Behavioral Targeting (BT) is pretty much the hottest topic I can think of right now. Seriously. It’s up there with Britney Spears’ latest updates (she colored her hair again, in case you’re wondering). Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating just a bit. But BT is doing some pretty big things with advertising.  Behavioral Targeting used to be just predicting what consumers intentions were based on past experiences.  ValueClick Media recently came up with a different approach to BT that “…uses a predictive algorithm to detach past behavior from future likelihood to click or convert. This forward-looking approach is self-learning and adapts on the fly to data from more than 13,000 publishers and thousands of advertisers.” Pretty impressive I’d say.

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With online media planning, there are many challenges. How do you reach the proper audience that will not only click through to your site, but also convert? How to make sure your site is relevant to the audience that will benefit the most from your product or service? How can you best utilize the available web resources to gain the necessary insight for increased conversions? Google’s answer to these questions and more is Ad Planner. (more…)

It’s pronounced “cool” and it plans to take on the Search Engine giant that is Google. It’s cuil, a new Search Engine that comes with some interesting features that Google can’t offer. Call it good or bad (good for consumers, bad for marketers) but Cuil denounces user data where as Google goes back 18 months with user information. Cuil also has a privacy link listed right on the home page where as Google reportedly put up a fuss to have one on their site up until last month. Other differences lie in the layout and design, where Cuil tries to get away from the top to bottom and looks into using a column view.

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Microsoft will soon be providing search and paid listings on Facebook. The launch is expected later this fall.  Facebook has not decided how much of Microsoft’s search will be implemented or how much inventory will be offered. Microsoft is hoping that the deal will increase their revenue per search.

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I began writing for Search Engine Watch last year about the benefits and tactics for unlocking the local search space. It’s more important than ever to research opportunities and adapt local search into your overall media mix. Local search is a vertical strategy with the rewards of lower leads cost with higher sales conversation.
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Google has launched their latest application- Knol.  Knol is very similar to Wikipedia. People who know about specific topics are allowed to write about them for others to reference.  It is an easy tool to use and eliminates some of the clutter associated with the typical Google search.

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Google recently added another new feature to its Maps application.  Now, not only can you get driving directions, but you can get walking directions as well.   This is especially handy for those who are looking for directions in an urban area.  It is expected that this feature will soon be available on the iPhone as well. When added, it is expected to be especially handy to those already on the go.