Must Read
Lee Odden has compiled a very comprehensive list of 250+ “must read” search marketing blogs. It’s a terrific summary of the search industry online, and a good place to start for new SEM bloggers.
Google Getting Too Expensive
According to MarketWatch, high bid prices and diminishing returns have convinced many online advertisers to cut spending with Google Adwords. Some will increase print advertising, others will turn to cheaper Google alternatives. Though Google insists, “the majority of our customers continue to see strong return and value in our ad program,” advertisers’ increasing dissatisfaction with Google could mean big business for Yahoo – especially after Panama goes into effect.
Miva Switches Sides
MarketingVox reports, “Miva has ended its longstanding partnership with Yahoo and will turn its search ad business over to rival Google.” The 2 year deal not only gives Miva a boost in revenue, it makes Yahoo look even more vulnerable to Google’s dominant network.
Google Partners With China Mobile
Today Google joined forces with China Mobile “to provide Chinese Mobile users with world-class, high-quality mobile search products and services.” China Mobile is the largest cellular operator in the world, though it has a market penetration rate of only 33%. Thus, not only does China Mobile have enormous growth potential, it already has an enormous subscriber base – in other words, it’s the ultimate breeding ground for Google Mobile Ads.
Brazil Sides With Slutty Celebs Over YouTube
Today a Brazillian court ordered YouTube to shut down until it had removed all videos of celebrity Daniela Cicarelli (ex wife of Ronaldo) and her boyfriend having sex on a beach. This isn’t the first highly-public legal battle that Google has had with Brazil – Orkut, Google’s popular social networking site, has a long history of displeasing the Brazilian authorities.
