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September 28, 2008 - October 4, 2008

Two Health Sites Merge to Challenge WebMD

Two health sites have merged in what many are saying will be a challenge to health search giant WebMD. The Revolution Health Network and Waterfront Media are joining forces to dominate the health space. Waterfront Media runs the Everyday Health Network.

AOL co-founder Steve Case, now CEO of Revolution Health said, "When we entered the health care market we knew one of the areas we wanted to focus on was using the Internet to empower consumers and give them more choice, control and convenience. The merger of Waterfront Media and Revolution Health Network builds on each company's complementary strengths to create a new industry powerhouse — thus enabling us to accelerate our efforts to reach the largest, most engaged audience and help people stay healthy, manage chronic disease and deal with serious illness."

What do you think about the merger? Can they take on WebMD? Give your predictions in the comments.

h/t Reuters

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 3, 2008, 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Google Blog Search Redesigns as Meme Tracker

Google Blog Search has redesigned and added meme trackers like Techmeme and Megite on the front pages of several categories and the homepage itself.

I've shared a screenshot and you can see how the blog posts are separated by story along with how popular they are. This allows for easy scanning, which is useful if you're looking for blogs talking about a hot topic.

What do you think of the update? Let us know in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 3, 2008, 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Senator Kohl Wants Oversight of Google-Yahoo Deal

Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) is okay with the Google-Yahoo deal, but he wants the DOJ to keep a close eye on the implementation. In a letter to Assistant Attorney General Thomas Barnett, Kohl, Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust urges:

Recognizing the nascent and fast-changing nature of this marketplace, we encourage the Department to continue to monitor the state of competition in this industry, whatever the outcome of its current investigation. If, over time, you determine that Google is gaining a dominant market position as a result of the Google-Yahoo agreement, then we would encourage the Justice Department to intervene to protect competition. Even should you conclude at present that this deal is not contrary to antitrust law, the Department must be sure that this deal never in the future crosses the line into an unacceptable, anti-competitive collaboration among competitors which will harm consumers and advertisers.

Kohl also acknowledged both the fears of advertisers and the assurances of Yahoo and Google. I think it's prudent to let the deal go through, but to watch as the program unfolds to see if anti-competitiveness occurs.

What do you think?

h/t Reuters

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 3, 2008, 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Friendster Now Supports Facebook Developer Community

Have a Facebook app? Well, now you can deploy it on Friendster. They're now supporting the Facebook Developer Community. It comes almost two months after deploying the OpenSocial API. This could be a good opportunity if you're looking to go global. Friendster has 80 million members worldwide, many of which are in Asia.

"Friendster's support of both the Facebook and OpenSocial platforms is a big win for business and individual developers, as well as for Friendster users," said David Jones, vice president of global marketing for Friendster. "For the developers that have invested resources in developing and launching a Facebook app, Friendster has now made it very easy for them to 'port' these applications to Friendster, enabling them to tap into Friendster's 80 million users. For Web 2.0 companies that have developed apps using Facebook and OpenSocial APIs, they now have the flexibility to choose between approaches when launching applications on Friendster."

To learn more check out the Friendster Developer Platform.

Related Reading:
Friendster Names Googler as New CEO

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 3, 2008, 7:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Google No Longer Directory Promoter?

Search Engine Watch Editor Brian E. Ussery noticed Google's Webmaster Guidelines suggestions for improving your sites has removed.getting links from directories. This is not to say Google is not using directories in the algorithm, just they are not pitching for them.

Great catch Brian - good article!

Posted by Frank Watson on October 3, 2008, 12:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Olympics and Fantasy Football Drive Huge August 2008 for Online Sports

In August, Americans went online at work to get sports info 26% more year-over-year, thanks largely in part to the Olympics and Fantasy Football. Yahoo! Sports enjoyed a whopping 112% growth, putting them in the top spot for the month, according to Nielsen Online

Also of note, visits from women jumped 37% while traffic growth from men increased by 21%.

Here's the chart:

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 3, 2008, 12:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SEW Experts: Charity Events: Search With a Cause

Search Engine Watch Expert - Frank Watson Search Engine Watch Expert - Chris Boggs Our industry affords us a pretty good living -- the people are friendly and helpful for the most part -- and the work is interesting. We should have no problems digging into our pockets occasionally to give to charity. In today's SEM Crossfire column, "Charity Events: Search With a Cause," Frank Watson and Chris Boggs share your next opportunity to do so: next Monday in New York.

