SEO:Search

You hear it all the time, “the world moves fast” with high speed connections and wireless access, we have come a long way in a very short time.

While the web is enjoying its Sweet Sixteen - even back at the beginning the connection speeds were limited - 14.4 modems were fast and maxing out phone speed connections had not even occurred.

I saw a piece on television today about the Daytona 500 finish in 1959 that was so close the second place person protested and it took 2 days to develop the film to determine he had won the race. That had me thinking about how fast our technology has changed.

We tend to take things for granted…. in the beginning there was Alta Vista, Northern Lights and a number of other search engines. I used Lycos alot back then and was an early user of Google when a few college friends told me about this engine from Stanford called BackRub.

They were fun times and a great article about the history of search engines has been written by Aaron Wall.

For people new to the industry having a sense of the history of our industry is handy. Just realizing how fast things have developed and how quickly front runners have dropped away is important. Things move quickly and even Google with its monster share of the search landscape is not immune to this rapidly changing loyalty.

One of the things I like best about attending conferences is talking with the people I have known in this space for years. I know I may be one of the “old guys” but that just gives me a deeper perspective on how things change.

If you are attending SES London this week take the time to speak with some of us older members of the industry. When a few of us get together and talk it is like listening to parents comparing stories about their children - we love them but have had 16 years of ups and downs dealing with their erratic behavior.

In 2024, SES San Jose will be 25 years old… I have already said I am sponsoring the walkers for the older members of our industry. Many of the people who were involved with the industry back then will be moving as slow as the modems that first connected us to the web.

Hope to see you this week in London.

Whether the outcome would be Micro-hoo or Ya-soft the outcome would be the same, a new combined power that may be able to put some heat on Google to maintain their control on search and online advertising. This is not new speculation, actually last year Microsoft was in the same role as they have assumed recently:

The Great Search War or Search War I?

Competition is the thing that Microsoft has not had to directly face for some time, and Yahoo knows what it feels like to be on top, but both have not been able to touch Google in the department of search and search driven revenue. As Google looks to other areas, like radio, television and newspapers, to generate additional revenue streams, this might be the optimal time for these two tech giants to seize an opportunity (that may or may not exist). The only thing that I can see, outside looking in, is that Google has never really been tested in their core competency, search. This could expose weaknesses that might be there, but I dont see that either Yahoo or MSN could accomplish this independently.

I know that the dust has settled, for now at least, but there could be something there today that might never be there again (an opportunity)! - Microsoft + Yahoo = ???

This time Steven Ballmer wrote a letter directly to Yahoos Board of Directors, this time with a bit more teeth than last years bid noting their lack of growth that was the main concern with not accepting Microsofts bid:

In February 2007, I received a letter from your Chairman indicating the view of the Yahoo! Board that now is not the right time from the perspective of our shareholders to enter into discussions regarding an acquisition transaction. According to that letter, the principal reason for this view was the Yahoo! Boards confidence in the potential upside if management successfully executed on a reformulated strategy based on certain operational initiatives, such as Project Panama, and a significant organizational realignment. A year has gone by, and the competitive situation has not improved.

and continuing with a solid plan (at least on paper) to the reason that the board and stockholders would be interested in the merger:

While online advertising growth continues, there are significant benefits of scale in advertising platform economics, in capital costs for search index build-out, and in research and development, making this a time of industry consolidation and convergence. Today, the market is increasingly dominated by one player who is consolidating its dominance through acquisition. Together, Microsoft and Yahoo! can offer a credible alternative for consumers, advertisers, and publishers. Synergies of this combination fall into four areas:

Scale economics: This combination enables synergies related to scale economics of the advertising platform where today there is only one competitor at scale. This includes synergies across both search and non-search related advertising that will strengthen the value proposition to both advertisers and publishers. Additionally, the combination allows us to consolidate capital spending.

Expanded R&D capacity: The combined talent of our engineering resources can be focused on R&D priorities such as a single search index and single advertising platform. Together we can unleash new levels of innovation, delivering enhanced user experiences, breakthroughs in search, and new advertising platform capabilities. Many of these breakthroughs are a function of an engineering scale that today neither of our companies has on its own.

