iMedia Connection: Search

The right keywords for each stage in the buy cycle

Depending on whether your customer is in the research, evaluate or decide stage, make sure your keywords are most effective.

Beware: the search advertising sky is falling

So few consumers seem to engage with search ads. Does this spell doom for this area of the industry?

Deal with search marketing's flaws

With search engines serving users and shareholders, marketers' needs often get shortchanged. Here's how to make the most of the situation.

The new SEO: organic search

SEO campaigns need to focus on more than just page optimization. Expand your scope of expertise to keep clients at the top of search results pages.

Improve your brand's reputation with search

Whether you're looking to promote a new product or to counteract negative publicity, search may be the means to achieve your goal.

Bidding for words vs. bidding for customers

Want to add more to your advertising arsenal? Consider the benefits of ad-supported payment options.

Maximize PPC campaign returns

Has your PPC campaign maxed out in terms of ROI? Not to fear -- you can continue to boost returns by following these suggestions.

The Google bamboozle

While no one's arguing about the ubiquity of Google in our personal and professional lives, there's a fair amount of debate around where search is heading.

Integrated paid search makes dollars and sense

Find out why paid search will be so active during these uncertain financial times, along with eight essentials for your integrated paid search campaign.

10 tips for building a search keyword list

Reaching people at the right time with the right message requires some forethought. Here's a guide to getting started.

PPC vs. SEO: what's the optimum mix?

Running pay-per-click ads on content networks can reach parts of the web that SEO can't. Here are some key factors to consider.

Recession-proof search strategies

Natural and paid search are significant drivers of traffic for most websites. But as the economy softens, there is increased demand to prove investments are working. Here's why measurement is critical.

Search and display -- better together

A combination of search and display marketing will pay off better than using either alone. How should you implement this joint strategy? Two experts show the way.

Search strategy tips from campaign frontlines

Businesses can learn how to effectively harness search engine marketing from the successes and failures of the presidential candidates' SEM campaigns.

Follow the money: inside the Publicis/Google deal

A mind-meld between Google's geeky Ph.Ds and Madison Avenue's pony-tailed creative types could kick-start the next generation of advertising. Here's a look at what the deal might yield.

5 reasons to pay for branded keywords

SearchRev's CMO addresses common reasons marketers give for rejecting this strategy and provides tips on optimizing the buy.

Want SEM success? Try planning to fail

Failure is a natural part of the search marketing process, but it doesn't have to be a fatal setback. See how to convert your clients' failures into a rich source of information for future success.

10 traits to look for in a PPC provider

A pay-per-click network CEO gives guidance on how to pick a partner that will help you profit.

Strike business gold in local search

To rank well in local search, your site should be optimized for organic listings -- here's how.

Why conversational SEO is worth talking about

When marketers embrace and engage users' conversations, it leads to a better brand reputation and improved search rankings.

Why Google keywords cost more but deliver less

Google is changing the keyword game. Find out what you need to do to stay ahead of the curve.

Wikia: Google killer or dead in the water?

Open source search engines like Wikipedia's may not kill Google, but they could bring us closer to search nirvana. Here are some pros and cons.

Is Google's gamble Wikipedia's nightmare?

Despite electric growth rates, the reference space hasn't attracted a ton of ad dollars with the ad-free Wikipedia dominating the field. But Google's decision to launch Knol could change all that.

Improve search results, one step at a time

Think you're ready to launch a paid search campaign? Find out what it takes from Underscore Marketing's search leader.

The organic/paid search continuum

Organic and paid search are often better together; read on for tips to maximize your search campaign's performance.

Save $11.6B with these click fraud safety nets

As malware and other cyberfraud technologies become more insidious, marketers stand to lose not just money but consumer trust as well. ClickFacts' CEO explains what's hurting the PPC industry and how to fight back.

When to say no to clients

You risk your reputation when you over-promise and under-deliver on SEO. Exclusive Concepts' CEO explains how to avoid getting into this situation.

Does your site avoid the common search traps?

Looking for help in optimizing your site's presence on the web? Underscore Marketing's search practice lead walks you through building a successful search campaign from the ground up.

