Search Biz

SearchBiz: Online Ads & The Economy; Yandex Postpones IPO; Google Apps In DC & Vulnerabilities; MySpace Offers Self-Serve Ads


Many in the search industry expect online advertising to take a smaller hit (if any) from the struggling economy than other types of advertising. But that view isn’t shared by all. According to AdAge today, some analysts think online advertising is as vulnerable as other sectors:

“Failed banks … job losses and lower consumer confidence now characterize the macro economy,” wrote Sandeep Aggarwal, an analyst with Collins Stewart. “We believe this will hurt the internet sector more than currently believed.”

Google’s advertising chief Tim Armstrong says his company is watching the economic situation closely to see what online advertisers do. Several search advertising companies tell AdAge that they haven’t seen a slowdown in online spending.

Here’s one impact of the current economic situation: Russian search engine Yandex has postponed its IPO, which was originally supposed to happen before the end of the year.

Here are two headlines that don’t look good together:

Government employees in Washington, DC — not U.S. government employees, but District of Columbia municipal employees — are ditching Microsoft Office in favor of using Google Apps. The contract is worth an estimated $500,000. Meanwhile, the second headline reports that two security researchers have notified Google that Gmail and other Google Apps are both vulnerable to hacking. One of the researchers says he went public with the vulnerability because Google’s security team hasn’t said anything since they promised to investigate it back in April.

Small business owners have a new advertising option on MySpace. It’s called “My Ads,” and it offers a self-serve system where advertisers can create an ad online (or upload their own), target the ad toward specific demographics, set a budget, and begin advertising right away. Of note is that My Ads only supports graphical banner ads; MySpace continues to get its text-based ads from Google. Check out TechCrunch for some screenshots of the demographic targeting My Ads offers.


Matt McGee is the Search Engine Land Assignment Editor, and offers search marketing consulting and training to businesses of all sizes. He blogs at Small Business Search Marketing and HyperlocalBlogger.com.

See more articles by Matt McGee >



Share, Bookmark & Discuss This Article
More:


Keep Updated: News Via Email | News Via RSS Feed | News Via Twitter


See more stories like this in the Members Library! Check out the Search Biz sections of the Members Library where this story is filed. Members also get access to exclusive video content, a members-only weekly & monthly newsletter, plus more. Check out all the benefits!

Comments are closed.



RECENT COMMENTS

  • pete142 said " Very good bartender analogy gives the main point of the article instant clarity. Well done! I am env"
  • webmarketingadvisor said " It would be interesting to know how the decisions about the logos are made - I've been keeping a blo"
  • solarian said " Your article would be more consistent if you provide some links to not optimized for search engines "

See All »


FREE DAILY SEARCH NEWS RECAP!

Stay on top of all the search news with our daily summary, the SearchCap newsletter. View a sample ›

STAY CURRENT THROUGHOUT THE DAY

RSS Feeds

The Search Engine Land feed keeps you informed as news happens. SEE ALL FEEDS »

Upcoming Search Engine Land Conferences

Search Engine Land produces SMX, the Search Marketing Expo conference series. SMX events deliver the most comprehensive educational and networking experiences - whether you're just starting in search marketing or you're a seasoned expert.


SMX Web Site » | SMX Difference » | SMX News »


Join us at an upcoming SMX event:

Search Marketing Now Learn more about search marketing with our free online webcasts and webinars from our sister site, Search Marketing Now. Upcoming online events include:


See more webcast topics »

TRACK US SOCIALLY
Upcoming Search Engine Land Conferences

Get Your Search Engine Land
Premium Membership!

Become a premium member today and receive:

  • Express commenting privileges & photo.
  • Exclusive videos & newsletters.
  • Discounts to our SMX conferences.
  • Access to "How To" & Other Archives.

Learn More

Upcoming Search Engine Land Conferences
Add to GoogleAdd to My Yahoo!Add to BloglinesAdd to NetvibesAdd to Windows Live