Over the last few weeks Google has apparently started rolling out a new set of advertising formats on its search results page, introducing product listings that include price and other details in the Sponsored Links sidebar. For example, a query for “shoes” is displaying a list of different shoe models, their prices, and retailers directly within the search results, as opposed to the the more general text links we’ve grown accustomed to, which lack such information. Google is also apparently testing these ads with photos alongside the product listings for some queries.
Our tipster says that he’s only seeing the new ads in the developer version of Chrome, but I’m seeing them as well in Safari, though some TechCrunch staff aren’t seeing them in any browser. Google is always switching up ad placement and formats in various bucket tests, some of which are browser-specific, so the inconsistency isn’t surprising.
The new formats are likely part of Google’s Product Ads program, which the company announced back in June. The program allows participants in the Google Affiliate Network to place actual product listings in their ads, complete with photos in some cases. Given the limited distribution of the ads we’re seeing, it appears that Product Ads are still in beta.
Google has apparently been testing these ads for some time now — PM Digital noticed similar ads last month.
Thanks to Ben for the tip.
So Google is turning into Ebay now!!
Google deceives novice users with ads in the main column. With “sponsored link” placed farthest possible from main column, people mistake those ads for actual search results.
So, what google shows in right column is irrelevant.
Congratulations on linking to an Amazon affiliate site that doesn’t even have an “about us” or contact page filled out
This is so not right!
I noticed it . Its google’s earning new policy
“some people arent seeing it in a browser”
yea its called a bucket test
Yes Shaq it is really turning to ebay
google is very great
Great move, I might now start looking at the right column.
I noticed this few days ago too. I’m using Google Chrome as my browser.
I posted screen shots on my blog at http://www.ecommercecircle.com when I first saw this.
–M
When I posted the above comment from my BlackBerry it does not seem to have picked up my Gravatar
I did not like to see product image ads on Google. Text ends. First Google cutt off the right of the blue top and bottom bars. And now Image Ads?
“So Google is turning into Ebay now!!”
Close…. I think you will see Google acquire ebay and spin off paypal/checkout. The writing is on the wall. Ebay downsizing, Checkout matching Paypal fees penny for penny, new product listing appearing on Google.
Why does Google want a mess of a company like ebay…. To keep up with it’s real competitor in cloud computing, digital books and product search:
Amazon
Google should train the world to use Froogle more and keep the main search non-spammy. The whole reason that Google became successful was the fact that it was a nice search engine to go to woth a big and clean white space and to search fair and neutral. But I am seeing more and more the beast getting hungrier and hungrier.
Talking about a biest, check this out: I was just 10 minutes ago in a clients adwords account reducing bids to meet his budget and I had a keyword on position 2 for $1.50. When I reduced the bid to $1.45 I received the message: Bid below first page. And that is happeneing more and more- That is so dodgy!!
This example is just confirming my theory of a greedy and destructive Google management that is trying to suck every possible cent from every square milimeter on their platform.
Bing this is your chance!
Google made a pledge to always keep Froogle free, so some might say this is their way to make money off it, without specifically making “making money off it”. It’s basically the same data feed with a few extras.
These product/price ads work. AdRocket’s been running them for 8+ months with our publishers and the results are off the charts. It gets the user one step closer to the purchase completion. Key is having some relevance, which of course Google has in abundance. But it can be done off-search as we do.
“Talking about a biest, check this out: I was just 10 minutes ago in a clients adwords account reducing bids to meet his budget and I had a keyword on position 2 for $1.50. When I reduced the bid to $1.45 I received the message: Bid below first page. And that is happeneing more and more- That is so dodgy!!”
Translation please?
This is a major game changer.
No keywords as has been reported elsewhere so Google picks where and when your item(s) show up.
From our insider tip it’s based on QS, the commission % your willing to part with and something they’re calling “Traction”
Imagine the models they’re running to figure out who and what makes them the most $$$. Images vs. Adwords, small companies vs. large ones, this product model vs. that one….It really makes your head spin when you start to ponder it.
I’ll be there’s some serious negotiating going on at companies like Amazon when Google is now asking for basically a few percent of sales off the top to participate.
High conversion and willingness to pony up a larger commission than your competitor will be the defining factors of success with this new product.
In the end I think the consumer will bear the brunt of in the form of higher prices. While some companies will see this as a big opportunity, others will see it as an increased expense and adjust prices accordingly. Google isn’t doing this to make LESS money right?