Google Press Day 2006 Commentary

It's been two days now since Google's buzz in the press. Ok, when does Google not create press buzz? Obviously there are plenty of stories still on the printers (or saved on hard drives) to come out over the next few days.

I still think the Trends is most exciting of the newest bits that came out, though the more I think of it the more I can't wait to play around with the Notebook. Imagine, a notebook instead of Post Its. On your screen! I am a Post It fan like Marissa Mayer and often have a pad next to my computer to scribble and scratch notes on. I could use text pad or word pad or any number of on screen sources, but I don't. I'm more apt to look at notes again if they're physical. But if they were on the screen with me? That may be a different story. Google Notebook launches next week according to representatives.

Now, Google Trends is still in its infancy. Like many Beta or Lab projects, so there are kinks and errors and incomplete information to be had. Still, it's fun to compare keywords and trends across the continents. To me it's a throw back to what I studied in college, cultural anthropology. Now I'm focusing my studies in the "real world" and tools like Google Trends offer valuable fun to someone like me.

Google Trends allows you to type in keywords, even compare keywords, and follow the trends. It can be broken down regionally, geographically, monthly, by language, by country, anything you want.

Sure this will be something new to review when providing Ad campaigns for customers, but it will also allow insight into future projects and projections. Since I'm not one to meddle with the "Britney Spears" searches and move straight to SEM terms -- both offer hours of fun -- I can see trends that affecting my business and my clients businesses. Of course there are limitations and this isn't a tool to be used exclusively or even to rely upon when creating campaigns. Still, it's a good tool to check what you already researched to find just how true it is.

Although the Google Press Day did not focus much on advertising, it was mainly a search recap and refocus with product releases, the Google folks can't keep advertising too far from their thoughts. Why else would they provide such a tool, even if it is Beta, I mean Lab. Fun and games without a means to an end, sure they've done that before, but I think this is different.

Hopefully over the next few weeks Google press will elaborate on these gadgets (Google revealed Google Gaadgets Tuesday as well) and emphasize more of the search and ad roles to be taken.

Of course, I'm sure many of us are still wondering about the Google/Microsoft - Yahoo search engine uproar and the new releases of ad campaign tools all round. Google, since it's inception, has focused first on creating then on making money. At least it's appeared to be the case. But with the competition foaming for some action battle scars are inevitable.

Keep posted.

Kristen Owen, president of ContentWorth. Please send any questions or provide comments.

Quality vs. Quantity

Google's Marissa Mayer mentioned "when it's free it's not perfect" . That comment may be biting Google in the tail.

Google often launches products in the Google labs and Google beta programs. As noted in the forum though, when Google launches a product in one of these areas it is reported as a new product, not a trial.

People want new, innovative, fresh products, just like they want new, innovative, fresh content or services or news. Of course, they want it all free and perfect but in the end I think they've trip over some imperfections as they go (pointing the problems out along the way) to use a new, innovative, fresh AND free product that ultimately makes their lives easier or more fun. Distractions are as good as easing work load and if you create applications and products people can play with WHILE working then you've struck oil.

Build First, Profit Later

Watching the Google Press Day the mantra runs again: build it first, (clean out the kinks) then find ways to monetize it.

Really, do you think they run labs for products they don't think they'll eventually be able to monetize?

Edit: Google News isn't being ad smacked yet. They seem to still be "looking into it".

Google Desk Top necessary for Google Gadgets. Gadgets seem really interesting, may be worth it if you've got the space.

I love Google Trends! I just found this tool today through the conference and think it could be huge.

Wrapping up the Google Press Day, back to questions.

JupiterResearch SEM Report Skewed.

The Bruce Clay Inc. blog offered great insight into the Search Engine Marketing (SEM)study conducted by JupiterResearch. This SEM study was released yesterday.

I feel much of the SEM JupitarResearch report was correct, however skewed. While SEM was shown as a relatively new concept it failed to acknowledge SEM professionals as it should. For one, multitasking and the ability to perform numerous, yet related, functions is a strength for those of us in the SEM world.

When did multitasking become a bad thing?...
The survey seemed to want to attribute the multiple job roles to search marketing being an 'immature industry' with a serious lack of qualified professionals. While I will agree search marketing is relatively young, and that five other job functions may seem like a lot, I take a look at the Bruce Clay, Inc. office and the reported stats don't surprise me.

I can't say I was surprised. From my marketing experiences in an office environment, working with off site clientele, and my own online SEM business, multitasking has remained necessary to search engine marketing. Being "pigeon holed" distracts from the newest, latest, and greatest aspects of SEM while hampering the overall effect SEM can have through various avenues within a project.

Search marketing and is a complex field, filled with a set of constantly changing rules and methodologies. In order to stay competitive, search professionals must continually increase their knowledge base and rework their skills. Keeping their hands in all aspects of the industry allows them to do this and lets them see things from a grander scale.

