Found via Techcrunch: http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/03/12/google-now-selling-seo-services-via-performics/ Quote from the news article: I'd say "interesting"
Hehe, very interesting... They will probably sell of this service, as soon it starts to be spread it will mean bad publicity.
Well think about it, Google can now look at your sites, make sure you are providing good content, make sure you aren't using black hat tatics. And think about how much people spend buying SEO services or learning from SEO Experts. Personally I've forked out loads, its worked but wouldn't you rather pay Google to do SEO on your site rather than some firm that says they can do it but infact know sod all It's not crazy its a win win situation!
It will be interesting how much the service costs. This can reveal Google's algorithm for people to study. This doesn't sound like a good strategy for Google's long-term goal. If 100 website owners decide to pay for the SEO service, how can Google makes sure whose sites come up first, second, 2nd page, 3rd page, etc? Google is becoming too big and too arrogant. Once MS and Yahoo merge, Google's days will be counting. Which company was the last one that beats Microsoft?
Very soon google will sell everything, scripts, seo-services, web hosting, web development, web design, everything. And lastly computers with gaygle os. If you wont buy google's computers your site wont rank in google and you wont get any PR.
Google is "far" from a monoploy, last I checked 2 major search engines still rank in billions in online advertising just like Google, search shares are really unless since it doesn't generate revenue itself.
That is one of the worst thing they could have done. Now they themselves are taking money to increase ranking in Google itself.
No, it won't be. Still remember when Google promised there is no way for us to increase our listings in their search engine unless if we create natural links (white hat SEO) around our site? Well, Google crossed the line by giving opportunity for its "sponsored links" to be ranked above natural listings. Now you can always see at least 2 sponsored links above all natural listings for competitive keywords in USA. I think Google will try to monetize even more from its search engine. It will be absurd if Google force us to create good content, etc. because obviously Google are just trying to make money. If not, they won't allow any advertisers to get better SERP than natural listings. From my point of view, I think Google will be creating at least 4-5 sponsored links (not just 3) above natural SERPs for its golden keywords in the future and at least recommending 3 items from its Google storefront (after it's finished) for all buying keywords. For natural listings, Google will recommend webmasters to use its SEO service so they will really make good amount of money here! Sadly, Yahoo and MSN are also doing the same. I wonder when can we see a real search engine, a good one, but really providing the most relevant results without any crap advertisers' e-commerce websites out there.
I partially agree with you, however studies still show people still click the natural search results more than sponsored links. When adwords first appeared this may of been an issue, but I think now that people are becoming more internet savy they know the sponsored links aren't don't always meet their needs, because they are just adverts to get people on their site. I use adwords, it pays for itself great source of traffic provided you watch your spending. I don't really understand why people hate google for doing so, I mean they are a business themselves not a charity.