» Full story

Posted by Kevin Newcomb on October 3, 2008, 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Zillow Launches Free Professional Directory

Real estate search engine Zillow.com has launched a free professional directory. This will allow real estate professionals to market their services to the millions of Zillow visitors for free. Pros can create a profile with photos, videos, and the like.

"This is a free opportunity for local professionals to market their services to Zillow's millions of visitors - 90 percent of whom own a home, and two-thirds who are buying or selling now or in the near future. In today's challenging market, it's a no-brainer," said Jorrit Van der Meulen, Zillow's vice president of partner relations.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 2, 2008, 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Social network hi5 Updates with 10 Community-Translated Languages

Social networking site hi5 has updated with 10 new community-translated languages and dialects. hi5 enjoys 56 million unique visitors a month and is the third largest social network worldwide. It's #1 in over 30 countries.

The ten languages are:

Catalan
Danish
British English
Finnish
Hindi
Macedonian
Slovakian
Spanish - Mexico
Spanish - Colombia
Swedish

"The power of this program to deliver localized versions of our product has exceeded our own high expectations," said Ramu Yalamanchi, CEO and founder of hi5. "It is amazing to see the energy and enthusiasm of our global user community in action, taking our site into new languages and geographies that we otherwise wouldn't have the resources to address."

hi5 saw 100% growth year-over-year in June 2008, the second highest percentage of growth. Facebook had the highest at 153%.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 2, 2008, 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Yahoo's Search for a Cause to Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research

Yahoo has introduced "Search for a Cause," which was designed to support effort during October's Breast Cancer Awareness month. Search for a Cause is a SearchMonkey app that directs affiliate commissions for popular shopping sites to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For every searcher who uses the app, Yahoo will donate $1, up to $25,000.

via Yahoo! Search blog

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 2, 2008, 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How Google is Integrating Search into Android and the G1

Recently, Google and T-mobile teamed up to unveil the new G1, the first Android-powered phone to be made commercially available. There was a lot of hype about the device and how it compared to the iPhone, but how does Google's baby, search, fit into the mix?

Marc Vanlerberghe, Google's Product Marketing Director, took to the Official Google Mobile blog to address that very issue.

It turns out search pops up in a bunch of places on Android, as you might expect.

The search feature on Maps sounds pretty cool. Just start typing, and the search interface pops up.

Other applications have your typical search button, and then there's a good ol' fashioned search widget on the home screen.

Query suggestions will be seen throughout, some using Google Suggest and some using query histories.

Google put together a video to show more of how search will work on Android. Check it out:

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 2, 2008, 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SEW Experts: Link Marketing -- Solve a Customer Problem

Search Engine Watch Expert - Justilien Gaspard Solving customer problems and publishing that information on your site can be a great way to build both brand awareness and links. In today's linkbuilding column, "Link Marketing -- Solve a Customer Problem," Justilien Gaspard explains how focusing on a niche or soliciting input from your customers are two great ways to develop your content ideas.

» Full story

Posted by Kevin Newcomb on October 2, 2008, 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SEW Experts: Economic Depression 2.0

Search Engine Watch Expert - Erik Qualman Using some past economic low times as historical guides, what can the online world expect in the coming months? In today's building brand equity column, "Economic Depression 2.0," Erik Qualman notes that one likely outcome is a permanent shift from traditional channels to online marketing. Yes, online marketing could reach the highest percentage of marketing spend sooner than any of us imagined.

» Full story

Posted by Kevin Newcomb on October 2, 2008, 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gas Shortages Lead to Increased Web and Audio Conferencing

Since Hurricanes Gustav and especially Ike, a slowdown in Gulf Coast refineries have created gas shortages in the southeast. The gas station near my house runs out every other day, it seems.

But in tough times come rare opportunities. Web and audio conferencing companies are being looked to for increased communications when travel by car has literally been brought to a halt.

Copper Conferencing is one such company.

"Our phones are busier than ever as current and new customers ask for help in setting up telecommuting practices and expanding their use of conferencing as a best practice for smart business, but in particular among workers who are in the affected areas," said Kathleen Thompson, Manager of Customer Care for Copper Conferencing.