Ever work in a cubicle? How about on a project including numerous "specialized" people whom you rarely mingle with? Separating projects into specialities may not prove useful in most SEM cases. Or in marketing as a whole.

View multitasking -- relevant to SEM -- as hands on experience, and everything changes. Multitasking often equals integration. SEO

Multitasking doesn't always equal overworked (don't you remember college?).

Misplaced tasking can and does drain your resources, whether one person delegates or does the entire project.

Another issue that sparked my interest: the survey found that 26 percent of search marketers play dual role as resident IT guy. That means one in four search marketers are working in the IT department, not the marketing department. Doesn't that person seem misplaced to you?

Perhaps my favorite line of all when considering whether you're company is usefully integrating its marketing through multitasking or not:

Would you let your IT guy write your press releases?

The JupiterResearch study took the approach that SEM positions are youthful and inexperienced. They based this view on multiple job roles taken by (or assigned to) search marketers. A huge oversight remains: what if these search engine marketers enjoy multitasking? Being on all sides of a project allows a holistic view rather than a sliver. Intergration is easier when one knows the whole.

What if search marketers don't take on multiple job roles because they have to. What if they do it because they can?

You can read the blog in its entirety at the Bruce Clay Inc website.

Kristen Owen writes for ContentWorth.com, a full service, online SEM company.

Sports Fans Unite - Buy a Team

I ran across a PR on PRWeb a moment ago that struck me. Though the idea seems like it'll go somewhere, the production seems a little shaky.

I group (I suppose, they aren;t specific as to who they are)has created a new face to the Google search bar we all know and love. Luckily they've - so far - left it mostly white space with a little character to set it apart.

GMhomepage has reportedly launched a search engine (though not really, it's using Google) directed at sports fans in an attempt to corral all fans to their homepage. From their "About Us" snippet they seem hopeful that this will generate enough profit, through search, to collectively purchase and run a sports team.

I assume they are gaining revenue via Google Adwords, though that much was not clear.

It's an interesting tidbit and insight into the world of everyday Joe's trying to make their mark on the WWW. Anyway, I suppose it's a bunch of Joe's, there's not much to indicate otherwise.

Still, it's interestingly plain. If you want to check it out for yourself feel free.

www.gmhomepage.com.

I'm interested to hear what you (and Google) has to say.

Written by Kristen Owen in correlation with ContentWorth.com.

The Untouchables (Macs) Have Been Touched

Yes, Macs have now fallen victim to the inevitable computer viruses we PC users are so burdened by.

At least two Mac users we infected by a virus hidden in an update they tried to run when the indication bar popped up on their screens. How many more have been affected stands to be seen.

TheStar.com reports what some experts warn, "Apple's iconic status, growing market share and adoption of same microprocessors used in machines running Windows are making Macs a bigger target."

However this was disputed by a comment made by Mac spokeswoman Natalie Kerris. "She disagreed that the vulnerabilities make it possible for a criminal to run code on a targeted machine," reported TheStar.com.

Ironically, a bug in the virus code disabled many of the functions it was created to perform saving one man's computer from the ultimate damage the virus could have inflicted.

Many have been aware of the "holes" in apps run on Macs and just last month 7 new vulnerabilities were reported. These allows hackers, bots, and other malicious entities a way in to collect secure information such as passwords without the user's knowledge.

Scary isn't it? But in a world so changing, so money hungry, and with the huge power struggles it was only a matter of time before someone -- or something -- cracked into the Mac code. Wherever there be valuable information, someone shall be after it.

Still, the attacks made on PCs far outweigh the troubles Macs have felt recently. Many agree that while the Macs may not remain indestructible Macs are still more secure from viruses than PCs. Many others disagree with the claims that Macs are under any real danger, they still feel their computers and lives are intact and will remain so.

Microsoft has yet to patch the holes found at the beginning of 2006, but has reported updates with patches will be sent with the next installation of updates. This slow fix may work for them now, but how about in the future when hackers make it a game to hack Macs. You know if they aren't already trying it won't be long before they do.

Written by Kristen Owen for ContentWorth.com.

Google Adwords to Google Earth?

I just read a blog on the Search Engine Journal stating it has reason to believe Google's next Adwords move is to Google Earth.

Interesting.

Now, not only will people using Google Earth and Google Maps find locations of their choosing they may be prompted to look for other local venues. Talk about targeting traffic!

Local searches are invaluable, especially if you're a local company looking to bring in locals or visitors from the area (I know, that's too easy).

Google Earth may be able to target traffic Adwords buyers have difficulty reaching through Adwords text ads and banners. Either way, this use broadens the scope of Google advertising capabilities and its revenue.

Keep an eye out, Google Earth may be taking off once again.