3 overlooked ways to draw searchers

Powered Inc.'s senior marketing director provides some easily implemented techniques for expanding your brand's natural search footprint.

5 steps for outsourcing SEM

Here's a detailed source guide from Red Door Interactive's director of search that will help you through the process of outsourcing search engine marketing.

SEO lessons Nike and Tiffany's didn't learn

A newly released Oneupweb study of retailers reveals some startling facts about the power of optimizing for search.

Display and search: why the double standard?

Search and display advertising can benefit both your direct response and your branding goals. Here's the breakdown.

What to do when your keyword rankings drop

Don't panic. Take action. An Avenue A | Razorfish SEM account director explains.

The 10 laws of search

Search is an important element of a marketing plan that shouldn't be left to chance. Here are the rules for success.

Attn. marketers: shoppers reinvent search

Search drives holiday shoppers, but Web 2.0 has changed the game. iCrossing's VP of corporate strategy explains how to retool a search campaign for holiday success.

Yes, Virginia, you can brand with search

SEM's role in direct marketing is clear, but its value for branding sometimes eludes clients and practitioners alike. Underscore Marketing's search practice leader spells it out.

Google's AdSense report card

Take a closer look at this product to see if its offerings make the grade for marketers. Is it all that it's cracked up to be?

Solve the landing page mystery

Making the leap to a much larger keyword set holds more than the promise of increased conversions; it also creates the potential for increased cost. Here's why.

The future of search: no keywords

A new way of delivering search results will make it easier on searchers, but will it eliminate the need for SEO? A 24/7 Real Media SVP discusses the issue.

The branded keyword controversy resolved?

In response to the branded keyword debate, Connexion.a's EVP shares a case study that sheds light on how to resolve the issue.

SEM: traditional media's secret weapon

Search plays a more critical role in traditional ads than you might realize. Find out how to create a successful integrated campaign.

Atlas is wrong: branded search is not a waste

Underscore Marketing responds to Adweek's recent article on the Atlas study, clarifying why branded search is a necessary, and valuable, investment.

When SEO gets dangerous for your brand

Your legal department may need to be more involved in your SEO results than you realize. Ayohwahr Interactive's CEO explains.

Social search: Capitalize on brand buzz

Just when you've mastered paid and organic search, along comes a third alternative. Yahoo's VP of agency development tells you how to start a social search strategy.

Does Google spell the end for media planners?

With search engines like Google now also serving display ads, Acceleration's director of search marketing anticipates that search marketers will play a greater media planning role.

Learn the secrets of video search

Major players in the video search field confide in Mediasmith's chief search officer about current possibilities and future potential.

Escaping Google Hell

A challenge to Google has been brewing for a few years, as business and professional users have experienced long-term relevancy problems.

The New Google Search Universe

With Google Universal on the search scene, iCrossing's VP of corporate strategy explains how to boost your search results, and what's ahead for the industry.

Google's Killer App

Google Analytics 2.0 changes everything, and according to the CEO of ThinkMetrics, the competition is dead. They just haven't stopped moving yet.

Has Paid Search Gone Too Far?

In light of the recent eBay-Google spat, how much should you invest in paid search, and how can you supplement those dollars with other marketing techniques?

Will Jerry Yang Save Yahoo?

News flash: Yahoo! is dead. But someone forgot to tell Jerry Yang. See how he plans to turn the company around and regain market share.

Fraud or failure? How to know

Click fraud can exhaust your PPC budget, but so can an underperforming campaign. ClickTracks Analytics, Inc.'s director of marketing teaches you the difference.

Globalize Your Search Efforts, Simply

Odds are your global strategy is lacking or nonexistent. But if you keep it simple and try, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Search Without Google?

Learn how to build a successful search campaign without Google.

A 6-Step Plan to Boost Conversions

TMP Directional Marketing's SVP, interactive provides a guide for moving beyond bid-centric strategies and improving all elements of a performance-based program.

Social Media's Role in Search Visibility

iCrossing's VP of corporate strategy explains that social media sites are increasingly visible in, and important to, political search results.

A Last Search Hurrah, and a Look Forward

As our search editor takes up the reins at SES, he shares his parting words with iMedia readers.

