New Ad Format on Google AdWords

[AccuraCast]

Did anyone notice that Google has snuck in a new ad format - the Text Link Ad - along with the announcement of their new pay per action ad model?

I've provided some specifics and recommendations provided by G on our blog:
New ad format on Google AdWords: Text-Links (http://www.accuracast.com/search-daily-news/ppc/new-ad-format-on-google-adwords-text-links/)

BTW: Isn't the name going to create some problems for the company Text Link Ads?

[lizcamps]

Thanks for the info! You're my first late-breaking news source on this new format. I linked to your blog entry on our own blog BigGreenBlog.com
Liz

[AussieWebmaster]

This is all being done through AdSense and Google content search...

[rustybrick]

This is part of the PPA product and it won't be on Google AdWords.

Like Aussie said, it is only on the AdSense side, and then only for the AdSense referral PPA product which is a limited beta.

Plus those links are JavaScript based.

I am honestly not sure why people are making such a big deal of this point.

[AccuraCast]

Rustybrick, are you saying this will be on a platform outside the Google AdWords system??

Doesn't seem to be the case, far as I can tell.

Immaterial of the fact that the links will be JavaScript, they are still a different format and might get a very different reception from users, since these links will be embedded within text body - an area that regular web visitors don't associate with advertising.

The problem i mentioned for Text Link Ads was more to do with the fact that their name is being usurped by Google. Currently if you search for 'text link ads' on Google, the TLA site ranks top. Once Google adopts the term, it'll be only a matter of time before they start ranking #1 for it. And then there might be the issue of a trademark?

[abbottsys]

[QUOTE=AccuraCast]Did anyone notice that Google has snuck in a new ad format - the Text Link Ad - along with the announcement of their new pay per action ad model?..[/URL]

Yes, in my opinion this is a *very significant* development. To summarize:

1) A text link ad is just a few words of linked text.
2) Currently in beta testing, and participation is over subscribed so temporarily closed.
3) Will be part of the Adwords platform, but distribution will be on the Content Network only.
4) Will be content embedded. No more "ugly boxes" containing ads. The merger of content and advertising will be closer.

[AccuraCast]

Can a moderator please change the URL on the first post's link to:
New ad format on Google AdWords: Text-Links (http://www.accuracast.com/search-daily-news/ppc/new-ad-format-on-google-adwords-text-links/)

[AussieWebmaster]

This format is getting a lot of attention right now. Mainly about how the text links appear and that Google is kinda brokering the sale of links (true they will not have organic impact) contrary to what the company thinks of links.

Greg Sterling of Search Engine Journal (http://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-pay-per-action-affiliates-text-links-click-fraud-implications/4549/) weighs in here.

Tech Crunch (http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/03/21/digesting-googles-new-ppa-advertising-product/) has their view.