Operational efficiencies: Eliminating redundant infrastructure and duplicative operating costs will improve the financial performance of the combined entity.

Emerging user experiences: Our combined ability to focus engineering resources that drive innovation in emerging scenarios such as video, mobile services, online commerce, social media, and social platforms is greatly enhanced.

Could they pull it off?

We may not know yet, as Yahoo has made little response over the news, however Google has appeared to be quite concerned. They took a whole day to build and publish a response to this development (via Official Google Blog):

The openness of the Internet is what made Google ” and Yahoo! ” possible. A good idea that users find useful spreads quickly. Businesses can be created around the idea. Users benefit from constant innovation. Its what makes the Internet such an exciting place.

So Microsofts hostile bid for Yahoo! raises troubling questions. This is about more than simply a financial transaction, one company taking over another. Its about preserving the underlying principles of the Internet: openness and innovation.

Could Microsoft now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC? While the Internet rewards competitive innovation, Microsoft has frequently sought to establish proprietary monopolies ” and then leverage its dominance into new, adjacent markets.

Could the acquisition of Yahoo! allow Microsoft ” despite its legacy of serious legal and regulatory offenses ” to extend unfair practices from browsers and operating systems to the Internet? In addition, Microsoft plus Yahoo! equals an overwhelming share of instant messaging and web email accounts. And between them, the two companies operate the two most heavily trafficked portals on the Internet. Could a combination of the two take advantage of a PC software monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors email, IM, and web-based services? Policymakers around the world need to ask these questions ” and consumers deserve satisfying answers.

This hostile bid was announced on Friday, so there is plenty of time for these questions to be thoroughly addressed. We take Internet openness, choice and innovation seriously. They are the core of our culture. We believe that the interests of Internet users come first ” and should come first ” as the merits of this proposed acquisition are examined and alternatives explored.

WOW! Sounds like Google is a bit concerned about the prospects of Microsoft who has the dominate OS and Yahoo! with a significant following joining forces that might be able to slow Googles efforts at building office solutions, email and other user desired applications in Microsoft and joining a stronger search presence in Yahoo! Really, it seems like a good match for the two and these types of opportunities dont come easy or frequently.

With that, Microsoft fired back:

Today, Google is the dominant search engine and advertising company on the Web. Google has amassed about 75 percent of paid search revenues worldwide and its share continues to grow. According to published reports, Google currently has more than 65 percent search query share in the U.S. and more than 85 percent in Europe. Microsoft and Yahoo! on the other hand have roughly 30 percent combined in the U.S. and approximately 10 percent combined in Europe.

Microsoft is committed to openness, innovation, and the protection of privacy on the Internet. We believe that the combination of Microsoft and Yahoo! will advance these goals. Press Release

And so, The Great Search War has begun, or Search War I if you prefer!

The next bomb came from a third-party source, The Wall Street Journal:

Google Inc. Chief Executive Eric Schmidt called Yahoo Inc. CEO Jerry Yang to offer his companys help in any effort to thwart Microsoft Corp.s unsolicited $44.6 billion bid for Yahoo, say people familiar with the matter.

It is considered unlikely that Google would itself bid for Yahoo because of regulatory concerns related to their large shares of the search and online advertising markets. But the people familiar with the matter say Google could play a role in attempts by others to outbid Microsoft, or by Yahoo to remain independent. Google could potentially offer money, or guaranteed revenue in return for a Yahoo advertising outsourcing pact, under that scenario, say people familiar with the matter. Even such involvement by Google would likely attract antitrust scrutiny because of concerns that competition between the two Silicon Valley Internet companies could be reduced.

Many of us on the sidelines have cheered or booed the concept and when there was the reaction from Google, many cried fowl. Personally, the idea that Google should be able to maintain such a commanding lead in search and online advertising and try to block this would be one of the most evil things that they could do!

