Marketing Pilgrim Published: "Google+ for All Businesses Coming In Next Few Months" plus 4 more

Google+ for All Businesses Coming In Next Few Months
Google Places Update Puts Focus On Google
Microsoft's Loses $728 Million Online in Q4
Introducing the Google Adwords Card; Buy Now, Regret it Later
4 Twitter Product Managers Have Left the Building

Google+ for All Businesses Coming In Next Few Months

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 09:12 PM PDT

Google+ has created some interesting scenarios as it relates to business. Since everyone seems to be scrambling "wild west style" to create a presence, Google has issued the following latest update (number 3) to give everyone the skinny on what their plans are for Google+ for business. Enjoy.

Google Places Update Puts Focus On Google

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 09:04 PM PDT

Google is making further moves to draw users attention to information that has been gathered through Google rather than third parties. The most recent change in Place Page layout is the most striking example of this.

The Google Lat Long blog tells us

Based on careful thought about the future direction of Place pages, and feedback we've heard over the past few months, review snippets from other web sources have now been removed from Place pages. Rating and review counts reflect only those that've been written by fellow Google users, and as part of our continued commitment to helping you find what you want on the web, we're continuing to provide links to other review sites so you can get a comprehensive view of locations across the globe.

Essentially this gives Yelp and Trip Advisor their wish even though I will wager that they wish they never wished it. Now, the focus is on Google and the reviews generated. As you can see from the screenshot below, it's never been easier to review a place or to upload a photo.

There appears to be a few changes with regard to the information that is displayed though. For instance, in the Place Page above there used to be a section for more data which a company could add other sites like Facebook and Twitter. That is a step backwards in my opinion which reeks of paranoia from Google.

So the evolution of the Place Page continues but I am not convinced the latest version works as well. Google is circling the wagons (as they should) to help push everyone through the Google system which will eventually incorporate Google+ etc. Part of the fun before though was that the Place Page was a bit of a clearinghouse of data. Not anymore.

So is this progress or protectionism on the part of Google?

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Microsoft's Loses $728 Million Online in Q4

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:16 PM PDT

We concentrate on the online space most of the time here at Marketing Pilgrim. With that in mind, we just had to point out that despite all the relative calm about Microsoft's Q4 reporting (meeting expectations, profitable etc), we can't keep our eyes off the staggering $728 million loss on $668 million in revenue for the online piece of the tech giant.

If you are keeping track that means that the online loss for the fiscal year totals $2.56 billion (yup, with a b) on revenues of $2.53 billion. Here's a picture of Microsoft's online track record thus far from SAI.

Is there any hope for turning this continuing trend around? What do they have to show for it thus far? A few percentage points gained here and there in search share against a competitor, Google, who may have finally broken their social networking glass ceiling with Google+?

Of course, it's not like the online operations will sink the tech giant but if online is the future of the business world and it appears that your online operation is a bleeder, what does that say about the future?

We desperately need competition for Google in search but how long can Microsoft continue to keep online operations afloat? Oh, and let's not forget that some of their cash cows' fields are being grazed by Google online bovine like Docs, Chrome and more.

What's your take on Microsoft's future be it online or off?

Introducing the Google Adwords Card; Buy Now, Regret it Later

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:49 AM PDT

Google is always looking for ways to make life easier for the small business owner. They know that the cost of running a major Adwords campaign can be prohibitive for the mom and pop shop but they have a solution.

Introducing the Google Adwords Mastercard! No monthly fee, low finance rate, high credit line and only one restriction – you can only use it to buy ads on Google.

In theory, it's a good idea. Most people need to advertise when they can least afford it, which is prior to their big season. With the Adwords credit card, you can place your ad during the low income month of August and reap the rewards when the holiday shopper money starts rolling in.

The downside is the same as with any credit option, the temptation to use it exceeds most people's ability to pay it back. Sure, everyone rolls in with budget limits and good intentions, but you know what they say about the road to hell and all that.

Right now, the Adwords card comes with 8.99 percent interest and that's well under what most people are paying on their current credit cards. So if you're already charging your ad fees to a bank Visa, then switching to this card should help you lower your monthly Google bill.

For everything else, you'll need a different Mastercard.

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4 Twitter Product Managers Have Left the Building

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:11 AM PDT

Twitter is in the news for two different, but possibly related stories. First, sources are reporting that the network is close to "completing an $800 million funding deal that will include a second part in which around $400 million of the total will be used to cash out current investors and also employees."

Second, TechCrunch is reporting that four of the companies key product managers have been let go. TechCrunch sees it as the final stage of cleaning out those loyal to the old regime, but it does seem like an odd time to give that many top people the boot.

In recent months, Twitter has been on an upswing with new advertising programs and a new design. Kicking out the key people who made it so, just before a round of new funding feels weird. Is Twitter planning some radical change in the near future, like upping the character count to an even 200!

Comments on the news range from, "bad move on Twitter's part," to "yes, they need a fresh perspective." The best comment comes from George who says, "Quick! Everyone head over to Google+ and discuss this!"

What do you think? Does this signal a major change at Twitter or will it be business as usual again by Monday morning?