So you need a search engine on your site, and Google offers a free one, why not put the power of Google to work for you? I was just on a site of one of my competitors. I searched using a keyword and sure enough, it brought up several pages that had products that matched that key word. But his search engine is Google, so. . . Along the side were several Google Ads from his competitors offering similar products! This is crazy, you move heaven and earth to get a pair of eyeballs and Google is actively trying to lure them away! If my competitor is reading this, please keep doing what you are doing, but for every one else, don't be silly! wiz
You have to get the business version to get rid of the ads. http://www.google.com/sitesearch/index.html However, it's not free, but is a good service, and I think it is worth the money for many sites. I agree though. Completely insane to run a search engine on your website that possibly promotes competitors. I also cringe when I see ecommerce and service sites using adsense. Competitor ads are always on these as well.
You make a good point Wizardofx; there are a lot of e-commerce sites that use the free search tool without realizing it's advertising other stuff in their results. How much is the business version of the search, Jestep?
I have also noticed that some of the free e-mail services now put ads in that are triggered by key words in your e-mail, so while you are negotiating for a sale, they are advertising direct competitors. Not smart wiz
I've seen this too. A lot of users don't realise they can use the 'Competitive Ad Filter' with AdSense for Search to prevent competitors' ads from appearing on their pages. Paul
I love it when i see my competitors use google search and adsense on their sites. It's a sure sign they have no idea what they are doing, and that they won't last long