Re-Imagining Google

What would it look like if the industry behemoth decided to saturate its products with more opportunities for brand advertisers? Find out.

Beware SEM's Impact on Other Media

Search engine marketing informs and shapes every aspect of the marketing mix. SearchRev's CMO describes how to effectively integrate your efforts.

"Mahalo" CEO Jason Calacanis Speaks

Does the world need another search engine? Even one powered by real people who help to define search relevance? Our search editor looks for meaning in the latest alternative search.

Panama vs. MSN: Another Search Smackdown

Now that Panama is fully functional and adCenter has been established for more than a year, here is how the two platforms compare.

Survey Says: Panama Kicks Butt

Resolution Media reveals that not only did surveyed marketers rate Panama highly, 48 percent of them plan to increase spending with Yahoo! because of it.

"Britney Spears" Your Search Strategy

MIVA's VP of global marketing and communications explains how brands can leverage emerging trends to optimize pay-per-click strategies.

Don't Let Search Hurt Your Brand

iProspect explains the importance of proactively monitoring your brand's online reputation.

Video Search Marketing Realities

Our search editor finds new meaning in video search and how to make money with it.

Who You Won't Find on Google

Traditional methods of search leave professionals and business people high and dry. SearchMedica.com's senior product manager describes the alternative.

The Search Apocalypse Is Here. Or Is It?

Ad serving is a commodity-based business, but that may be changing. Clients like to think they own their data, but those days are coming to an end.

Link Your Way to a Successful Site

Red Door Interactive's SEO analyst explains how to revitalize your site with a new transfusion of link donors.

The 7 Deadly Sins of Site Search

With billions spent on search marketing, are brand owners failing site searchers? Our search editor has the answer.

Secrets of Influencing Searchers

Our search editor peers into the minds and bodies of healthcare searchers and talks about how it illuminates all search marketing.

Search Smackdown: Google vs. Yahoo!

Now that Yahoo's Panama has fully launched in the U.S., which search giant will rule the roost?

Is Mobile Search Still Futile?

Who is searching with mobile devices and should you even bother? iMedia's search editor says yes, and no.

4 Pay-Per-Click Strategies that Win

With contextual pay-per-click ads, reach your potential customers where it counts: on content sites.

The 3 Biggest Search Blunders

Think you've got search marketing licked? Think again. Our search editor reviews three mistakes to avoid.

Is Google Killing SEO?

Paid search listings could become more relevant than organic listings because of the emphasis on inbound links in search algorithms.

Improve Search with a Dedicated Staff

With search budgets growing, it may be time to manage search in-house. Red Door Interactive's director of search marketing tells you how to pull it off.

Search Legalities to Watch For

Should you take action when your site is being defamed by a disgruntled blogger? You bet.

Want Better Search Results? Try This...

Advertising and search have a symbiotic relationship, to improve search results consider better branding.

Be Smart About Content Search & Save $$$

Although you CAN manage your content search campaign in the same interface as your paid search campaign, you're wasting money if you do.

New CEO Peter Horan on the Future of IAC

In his first official interview since taking the reins of Ask.com, CitySearch and IAC's Ad Solutions, Horan talks search, social media, mobile and more.

How to Improve Search ROI in 30 Minutes!

Our search editor shows you how to increase your search return with these simple 30-minute fixes.

Google's Quality Score Debunked

While Google can determine keyword relevance to a certain degree, it takes finesse to really understand the elements involved.

Align Keywords with Hot-Button Topics

A MIVA VP draws parallels between political campaigning online and the online marketing strategies other brands are using.

How and When to Integrate Search

When is the right time to integrate SEO and paid search into your marketing mix? Our search editor takes out his stopwatch.

Find Your Niche with Specialized Search

The CEO of JP Communications explains why vertical search engines can be a better option for niche advertisers.

Search as a Sum of Its Parts

As in an old Indian tale, if you handle paid and natural search as pieces, you'll jeopardize the whole.

When Pay-Per-Click Doesn't Work

Combining the right keywords and landing pages in pay-per-click campaigns can be fruitful, but not without laying the proper groundwork.