I know that this is an election year, and it has been some 8 years, in the US, since we have not had an incumbent in the election for the President (No, I dont think that Hillary should be considered an incumbent!), but this appears to be a much more active campaign for votes than the primary elections. Is this what we have to look forward to in the general election?

Back to the action Steven Ballmer sent an email to everyone at Microsoft to educate them of the situation and outline their plan, but on the following Monday, via a SEC filing, we see what Yahoo is thinking via a confidential email to their troops:

Subject: more on todays news
fellow yahoos:
since we talked to you this morning, theres been a lot of media coverage and industry chatter about microsofts unsolicited proposal to acquire yahoo!. we know youve been hearing and reading a lot about this. thats why we wanted to reach out to all of you at the end of the day to emphasize a few things that we hope will give you some more context about this proposal, the process that our board is taking, and what you can expect in the days ahead.
first, we want to emphasize that absolutely no decisions have been made ” and, despite what some people have tried to suggest, theres certainly no integration process underway. this proposal is just that ” a proposal. and it was only made in the last 24 hours. you can be sure the board is going to review it thoughtfully and carefully, and do whats right for our great company. microsofts proposal is one of many options that were evaluating in order to maximize value for our shareholders and employees over the long-term. thats why we will respond to microsoft after our board has completed a careful review of all of our strategic alternatives.
second, we cant let any of the noise were hearing around this situation distract us from our core mission. its critical that we continue to focus on running our business, executing our strategy and delivering value to all of our users, advertisers and publishers.
finally, we realize that this may have been a tough day for many of you, especially those on the front lines of our business. we know you have many questions, and were committed to making sure youre as informed as possible as this process moves forward. in the interim, we both want to thank you for your continued energy, focus and determination. well continue to share information with you as we have it and can do so.

And then the users spoke:

Flickr users are openly protesting the idea of Microsoft acquiring Flickrs parent company, Yahoo. A Group has opened up called MICROSOFT: KEEP YOUR EVlL GRUBBY HANDS OFF OF OUR FLICKR where users can upload protest photos.

And more news as to how Microsoft plans to make this move:

If the Microsoft bid for Yahoo goes through, Reuters says that they might have to borrow money to make it happen.

Its likely were actually going to borrow for the first time, said -Microsoft CFO Chris- Liddell in an annual strategy meeting with analysts. Its going to be a mixture of the cash we have on hand plus debt.

Jerry Yang then rallied the troops to stay focused and that no decision had been made:

as weve said, no decisions have been made about microsofts proposal. our board is thoughtfully evaluating a wide range of potential strategic alternatives in what is a complex and evolving landscape. and weve hired top advisers to assist through the process.

Everyone in the practice knows that this is not over, but what is apparent is that Microsoft and Yahoo! have to do something to address the growing presence that Google has gained over the years if they want to continue to be a valuable property on the Internet and not be relegated to the history books and Wikipedia!

One thing that is for sure is that this episode will lay boundaries that are not currently as visible:
Yahoo rejects Microsofts bid (without help) - Strong Yahoo, Weak Microsoft, Google Unchanged
Yahoo rejects Microsofts bid (with Googles help) - Weak Yahoo, Weak Microsoft, Google Stronger
Yahoo rejects Microsofts bid (with others help) - Troubled Yahoo, Troubled Microsoft, Google Unchanged
Yahoo accepts Microsofts bid - Stronger Micro-Hoo/Ya-soft and Google Concerned

Yahoo appears to be using this to leverage their value to their stockholders and users, but this will only keep them up for a little while. If they decide to reject the offer from Microsoft or accept, they will need to start turning a profit on the same scale as Google to keep their presence secure.

I guess we will have to wait, will it be round 4 between Microsoft and Google, or be the final decision from Yahoo we shall see. No matter the outcome it has led to quite the drama!

A couple of other questions have not been answered yet:
Will Google come out looking like Yahoos David to Microsofts Goliath? or
Will Microsoft look like the school mate teaming up with Yahoo to battle the class bully Google?

Not just the future of search, but a BIG public opinion adjustment might be in our future!

