WSJ reports that some of the country’s biggest marketers are so scared of the advertising deal between Google Inc. and Yahoo Inc. that they are asking the Justice Department to block the agreement.
The Association of National Advertisers, a trade group that represents major companies like Procter & Gamble Co. and More»

Labels: Online Advertising, Search Engine Marketing

Day 1 - Monday, August 18, 2008
9:45am-11:00am
Universal & Blended Search
Moderator:
• John Tawadros, Chief Operating Officer, iProspect
Speakers:
• Shashi Seth, Chief Revenue Officer, Cooliris
• Johanna Wright, Director of Product Management, Google
• Cris Pierry, Senior Director of Product Management, Yahoo! Search
• Erik Collier, VP, Product Management, Ask.com
• Todd Schwartz, Group Product Manager, Live Search
1:30pm-2:30pm
Orion Keynote Panel: How Much Search is Enough?
Moderators:
• Kevin Ryan, VP, Global Content Director, Search Engine Strategies & Search Engine Watch
• Anne Kennedy, Managing Partner & Founder, Beyond Ink
Speakers:
• More»

Labels: Search, Search Engine Marketing, seo, Web Analytics

In spite of the slowing economy, online retail sales is expected to rise 16.6% in 2008 to $204B in line with 2007 growth rate according to Forrester Research. Nearly all retail categories are expected to be beneficiaries but the biggest online beneficiaries are apparel which is expected to rise by $3.9 billion, or 17%, computers up $3.2 billion, or 15%, and autos up $2.5 billion, or 15%. Of course, although e-tailing is gaining in popularity, it still accounts for less than 5% of the overall retail market in the U.S. And, they are not necessarily new stores but sale More»

Labels: Online Advertising, Search Engine Marketing

Google announced plans to sell Performics, DoublClick’s search marketing division, that helps marketers place ads on search engines.“It is clear to us that we do not want to be in the search engine marketing business. At Google, maintaining objectivity in both search and advertising is paramount to our mission and core to the trust we ask from our users.” wrote Tom Phillips, Director of DoubleClick Integration on the official Google blog.
Rajiv Parikh, CEO of Position2, a full service search marketing company said that the Performics sale was a good move on Google’s part as it removes a More»

Labels: Online Advertising, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization

Google’s newest employees learned on April fool’s day that they would no longer have a job. The employess today were assured that it was not a joke but real. Vanity Fair reports that “DoubleClickers’ heads are rolling left and right. Hopefully, Google’s generous severance package—two months pay with an additional two months if you sign a non-compete agreement—will keep them from jumping out the window. Google’s suggestion? Take two months vacation and don’t even think about it. Or start looking now.“
It is rumored that the entire DoubleClick finance department will be let go. DoubleClick’s U.S. More»

Labels: Online Advertising, Search, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization

Wells Fargo has launched a web-based retirement product to help retires maintain their desired income level after retiring. The site incorporates a 60-second virtual intro accompanied by an easy to sign up short form after which users will be given their RSI score. The end goal is to get the user to take action and contact the bank through a branch or toll-free telephone number to talk to an investment rep.
To generate leads Wells Fargo is deploying search marketing using Google Adwords, search optimization to move to the top position of the organic search by using More»

Labels: Landing Page Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization

Wal-Mart’s decision to offer businesses search marketing services is a good sign that internet marketing is now fully in the small business mainstream. I’m not as skeptical as many SEO’s who have commented online, suggesting Wal-Mart can’t do SEO and SEM well. Quality search marketing is mostly a function of basic technical knowledge, basic principles of search, common sense, and quality analytics which Google now provides at no charge. Most SEO and SEM functions can be taught and outsourced, though it will be interesting to see how Wal Mart approaches the education More»

Labels: Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization

Here’s a roundup of the best search/marketing posts during November. This summary was compiled by Matt McGee, SEO Specialist, Marchex.
Social Media

Muhammad/SEL: It’s The (Other) Algorithm, Stupid! Understanding DiggRank
Muhammad/Search Engine Land: The Social Media Manual: Read Before You Play
Jennifer/Search Engine Guide: How Do You Value Social Media?
Todd/Stone Interactive: 9 Simple Ways for Small Businesses to Leverage Social Media
Pat/Lonely Marketer: 7 Ideas For Social Media And Business
David/Search Engine Guide: 5 Ways Small Business Can Benefit From Social Media/Networking Sites
Josh/hyku: Starting More»

Labels: Local Search, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, social media, Web Analytics

To understand where SEO fits in the marketing mix, you first need to consider the behavior of the online consumer. When searching for a product, either hard goods or services, the first step is typically a very general search like “home theater” or “dresses.” As searchers become more familiar with their options, they conduct more specific product searches. The evolution of a consumer’s search for a digital camera might look something like this:
1. Digital Cameras2. Digital Camera Reviews3. 5 Megapixel Cameras4. Inexpensive More»

Labels: Search, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization

There is the transcript of the statement made by David Drummond, Chief Legal Officer, Google on the proposed acquisition of DoubleClick by Google (GOOG).
It explains in simple english Google’s existing online advertising business and DoubleClick’s display ad technology and business.
David went on to say that “Google’s business model has focused on what’s known as the “long tail” of the Internet – the millions of individuals and small businesses that cater to niche interests and markets. We lower the barrier to entry for these small More»

Labels: google, Online Advertising, Search and Marketplaces, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization