Yahoo's rejection of Microsoft has been big news recently, but it does not surprise me. In fact, it makes perfect sense that Yahoo would partner with Google. Yahoo is best as a portal where people go to get email, news and other information customized for them. Google is best as a search engine and online advertising company.
Yahoo's attempt to run pay per click (PPC) ads has failed, primarily because their interface is so difficult to use. This is ironic because Yahoo bought the originators of PPC, Overture.com (before that they were GoTo.com). Microsoft's PPC is not useful for most online advertisers.
The bad news is the Google and Yahoo partnership may run into problems as the government reviews antitrust issues. People on Capital Hill may not understand how online marketing works and come to the wrong conclusions, which would be bad for Internet buyers and advertisers.
PPC is a self-regulating marketplace. Advertisers will only pay an amount that brings them ROI. If Google and Yahoo don't show ROI, then advertisers bail. It makes good sense to have one interface to manage PPC and Google is the clear winner in this area. It will only make PPC a stronger advertising source when it reaches more people.
Yahoo would be a much better resource with Google's help and all sides will win, except Microsoft who will probably be driving the lobby to block this partnership.
June 17th, 2008
Two of this year’s most popular Websites will belong to the presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. Talk about different styles. These Websites vary greatly in their approaches and effectiveness.
By far the biggest difference between the two Websites is Obama’s call to action and McCain’s lack of a strong conversion point. Obama also focuses on mobilizing Internet communities. McCain’s Website has less of a call to action and a strong focus towards media events, attacking Obama and news.
Here is a brief look at each candidate’s Website:
McCain
A busy Website that lacks a clear focus. The site uses several ads, multiple pull-down menus and a strong focus on news with five stories about Obama. The fonts are large and the site is full of McCain photos, banners and slogans. The Website is fairly static.
Obama
The first thing a new visitor sees is a brief splash page that has a very focused approach moving the visitor towards conversion. The actual Website has a clean look and several navigation systems. McCain is only mentioned twice on the home page. The Website is highly interactive with many options for the user. It is also linked to many online communities and takes advantage of online networks to spread the message.
If the goals of these two Websites are to raise money for the campaign and get the candidate elected, then Obama is the winner with a stronger call to action and better online strategy to spread his message and recruit voters.
Visit the Websites and see what you think of their approaches. Obama certainly did a great job online to earn the Democratic nomination. This year the Internet will play a more important role than ever in deciding our next president.
June 16th, 2008