Cracking Customer Keywords

Use your customers' search keywords to connect your product with their quest for information.

The Second Coming of MSN

MSN has been slow to increase its market share, but iMedia's search editor says the time has come for a Google challenger.

A Redesign Worthy of Google De-listing

Delivering a better customer experience could reduce your search engine ranking, but it may be worth it.

Stretch Your PPC Dollars Further

Think pay-per-click advertising is just for customer acquisition? MIVA's VP, global marketing and communications says think again.

A Search Fable: The Tortoise and the Hare

Despite temptation to call on the hare (SEM) to get things done, an Avenue A | Razorfish search expert recommends you rely on the tortoise (SEO).

Play Video Search with the Big Boys

Consumer image and video search are the hottest and fastest growing search activities on the web today. Pixsy Corp.'s CEO explains how to get in the game.

How to Find the Right Search Keywords

Finding the right combination of keywords is key, but where should you look? Our search editor shows you the way.

Dropping the Ball at the Super Bowl

Did your marketing team fumble at Super Bowl XLI? It's a new kind of football injury, and sadly enough, it's self-inflicted.

Paid Search as a Branding Vehicle

Last week's Yahoo! Searchlight Award win by Avenue A | Razorfish shows that the industry is taking search seriously as more than a direct response vehicle. Our search editor weighs in.

Holistic Search Tactics: Paid and Natural

The results of an iCrossing test analysis showed that paid search is good, natural search is good, but together they are better.

Make the Leap to Demographic Targeting

Before taking the jump, identify your target audience and a unique value proposition that best applies.

Search Engine Ads, Stick with What Works

Today's ads on search engine results pages are by and large more effective than ever, without all the bells and whistles. So why change now?

Make Search Work: Paid vs. Natural

Where do people click and what should be more important to brands? Our search editor takes on the paid versus natural search debate.

Rank Does Matter

The director of agency development for Yahoo! Search Marketing refutes assertions that search position doesn't matter, and cites studies and testimonials to back him up.

Search Deathmatch: Google vs. Yahoo!

With the long-awaited release of Yahoo's Project Panama, our search editor wonders if the company can finally overtake search juggernaut Google.

Why Google Will Lose Dominance

JP Communications' CEO predicts that local search and vertical search are about to blossom and get a larger share of the market.

Search Lessons from the Holiday Season

Just because you've closed the books doesn't mean your work is done. Oneupweb's president reveals holiday search strategies that retailers should address now.

What the Heck is Contextual Search?

It's worth billions of marketing dollars each year, but some people still don't understand the difference between content search and directive search. Our search editor dives in.

6 Steps to Better Organic Search Results

iProspect's director of paid search explains how to boost clicks and ROI by turning meta tags into ad copy.

Should Google Worry? New Search Innovations from Yahoo! & MSN

Big search, small search, video search-- what's the formula for success? Our search editor wonders how advances from Yahoo! and MSN might change the game.

3 Outside-the-Box Search Strategies

Media Storm's associate director of interactive outlines three ways to use search other than for direct-response initiatives.

BUSTED! 4 Paid Search Myths Debunked

Don't believe the recent hype about search getting too expensive. "Hogwash," our search editor says, and then he explains why.

Extend Reach & Boost Conversions

JP Communications' CEO shares guidelines for promoting B2B sites on vertical search engines to boost sales.

Does Google Get It? Search Gets Cranky

Is the era of one dominant search engine ending? Our search editor digs into the latest vertical search trends.

What Will It Take to Unseat Google?

Our search editor asks the most difficult question in search.

5 Reasons Why Search Campaigns Fail

24/7 Real Media's SVP of search walks you through the five pitfalls to avoid when planning a search campaign for the holidays or any other time.

7 Search Predictions for 2007

From increased search consolidation to the combination of search with social media and beyond, our search editor looks at what to expect in the coming year.

Use Search for Last-Minute Holiday Buzz

Our search editor wraps up the year with a few last-minute campaign ideas, because it's never too late to let millions know just how much you care.

Google Tip: 1st Position Isn't Worth It

ThinkMetrics' CEO explains that top position in Google Ad listings is not necessarily the best position.

