Today, Marketing Pilgrim discussed something new in Google search results – expanded product views in AdWords ads! The example given was for Blue Nile, the massive diamond retailer. The regular PPC ad is still intact, but there is a plusbox under the ad that says “show more products…”
Once opened, images and expanded descriptions are displayed below the normal PPC ad.
Crazy stuff. In the comments of the Marketing Pilgrim post, Jordan McCollum speculated that this could be a by-product of Google Base. I’m inclined to agree.
Has anybody else seen this or read other updates on this new Google AdWords enhancement?
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Hi John,
According to Google, this is the “Plus Box Test.” It’s currently available by invitation only. And you’re correct – the extra info is drawn from Google Base.
Cheers,
David
I guess it just goes to show that PPC marketing is constantly evolving. Thanks for the heads up.
Nice way of ensuring Google dont become their own worst enemy…
With the dawn of Universal Search, Blend Search, whatever you want to call it, PPC Ads are likely to be driving less and less clicks (mainly because video content, news content etc drive more clicks than PPC Ads)
By this latest move, it is ensuring, Google are still making some revenue by driving a higher CTR.
Soon, the SERPs will be unrecognisable!
Hi John,
I came across this new google feature few weeks back. I asked one of my google representative & this is what he said
“This is part of the very early stages of testing a new feature that is being considered for AdWords. It’s known as the “Product Search Plus Box”, and it allows an advertiser to show multiple products listed within Google Base for a single ad. We are currently testing this feature to see if it improves the user experience, and so you won’t likely see it used by very many advertisers. Unfortunately, this test is closed to new entrants at this time, but it’s certainly something that we’ll notify you about if it is opened for further testing. Good catch on spotting it”
It seems google is trying to make Google base more popular among the adwords advertiser.
Cheers,
Aliasgar
Google continues to amaze sometimes by some of the new things they offer. What a great way to take the PPC ads one step further. Now how about making them more affordable?
Thanks to everyone for commenting and chiming in with your collective knowledge!
Seems like everyone has agreed that this is an AdWords/Base marriage aimed at “improving the user experience.” Methinks I like it! : )
I look forward to seeing more info on this product as it becomes available. If any of you receive a notice from Google, please send it along!!!
What a brilliant way to monetize the millions of ‘free’ google base listings they’ve been collecting the past couple years. Good for the users certainly, and good for the ad copy CTR. Also good for the Google shareholder experience, I would imagine
@ Jeff,
Ha! I love it! “The Google Shareholder Experience.” Jeff, I think you get the prize for Quote of the Week.
It’s like froogle but better. Has anyone talked to their google reps about how to get an invite?