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Tag: Microsoft, Yahoo

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Porn transmitted onHello.com, a Web site owned and operated by Google, helped catch an alleged predator in South Carolina. This isn’t another mix-up about googleporn.com, one of more than 9,000 domains owned by Google, Inc.

Police nabbed the alleged child pornographer who sent more than 500 pornographic images and porn videos to a cop posing as a 13 year old boy.

Hello.com, a Google-Picasa social site that allows instant upload and transmission of pictures and video was the platform used by the suspect, high school teacher Timothy Lynn Brumit, 47, of Aiken, S.C. Amanda Stewart of Potomac News first reported the Google porn story on Saturday.

As Google scales social search as the “future of search” platform, its problems with porn and illegal activities - online and offline - have multiplied.

In 2005, police in Brazil arrested a gang of drug dealers who were using Google’s Orkut social networking site to sell ecstasy and marijuana. Later the following year, Brazilian prosecutors threatened to shut down Orkut unless Google cooperated with police investigating child porn on the social search site.

Click to read the rest of this post…

When Search Engine Strategies London gets underway on Tuesday, Feb. 19, there will be more than a dozen chieftans of the SEM and SEO blogging community gathered at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

(I’d compare what will take place next week to a “gathering of the clans,” except it involves a big bunch of SEM bloggers, not a large group of related people wearing kilts. Plus, it’s taking place in England, not in Scotland. But, there may be some drinking of Scotch, so I think my analogy is not entirely off base.)

I’ve already mentioned a number of blog posts about SES London, including:
– “Fredrick Marckini iProspect Exclusive SEO Interview with Dan Horton;”
– Christine Churchill’s “A Chat with Analytics Guru Jim Sterne;”
– Simon Heseltine’s “SES London 2008 Interview - Piers Stobbs;”
– Massimo Burgio’s “Pre-SES London interviews: Piers Stobbs, comScore;”
– Lee Odden’s “SES London: News & Blog SEO, Reputation Management;” and
– Lisa Barone’s “Gearing up for SES London!.”

(Lisa will be missing the show, but the other prominent search engine marketing industry bloggers will be there.)

But wait! There’s more!

After watching a similar but different gathering of the clans on NESN, the New England Sports Network, this morning — which broadcast the first workout of Red Sox pitchers and catchers during spring training live from Fort Myers — I used Google Blog Search to discover more than a dozen other posts about Search Engine Strategies London.

This includes:

– SES London 2008 - 10 Reasons To Attend. Mel Carson was doing quite a bit of work this weekend to clear the decks so he can immerse himself in all the sessions, all the talking, and he says that he might be found with a beer in his hand (instead of a Scotch) on some, if not all, of the evenings.

– Andy Beal Speaking at SES London Feb 19-21. You’d think that being a British ex-pat, Andy Beal would have had many opportunities to speak at SES London in the past. Well, next week will actually be his first time speaking at the London event — joining his good friend Mike Grehan.

– SES London 2008. Pam Hoffman writes, “If you live and breathe search, or just want to know more about it, then Search Engine Strategies is for you. SES is a great show for anyone who wants to hear experts share their knowledge, find out about the latest developments and future technologies, and hone their search expertise.”

– Connectpoint to attend SES London 2008. Both Peter Young, Head of Online Marketing for Connectpoint, and Will Graham, the firm’s Online Marketing Manager, will be attending Search Engine Strategies London. Pater says, “It is the first time we at Connectpoint will be attending one of the UK SEO showcase events, and definitely not the last.”

– SES London 2008 Interview - Jon Myers. Simon Heseltine also interviewed Jon Myers of Mediavest, a Manchester, England based firm. Jon is actually involved with 5 different sessions at this conference, but this interview deals directly with the Auditing Paid Listings & Click Fraud Issues session on Tuesday Feb 19th at 11am.

– Reminder: Microsoft adCenter Team at SES London. Mel Carson also has another post that points out that quite a few of the members of the Microsoft adCenter Team are speaking at sessions throughout the conference.