Search engine marketers should watch out for these unique opportunities, especially during these volatile economic times. Do you have a client that can extend services such as these in the wake of natural disaster and in the midst of an economic crisis?

In an expert column today, Kevin Ryan encouraged search marketers to not spend less but to spend smart. I couldn't agree more. Search remains quite affordable compared to traditional marketing efforts and takes the cake in ROI compared to some methods, especially branding ones.

So, while the water in the glass may have dropped with the stock market on Monday, it's not completely dry. What can you do with what remains? Share your inspiration in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 1, 2008, 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

YouTube Insight Now Shows Which Part of Videos are Hottest

YouTube has introduced a new feature to its Insight analytics. The feature is called Hot Spots (not to be confused with Live Search's "hotspots") and it shows which part of a YouTube video are the most engaging.

YouTube says that the information can help users edit or annotate their videos in order to help audiences stay engaged.

Here's a screenshot of the new feature:

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 1, 2008, 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Microsoft Launches SearchPerks; Like Credit Card Rewards, Except for Search

Microsoft is today launching a new incentive program for Live Search. The program is called SearchPerks, and it works very much like a credit card reward program.

Every time you search, you earn tickets. You can earn up to 25 tickets a day. Tickets can later be redeemed for all sorts of rewards including music downloads (5 for 525 points) and airline miles (1000 miles for 1800 tickets).

Here's how it works. Sign up for the program, and download a simple piece of code. That will give you a Perk Counter for your desktop.

You can begin earning tickets today, October 1, all the way through April 15th of next year. You can begin claiming your rewards on April 16. However, you can only sign up for the program through December 31, 2008 and the program is capped at 250,000 people.

Microsoft will be evaluating the program and could possible expand it if all goes well.

Microsoft's Frederick Savoye, senior director at Live Search, assured me that this is an incentive program that fits into their three overall pillars of search:

Delivering the best search results
Simplifying key tasks such as booking airline, travel, shopping, finding user opinions, etc.
Innovating the business model

So while programs like SearchPerks and Cashback may seem like Microsoft is just trying to pay people off to use Live Search, the team remains strongly devoted to improving technology and the user experience.

What do you think of this program? Will you sign up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on October 1, 2008, 3:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

SEW Experts: In Tough Economic Times, Whither Search?

Search Engine Watch Expert - Kevin Ryan The news about our world's economic conditions aren't just bad, they're insane. What will happen to advertising and marketing dollars as a result? Is search insulated from our economic meltdown? In today's Searching for Meaning column, "In Tough Economic Times, Whither Search?," Kevin Ryan gives the short answer: not by a long shot. He then explains that the long answer is a bit more complicated.

» Full story

Posted by Kevin Newcomb on October 1, 2008, 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Google Translate Adds 11 Languages

Google has added 11 languages to its Translate product. They are:

Catalan
Filipino
Hebrew
Indonesian
Latvian
Lithuanian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Ukrainian
Vietnamese

The total number of languages is now 34 and the total number of language pair combinations nearly doubled from 506 to 1122.

Recently, Google added human translators as well.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 30, 2008, 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Searching for Healthcare: How Online Communities are Changing the Face of Medicine

The New York Times has a great article about using the internet for information on medical conditions, including how search is involved in the process. As you know, results can change just by adding a keyword to the phrase you're already searching for.

Search for a condition and add the word community, for example, and you suddenly have access to patients dealing with the same issues, according to Susannah Fox of the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

I can personally attest to the power of the internet, especially the ability to communicate and share experiences with other patients. When I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2003, the internet became the authority on my care. Because the cancer affects so few people, doctors with little experience in seeing patients with thyroid cancer can be misinformed on how to treat it.

Thankfully, I found an online community that helped me through every step of the process. I was able to find doctors that knew thyroid cancer and could adequately treat me. My experience greatly improved as the result of "meeting" other patients. (I did, also, eventually meet several in person as well.)

As much as social networking can sometimes get a bad rap for being an untamed jungle of wild party pictures and obscene comments, we can't forget the power of online communities and their role in so many important aspects of daily life. From jobs to cancer treatment, social networking is impacting lives. And that's something to feel good about - and get involved in.