What Can Advertisers Do at Answers.com?

Somewhere between a search engine and a content site, Answers.com can be hard to characterize for advertisers. Our editor in chief sits down with the company's new VP of Ad Sales, Robert Formentin.

How to Turn Searches into Conversions

SmartSearch Marketing's CEO lists the four steps to the desired conversion: find, drive, convert and engage the consumer.

Influencers, Search and Your Brand

Our search editor reviews recent research from Yahoo! and comScore and explores how to make search and branding work together when dealing with social media.

Use Average Data, Get Average Results

Acceleration's director of search marketing explains how your paid search program should really be measured.

Improve Search Results with a Tune Up

Even if you have a self-optimizing search delivery system, SEMphonic's president/chief technology officer suggests you follow this optimization guide.

Paid Search Delivers Magic

NextStage Evolution's founder compares searching for ads on TV, radio, print and online-- and finds that only online offers the ad-information hybrid, where finding what you're looking for becomes, magically, a piece of cake.

The Anti-Search: Answers.com

What's the difference between a search engine and a search destination? Our search editor looks for answers in a changing content world.

Racist Rant Trumps OJ's Rejection

LYCOs tracks the most popular searches for week ending November 25, which indicates interest in Michael Richards, OJ Simpson's cancelled interview and Wii.

Search: Get it Right the First Time

iCrossing's VP of communications explains how to apply Quality Assurance to your search campaign.

Can Holiday Shopping Save Retail Sales?

Our search editor looks for meaning in how consumer shopping behavior turns to insanity in this most wonderful time of the year.

Boost Online Visibility and Relevance

NeboWeb's CEO outlines strategies you can implement now, and a few to keep in mind for the months ahead, to maximize your brand's online "shelf space."

5 Steps Toward Better Search Rankings

The first step to getting your site higher listings on Google and Yahoo! is to optimize your keywords. Here's how to do it.

SEO PR: Buzzworthy or Overhyped?

The NeboWeb CEO demystifies an integrative technique for organically raising the profile of your company's messages.

Close Encounters of the Search Kind

Our search editor attempts to make sense of the bizarre events of last week.

What's Ailing Yahoo?

An iMedia columnist examines how Yahoo! went from cool to lukewarm, and proposes actions the company can take to get back on top.

Has Google Officially Checked Out?

Our search editor takes an inside look at Google's new commerce enabling system.

Improve Your SEO in Minutes with Titles

That blue bar at the top of the browser window is the page title, and it's the key to great rankings.

Snap.com: Even Better than Google?

Red Door Interactive's director of search marketing explains why Snap.com is one of the best search engines out there, and what makes it a better choice for advertisers.

Google Meets the Long Tail

In the era of long tail niche markets, is Google the last big media platform for advertisers? iCrossing's VP of communications weighs in.

Think SEO During Site Design

You can stop playing the SEO blame game, says the Avenue A | Razorfish search business development manager, if it's thought about from the start.

Get Better Search Results

The president of MoreVisibility reveals why marketers aren't achieving their desired results from their SEM and SEO programs.

Why SEO Matters in Site Re-Design

iProspect's managing director explains why incorporating traffic-driving elements into a site re-design is a critical step you can't afford to miss.

Does Ask.com Have a Chance?

Our search editor wonders if the butler-less search site can take on Google.

Putting SEO in Your Dashboard

Red Door Interactive's Paul Bruemmer identifies SEO's economic and strategic benefits.

Why A/B Testing Isn't Enough

Our search editor looks at advances in search engine advertising program testing.

Online Converts Offline... with Search

iProspect director of algorithmic search discusses measuring offline conversions through online lead generation and branding.

Proactive Steps Against Click Fraud

The creative director for Kinetics Results reports on a recent Marketing Experiments webinar.

Are Users Ignoring Paid Search Listings?

Our search editor tells us about a new Nielsen Norman Group study that argues that banner blindness has been followed by search listing blindness.

Pay-Per-Call 101

The general manager of goWholesale explains how this search strategy can help small B2Bs increase direct sales leads-- whether or not they have a website.