– Meals for the Day - 2/15/08. Okay, so this one is a bit of a mish-mash. But Jennifer Laycock meant to make chicken, asparagus and maybe some pasta for dinner, but she’s been working for hours and hours on her PowerPoint for the training event after SES London and completely lost track of time.

– SES Paris 2008 – Interesting Observation… Technically, this isn’t about SES London. But, Mona Elesseily does say, “I can always get me some bangers and mash at SES London 2008 (starts on February 19 2008). (If you see Mona at the show, tell her she has “nice shoes.” Trust me on this.)

– SES London Preview. And, while this isn’t a blog post, check out this preview of the upcoming SES London show with Kevin Ryan, Vice President and Global Content Director of Search Engine Strategies and SES London Chair Mike Grehan.

– London to host search engine marketing event. Chris Bolwig of IceNews writes, “The event is seen as one of the most comprehensive SEM/SEO education opportunities in the UK or Europe and a number of highly-specialised sessions on search engine optimisation will be on offer. Search marketing guru Kristjan M. Hauksson, director of a growing Internet marketing company in Scandinavia, will deliver a session on ‘Dynamic Websites: Beyond the Basics’.”

– Search Engine Strategies sets agenda for London 2008. According to this news article, “This year’s conference will be hosted by search marketing specialist Mike Grehan. Mike is recognized as one of the foremost SEM experts. He was voted one of the UK’s top 100 influential people in Internet marketing in a poll of e-Consultancy’s 22,000 UK members.”

– Search Engine Strategies. In this forum post, Fintan aka Wannabe Geek asks, “Any one going to Search Engine Strategies London - 19-21 February 2008 - the intersection of search, marketing & commerce in London this month?” There are lots of replies.

– Anyone going to Search Engine Strategies 2008?. In another forum, Simon aka Figleaf asks, “Is anyone going to Search Engine Strategies in London 19-21 Feb? I think I will be going so if anyone fancies a meet up, drop me a line.”

Now, I should disclose that SES London is a client. But, that’s not so bad. While reading The Boston Globe this morning, I saw the most tortured disclosure statement that I’ve ever stumbled across. In his column, “It’s live - but not lively,” which is about NESN’s live broadcast from Fort Myers, Dan Shaughnessy wrote, “Disclaimer: the New York Times Co., which owns the Globe, owns 17 percent of the Red Sox, who own 80 percent of NESN.”

Now, that’s something that I can discuss with the SEM bloggers gathering at Search Engine Strategies London — over a Scotch, a beer, or some bangers and mash.

I got an e-mail recently from someone at a large, multinational company who is in a quandary. They’ve had some success with their U.S. Web marketing, but now each of the country teams in the company are demanding help. What are the best ways to manage a multinational Web site presence?

Is Search Marketing Different for Multinationals?

My correspondent was concerned about how hard it is to do and what unwanted impacts might await.

She wrote, in part, “We know that to rank highly on Google.au our site really needs -an AU- domain name. However, the concern is how to manage this for all the other offices then? (If we do it for one, they all will want it.)” She’s right, and it can be hard to manage. Search engines include sites in their country search engines that have country domains (as she notes) or are hosted within that country. Many companies find both of these solutions difficult to manage.

Many companies prefer to host all country sites under “.com” and use the country identifier in a directory within the URL (www.ibm.com/au), rather than setting up dozens of country domains. Similarly, it’s usually more expensive to host country sites within each country”you save money with regional hosting centers for multiple countries. Search engines are getting smarter, however. In some cases, pages that are heavily linked from other country pages seem to be included in country indexes even without the right domain name or server address.

Our writer went on, “Also, from what I understand, search engines tend to filter out duplicate content pages. So having different domain names with the same content doesn’t seem like a good solution to me?” Typically, the content wouldn’t be duplicated precisely, because language, dialect, messaging, and currency differences make each country’s content unique, even if the products are the same.

She also asked, “How about IBM? How do they handle this?” Glad you asked. I did a presentation at Search Engine Strategies in Toronto back in 2005 on just that question. Check out “Multi-Country Search Campaigns.”

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Tag: Search, Marketing

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