Google is testing a new look with their AdSense ads that feature the caption “Ads by Goooooogle” tag line. The tag introduces a few more letter o’s in the Google name, which is similar to their search results logo that appears at the bottom of result pages. Reasons for this new look are unclear, however Google does mention the change on their Google AdSense: What’s New page.
The page acknowledges the fact that changes have been made, however, they haven’t given a concrete reason as to why. Google says: “We’re currently running a test with new branding features on Google ads. You may notice some of your pages displaying ‘Ads by Goooooogle’ ad units. We welcome your feedback on this new look, and we’ll be analyzing the results of this test over the next while.”
The question of why has come up across the search engine universe. Why would Google fix something that wasn’t broken? Rustybrick, who featured the story on SERoundtable, has this humorous take on Google’s alteration, “I guess someone at Google left his/her finger on the “o” key too long. :)”
A couple of the search engine forums were full of responses and reactions to the AdSense “addition”. On DigitalPoint, schlottke offered this explanation, “it is a branding thing I’m sure, Google isn’t nearly as memorable as Goooooogle, just like the yahoo yodel.” So, is Google emulating their competition, for once? Just imagine the commercials: “Find What You Are Looking For With Goooooogle!!!!” or something along those lines.
The branding theory is a good idea, however, do you need to further brand what is already considered one of the most widely known Web-based entities in the world?
Other reactions to Google’s change were pretty negative. Also on DigitalPoint, poster Redleg had a nice take on Google’s new test, “I don’t like it… It doesn’t look good, and as far as I know we don’t get paid if visitors click that link.” Red seems to represent a growing majority of people that aren’t pleased with the O additions. Although, Google did state that they were going to evaluate user responses before they decide to make this a permanent change.
At WebmasterWorld, reaction was swift and predominantly negative. A member named keeper isn’t fond of the change at all: “Since the motive has not been outlined, it kinda comes off as cheap branding stunt. Sorry – but unless I understand the reason, I give it a double thumbs down as it makes my site look unprofessional.” Poster clearvision shared keeper’s opinion by saying, “Click thrus down 3% from last months averages…may be too early to tell, don’t like it one bit!”
Last, but certainly not least, preferred member dazz had this to say about how this change could affect CTR: “hmm bit naughty of google i think… people are more likely to click on the gooooooooooooooooogle than one of the ads!”
It appears has if Google’s test isn’t passing with flying colors. Most of the negativity centers on the fact that the additional o’s are distracting. Many feel that this makes their own site look unprofessional, while others fear it may distract visitors from clicking the actual ad. I would love to see Google’s evaluation inbox concerning the additions. However, another poster named rubenski offers a different point of view that should be considered before everyone damns Goooooogle.
Perhaps they are attempting to make it easier to identify AdSense ads. rubenski states, “Because of the new name accompanying the ads, Adsense ads are more easily identified as being ads by visitors. Because of this, only visitors that are looking to buy something will click them. Well, not only, but the balance between ‘junk clicks’ and clicks from people that will actually buy something from the advertiser will shift towards the ‘buying visitor’.”
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for murdok. Visit murdok for the latest search news.