Search's Role in the Buying Cycle

iMedia's search editor examines comScore data on online/offline buying behavior and interprets the findings.

Click Fraud: The Ugly Underside of SEM

ClickFacts' cofounder analyzes Google's recent click fraud suit, and explains how companies can avoid paying for click fraud.

Google's Strategy for Success

eMarketer gauges Google's share of paid search marketing and predicts what it will be in the years ahead.

What the Heck is Social Search?

Community and users entering data into search results may change search forever: our search editor talks about the opportunities for marketers.

Coping with Search Clutter

As more and more content finds its way onto the web and into search indexes, our search editor talks about a glorious future… if we get there.

Maximizing Your Search Budget

SEMphonic's president explains how PPC programs can affect organic clickthrough.

5 Steps to Increase Sales with Search

Bernard Louvat shows how to boost your company's current SEM plan.

Yahoo! Shuts Out Branded Keywords

Mediasmith's chief search officer looks at the implications of Yahoo's decision to stop selling trademarked keywords to competitors.

Web Analytics Meet Search Marketing

Marketers who want to drive maximum ROI and conversions from search engine marketing must understand the "why" underlying the final quantitative search data.

Help for Managing Search Marketing

Here are the top 10 challenges a search technology solution can (and should) solve.

Search vs. TV

Our search editor touches down on search and the Super Bowl.

SearchTHIS: Click Fraud Back in the News

iMedia's search editor offers a helping hand to the SEC.

SearchTHIS: Safecount Q&A

Our search editor kicks off his 2006 column by chatting with the Safecount founders about cookies and the future of search measurement.

Search's Place in the Purchase Funnel

Research and case studies show search's effectiveness in all three stages.

Last-Minute Holiday Search Profits

It's not too late for 2005! Fathom Online and Offermatica offer six tips for stretching advertising dollars in December.

5 Ways to Maximize Your Search Results

360i's chief strategist helps you get the most out of your search marketing efforts.

Pay-Per-Call: The Next Wave

MIVA's SVP shares tips on how to get started in pay-per-call.

SearchTHIS: Missing Keywords -- FOUND!

Our search editor reports on a new tool from Hitwise that redefines search intelligence by helping you to find the gaps in your keyword selection.

Why You Can't Ignore Search

Search is evolving, with many approaches now available -- resulting in SEM revenues rising faster than those from any other marketing strategy.

SearchTHIS: Stop the Abuse!

Search Week continues! With stricter controls and better services, our search editor asks what's in store for paid search management?

The State of Search Today and Tomorrow

The creative director at Kinetic Results winds up Search Week with a look back at 2005 and a look ahead to 2006.

Regaining Control of Your SEM Budget

The Resolution Media president explains why spreading your search marketing budget among different engines can be key to success.

Thinking Outside the Funnel

This holiday season, Yahoo!'s senior director of global advertiser strategies advises us to leverage consumer desires to build brand awareness, affinity and loyalty.

Welcome to iMedia Search Week

As 2005 winds to a stop, it's time to take a week-long look at one of the biggest interactive moneymakers: SEM.

Can Search Build Brands?

Dipsie's VP talks about where search ends and brand begins, and how best to join the two.

SearchTHIS: The Gift of Google Angst

Our search editor writes that this holiday season's contextual search is getting better, while bidding gets worse.

SearchTHIS: Answering the Cattle Call

What should you do with a Search RFI? Search Editor Kevin Ryan looks for answers in today's column.

SearchTHIS: Open Letter to Steve Ballmer

Search Editor Kevin Ryan contends that in a crazily distracted search world, we must answer to the people.

The Future of Search (Part 4)

Search Editor Kevin Ryan concludes the working discussion on where search is going at the iMedia Summit in May.

SearchTHIS: Saving Your Search Tail

Search Editor Kevin Ryan writes that if nothing else you should admire and respect the long tail of search.

SearchTHIS: Where Do We Go from Here?

iMedia search editor Kevin Ryan gets ready for next week's summit with a call to readers for input about the future of search.

SearchTHIS: Clutter, Relevancy, & Search

Kevin Ryan asks if recent changes in the search space will result in better and more efficient search or a cluttered mess.