ppc - Internet Marketing News and Blogs

Probably one of the most material and controversial changes for the UK and Irish paid search markets is almost upon us – the relaxation of the trademark protection Google currently affords to brands will cease on 5 May 2008.

As Ivan Izikowitz writes, some analysts and industry experts have taken the cynical view that this is merely a way for Google to stimulate volume and/or increased prices at a time when its revenue growth is slowing.

There is another perspective, however…

Hotel Chocolat online marketing manager Chris Bishop is in a good position to discuss both the risks and rewards of affiliate marketing programmes.

Affiliates helped Hotel Chocolat grow its internet business by over 30% last year, but the retailer was also recently forced to crack down on sites breaking its PPC terms and conditions.

We asked Chris for his thoughts on how to get the most out of affiliate strategies - including his 'Love and Respect' theories. Read on for more...

We’ve just published our 2007 Search Engine Marketing Buyer's Guide  and the sector is looking as healthy as ever.

We forecast that UK spending on Search Engine Marketing will increase 58% this year to £2.22bn - and although that growth rate is down from 65% in 2006, the market still looks to have plenty of room for growth in the future. 

Research has shown that branded search terms can offer the highest conversion rates, so it is vital that you are making the most from your brand searches.

While you may already rank well in the organic search results for your brand-related terms, it can still be useful to buy your terms for paid search.

Here are six recommendations for brand term strategies:

If carried out correctly, a paid search campaign can be a cost-effective method of generating new revenues and repeat business, as outlined in our recent Paid Search Marketing (PPC) Business Case report.

Paid search is the fastest method of getting your website up the search rankings. This can be done within hours of setting up an account and selecting your keywords.

Agencies specialising in search engine optimisation (SEO) will be heartened by recent E-consultancy research which shows that the majority of companies are committed to more investment in natural search.

Google’s Quality Score is forcing paid search advertisers to adopt joined up thinking in PPC campaigns, writes Andrew Girdwood.

Yell.com, the online listings site, is to allow advertisers to use its site on a pay-per-click basis. It will also introduce enhanced banner advertising.

Yell has already signed up a number of well-known brands for the new listings, including American Express motor insurance, Interflora, Swiftcover motor insurance and Hiscox house insurance.