Is your company there yet? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 30, 2008, 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

WebTrends Releases New Online Analytics Tool

WebTrends is rolling out a new feature to help web markters and developers track specific analytics. The tool is called TagBuilder. It's online, it's free and it generates WebTrends data collection tags, which have been rewritten as standardized, object-oriented JavaScript code.

Here's what you can do with TagBuilder:

Access automated click-event tracking for download links, offsite links, form submissions, image maps and navigation areas
Automate parameter mapping and the capture of information from custom META tags for detailed reporting
Flexibly define the site with options for single or multiple first-party cookies and the choice of single or multiple on-site domains for accurate cross-domain tracking
Integrate conversion tracking with WebTrends Ad Director, an automated search marketing optimization service
Easily create cookies compliant with the U.S. Office of Management & Budget policies for federal government web sites

“WebTrends TagBuilder greatly simplifies one of the most arduous, error-prone tasks of web analytics,” said Eric Rickson, product manager for WebTrends. “This free utility lowers the barriers to rich reporting and analysis by providing our customers with a direct way to take advantage of our innovations in data collection.”

What do you think of this new tool? Let us know in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 30, 2008, 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Search Engine Marketing Inc. (Second Edition) Is Hot Off The Press

Run, don't walk, to your favorite bookstore and pick up a copy of Search Engine Marketing, Inc.: Driving Search Traffic to Your Company's Web Site (2nd Edition). Okay, okay, so most search engine marketers will simply order the paperback on Amazon.com. But, somehow 1-click ordering takes all the drama out of buying the latest book by Mike Moran and Bill Hunt.

And if you don't believe me, check out what Lee Odden, the CEO of TopRank Online Marketing and author of the Online Marketing Blog, has to say: “With Search Engine Marketing, Inc., Bill Hunt and Mike Moran have successfully updated what is already known in the industry as 'The Search Marketing Bible.' With new content, examples, and insight including social media and Web site search, this is a must read book for marketers at companies of all sizes from startups to the Fortune 100.”

I interviewed Bill about the new edition of the book back in August at Search Engine Strategies San Jose. And I've been keeping the video interview under wraps -- until today. You can watch it below -- before getting your hands on your very own copy. And, yes, this will be on the mid-term exam.

Greg Jarboe interviews Bill Hunt about his new book

Posted by Greg Jarboe on September 30, 2008, 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yahoo Also Launches Site Defending Search Ad Deal with Google

Last week, Google launched a site that explained what they feel are the facts behind their search advertising agreement with Yahoo. Now, Yahoo is doing the same.

The site does not offer much new in the way of arguments supporting the partnership. Yahoo reiterates the point that advertisers set the price of search ads through the bidding process, and that there will be no price setting between Google and Yahoo.

But that argument hasn't seemed to calm many fears. It's almost like saying, "Hey, if the price goes up, it's your own fault."

There has been no denying that the price could, indeed, rise as a result of the deal. If there was such assurance, that would mean that Yahoo and Google are, in fact, price setting. That would go against Google's business model that has brought them so much success.

Most of this just chalks up to bad timing. The economy is what it is right now, emotions are high, fears are high. It's a bad time to defend this deal, whether it has merit or not.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 30, 2008, 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

AdWords API Gets Local Database Sync Update

Google has launched AdWords API Local Database Sync. This allows you to run reports, store them in a local database, and then query that database.

The AdWords API team says that this should make querying a local database faster and more cost effective.

Jeffrey Posnick informed on the code behind the project:

The scripts are written in Python, and make use of the SOAPpy libraries for accessing the AdWords API SOAP service. The Python code is written against the dbapi2 database API, and by default it will use the SQLite implementation and store the report data in a SQLite database file on the local file system. It's possible to swap out the SQLite libraries for another database library that supports the dbapi2 interface.

What do you think about Local Database Sync? Share your impressions in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 30, 2008, 8:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SEW Experts: The Geometry of SEM -- What's your Angle?

Search Engine Watch Expert - Carrie Hill When you're competing with hundreds of other Web sites for the attention of just one user, how can you ensure your site stands out? If you look at what you offer, what you make the most money on, and what people are asking for, you can build your Web site to serve the most profitable aspect of that need. In today's small business search engine marketing column, "The Geometry of SEM -- What's your Angle?," Carrie Hill shows how an angle for your Web site and search marketing can mean all the difference between a successful Web site venture and a failure.

