Report: Google To Take On Newspapers with “Circulars” Ads

One of print newspapers’ only advantages these days may be the ability to deliver circulars and coupons. Not anymore. According to a report from Bloomberg News, Google is working with advertisers such as Best Buy and Macy’s to create Web-based circulars, which will be available starting today.

The piece quotes Nick Fox, vice president of product management at Google, saying the effort is aimed at helping retailers get visitors to their brick-and-mortar presences.

The circulars, according to the report, will essentially be custom landing pages, featuring large pictures and plenty of copy. Users will find them by clicking on search or display ads distributed on Google.com and its Display Network. The circular pages will be automatically generated based on factors like the query keywords and users’ location. No word on how advertisers will pay for the new format.