Hey everyone, I think you are all aware of some visual changes we can see in Google search results, somehow the "ads" are now almost identical to search results with the "ad" mark in the beginning. Although that is still way more distinguishable from search results than the "ad" mark for Yahoo and Bing but it makes it easier for user to miss and click on it. Somehow I wanted to believe that Google with this much of cash would be thinking more about users and what users want rather than just finding ways to manipulate decisions (well am I naive or what!!). Google claims it is because of result of studies that shows positive feedback from users and advertisers and has nothing to do with making more money. This rolled out along with increase in number of ads shown from 3 to 4 and 2 at the bottom. No doubt there is no problem with making money and trying different ways, but I think we were all hoping that Google would stay true to their user centered culture. I guess not, and it is such disappointment. If you are in SEO, you probably attended one of the recent Google seminars about their suggested changes to search results, to us it was all about money, money and more money and not one bit about user. What you guys/gals think?
Mate why are you against it? If this is a problem to you, what plan are you developing to tackle this? Google shows ads relevant to the search, and for web sites which content Google believes will give you the correct and better answer to your query. With that being said, if you need to change your approach to get more organic visitors to your site or to your clients, you need to think ahead and outside the box. Always. That's what will make you good at your job, and the more good you are the more clients you will get. I will give you a free tip for your business. If your concern is losing money because your clients, who use your services to get organic clicks, will not invest more on your services I think you are overreacting. It can bring you more business. You will need to work harder and get inventive to reach your goals. More work = more money. Also, it will be a opportunity to cross-sell or up-sell. Start doing PPC Campaigns as well.
Thanks for the FREE tip dude, but look at the bigger picture. I'm not worried about losing money or clients, look at the long term effects of a simple change like this. There are many discussions around this topic even in high rank Google Search division so I'm not overreacting. The ads are not always on point with what a visitor is looking for so that can cause dissatisfaction for the generation that is known for its instant gratification needs; on the other hand it is showing in some areas that the CTRs are increasing after the change which you might think is good but not for the budget. If you have an add merely for CTR but then it has a high bounce rate then there is no point in spending the money. Over time these accumulate and cause major drop in user-friendliness of the service. Do not forget what happened to Yahoo. I just hope Google release their studies results so we can see what were the results of early tests. And finally, I'm not against it, I want to be cautious, biggest companies can make mistakes too.