» Full story

Posted by Kevin Newcomb on September 30, 2008, 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SEW Experts: Tin Foil Hat? I Have Mine On

Search Engine Watch Expert - Mark Jackson Google's intentions are good, but we must also remember that they aren't in the business of helping your Web site rank highly in Google. So when Google advises against URL rewriting in their Webmaster Central blog, is there an ulterior motive? In today's organic SEO column, "Tin Foil Hat? I Have Mine On," Mark Jackson weighs the pros and cons of URL rewriting, and explores some possible reasons why Google would rather webmasters didn't do it.

» Full story

Posted by Kevin Newcomb on September 30, 2008, 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Google Wants Government on Its Client Roster

Google has opened a new office in Reston, Virginia and staffed it with sales people tasked with getting their products used in the government. Their neighbors include widely known government contractors including Northrup Grumman and Raytheon.

Their challenge is to convince government agencies to shift to a cloud computing method. Of course, when you're dealing with so much confidential information, the gravity of the challenge seems intense indeed.

There is also a Washingtonian sense that the more complex a program is, the more sophisticated it must be. This works against Google's success which is largely based on making things easier on the user.

What works in Google's favor is that workers want to see the same kind of simple-yet-advanced programs at their workplace that they use in their personal life.

What do you think of Google's government aspirations? Let us know in the comments.

via Washington Post

Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 29, 2008, 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

93% of Americans Expect Companies to Have Social Media Presence

A new study is showing that 93% of Americans expect companies to have a presence in social media. 85% say companies should interact with consumers via social media, according to the data released by Cone, Inc.

Specifically, those surveyed believe:

Companies should use social networks to solve my problems (43%)
Companies should solicit feedback on their products and services (41%)
Companies should develop new ways for consumers to interact with their brand (37%)
Companies should market to consumers (25%)

Men are twice as likely to interact with companies via social media than women. 33% will interact one or more times a week while only 17% of women will.

Two-thirds of households with 3 people or more and those making $75,000 or more feel a stronger connection to brands they interact with online.

What do you think about this survey? Does it change the way you think about social media as an advertising medium? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 29, 2008, 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Yahoo's Sue Decker Weighs In on the Defense of the Search Ad Deal with Google

Yahoo President Sue Decker took to the Yahoo Anecdotal blog to defend the search advertising deal her company struck with Google a few months ago.

Google has been doing the heavy lifting when it comes to defending the deal to the critics. So, it was about time we heard from Yahoo again on the deal.

But Decker started off with a sarcastic tone. Her first paragraph ended with:

Since the critics clearly don't understand the deal and what it means for Yahoo!, Google, advertisers, and users, it's time for some myth-busting.

Sue, if you want to win friends to your side, you shouldn't alienate these critics. Many of them are AdWords customers!

But Decker devolves even further by saying making her two points about what the deal does for Yahoo instead of making it about the customer:

Yahoo! will use this agreement to help us become a stronger competitor in all aspects of online advertising; and
Yahoo! is not exiting the sponsored search business. We plan to remain a strong player in sponsored search.

I know that Decker has probably been consumed with trying to save a flailing Yahoo. But the fact that she's going after this argument by defending the business aspirations of Yahoo might show why this company is struggling in the first place.

Companies succeed when they focus on the customer. But Yahoo is focused on stock prices and board preservation. This is not the way to win the hearts of search advertisers or investors.

Otherwise, Decker made points that Google has made. She says there will not be price setting between Yahoo and Google because advertisers set the prices through the bidding process. The price is related to the value which is based on demand.

Decker even played on Google's unofficial motto "Do no evil" by saying the partnership would be implemented through respect for the Hippocratic Oath "first, do no harm."

To be fair, Yahoo probably needs this deal in order to bring in some extra income. What they need to do what that income is invest in innovation that brings a better search experience to users. That's what the search industry needs right now. And it's the only way to truly compete with Google.

Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 29, 2008, 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SEW Experts: Judging PPC Performance: Focus on Conversions

Search Engine Watch Expert - David Szetela Knowing how and when to make decisions about your PPC campaign's keyword and ad performance can make or break your campaign. In today's Profitable PPC column, "Judging PPC Performance: Focus on Conversions," David Szetela reminds you that almost every action you take to improve your PPC ad campaign should be based on conversion data.

» Full story

Posted by Kevin Newcomb on September 29, 2008, 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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