engine Watch Expert - Frank WatsonNot all sites are blessed with Google sitelinks. Google only shows them when its algorithms determine they’d be useful. In today’s SEM Crossfire column, “Need Sitelinks? Show Google Your Site Is Useful,” Chris Boggs and Frank Watson share some ideas on making your site useful, and addressing your site’s structure to make sure Google can see that.

SEW Experts: Winning the Local Search Battle

Search Engine Watch Expert - Gregg StewartConsumers are shifting from “what to buy” category searches to “where to buy” phrases. With that specificity comes a higher propensity to purchase. In today’s Vertical Search column, “Winning the Local Search Battle,” local search expert Gregg Stewart looks at some of the publishers who are winning the local search charge.

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