Does Google want 100% accuracy?

September 26, 2007 — jellymeli

I had this discussion with a peer way back a few years ago at one of my old jobs. Does Google want 100% accuracy in the ad’s that they are displaying?

My answer, as well as his, was No. I wish he had a different answer so I had something to debate, but we both agreed on the fact that Google does not want to have 100% accurate results.
Why? Because Google wants to profit. By leaving a margin of in-accuracy in both organic and sponsored results, we must go back to Google for a second try. A second trip = more possibilities that we will click on an ad.

As users become more wise about Sponsored ad’s, they begin to stop clicking on them. Plus users know that sponsored ad’s are normally in-accurate to their search (especially if the search is specific). Now Google is trying to figure out ways to stick ad’s in there without the user knowing so much. They are also trying to give higher precedence to ad’s that are trustworthy and already rank well for the terms. Double exposure for the client, plus more of a chance the visitor will see a recognizable company and click on it. It also means the visitor will see more than 1 large company, and will possibly click back for a second opinion on the same subject.

Oh Google… you are growing too wise for your own good.

Posted in PPC, Search Engine Brain Dump. Tags: , , . 1 Comment »

Google’s Content Network is a JOKE

September 6, 2007 — jellymeli

When we were finally able to see where our Ad’s were being displayed with Google Adwords “content network,” I quickly turned it off.

You must be kidding Google. Having inflated impressions with a low click through rate is to be expected if you are apart of this lovely “network” Google kindly provided us with. I understand that Google is all for making profit (then again, who isn’t?) and this is one of the easiest ways they get change from online advertisers using their PPC services, but the content network is absolutely a joke.

Google is obviously a good judge of relating content to specific keywords. Am I right? Then why oh why do they think one of my clients who specialize in Plumber Advertising services, relates to a photo found on frindster.com?

Here are some lovely websites I found a PLUMBING ADVERTISING website displayed on:

Comicbookresources.com
Cheathappens.com
Adsoftheworld.com
Freedirectory.biz (listed under transportation mind you)
Friendster.com (on several photos and journal pages)

Now tell me, by being apart of this content network, what am I gaining? Absolutely nothing in my opinion. We get to pick who we want to delete out of our network, which is a plus. I turned off the entire network regardless. I shouldn’t have to monitor something that closely with such a small amount of return. A majority of these websites should not belong in a content network relating to my website. Having an opt out feature, but no opt in, doesn’t give me much to work with.

Let me put a spin on this real fast. As junky as I find the content network, I did find one client that could benefit from it’s junkyness with close monitoring. One of my clients with a niche on equity repositioning that can benefit from its selection. See, he can target websites that relate to mortgage, and post an Ad about why you shouldn’t pay off your mortgage. Basically, he can use the content network to pick off clients from those looking to do the opposite. This website’s content network was only slightly better than the above mentioned, but it was worth the effort. Why? Higher conversions.

So, a majority of the time, Google’s content network is a piece. Others, you can really benefit. It really depends. However, improvements on the network itself need to be made for it to be fully utilized.

Posted in PPC. 1 Comment »