Written on February 14th, 2007 at 11:02 am by Darren Rowse
AdSense Confirm Google Checkout Icons on Ads – What do You Think of Them?
The AdSense blog today confirms what we’ve all been noticing for a while now – they’ve started including a little Google Checkout icons on advertisers who use it (see below).
I’m interested to hear from publishers on whether they like it or not.
On one hand it does add something a little more eye catching to the ad which might increase CTR. Some publishers like them for this reason.
However I’m hearing from a few publishers that they feel a little used by Google with these icons – like they’re helping Google promoting their checkout system with no real reward. Some would like the ability to switch them off.
One or two have even suggested that Google need to make the icon a referral link that pays publishers a commission if someone new signs up for Google Checkout as a result of clicking on the ad.
What do you think of them?
Here’s how the icon will appear on ads on publisher’s sites (see the second ad).
They’re doing it in Google search results also with much less subtle icon which I’m glad they’re not imposing upon AdSense publishers (see it below).
20 Responses to “AdSense Confirm Google Checkout Icons on Ads – What do You Think of Them?” - Add Yours
Steve Remington
February 14th, 2007 11:36 am
Darren I think they are pretty cool and definitely helpful for the browser. Plus it ads an incentive to click on the link to go check it out which will possibly land more money in our pockets. Win/Win/Win
I think the referral idea is superb!!
James
February 14th, 2007 11:55 am
I wonder if it really makes much difference to the advertisers?
Will advertisers eventually start to give prices for products in the ads too? Imagine a row of Adsense ads for the same product and different prices on your website. It would seem a little like eBay.
More Merchant
February 14th, 2007 11:57 am
I like it from aspects of an advertiser and publisher. It catches your eye.
Khurrum
February 14th, 2007 12:26 pm
I’ve noticed them on my sites but they don’t seem to have any effect on average earnings.
Chris M
February 14th, 2007 12:33 pm
I’m not sure if I like that. I prefer the standard simple adsense look, but would be interested if Google offered some form of extra incentive.
Ryan Holiday
February 14th, 2007 12:53 pm
I’m a big fan. I know that when I use Froogle–or whatever it’s called now–I limit my searches to companies that use Google Checkout. It’s easier, I don’t have to worry about spam, annoying emails or creating a new account. It only make sense that Google would incorporate this into their ads. Now it means that my clicks are more genuine, because I know going in, that the store uses checkout.
Andrew Flusche
February 14th, 2007 1:28 pm
I personally don’t see why publishers should mind the icons. I presume they’re intended to induce a higher CTR. Thus, publishers would earn more money. They’re getting compensated. Why the fuss?
fauzan
February 14th, 2007 3:11 pm
as one of adsense publisher, i really like this new product because it will increase my earning..
Jon Symons
February 14th, 2007 3:56 pm
If they do result in higher CTRs, which I think they will then it sure puts the squeeze on companies to use Google Checkout…which seems a bit EVIL to me. What was that Google business manifesto again?
Google Checkout didn’t accept payments from Canada the last time I tried to use it, so they won’t be a big hit with us Canucks.
Bogdan
February 14th, 2007 5:20 pm
for sure the publishers benefit from using it… it’s about communicating a service that they have…
Brian
February 14th, 2007 11:58 pm
I’ve personally got no issues with them and don’t see why anyone would. I guess some people will complain about anything.
Grayson De Ritis
February 15th, 2007 2:48 am
They help the viewer/browser, and that in turn, helps me. I am all for it. Good job again, Google.
MoneyBusiness
February 15th, 2007 4:19 am
I can’t say I like much of anything with Google Checkout. For one particular reason, many sales that go through this system do not track for affiliates of various merchants. That alone makes me wonder what Google’s ultimate intentions are.
Also, don’t forget that Google takes just about every bit of personal and private consumer and business data they can get their hands on through this system (all in the fine print, which probably isn’t read too often). Someone also mentioned that Google runs credit reports on consumers when they use this system (without their knowing of course).
Can you really like a system that does this?
As for the little icons, I think that’s the least of our worries…
Dustin
February 15th, 2007 4:50 am
I heard that some people are experiencing better click through rates because the graphic draws attention. A kind of, Oww Shiny. Have you heard anything like this?
SandraR
February 15th, 2007 10:37 pm
Someone stated: “Google runs credit reports on consumers”
That is crazy talk — I run numerous credit checks daily and Google running peoples credits is simply not happening you need authorization and the fees are a bit much. What most people do not know is every time your credit is run it lowers your credit rating. I can guarantee you if google is running credit checks it would be slammed all over CNN no one likes there credit rating lowered because they made a purchase at google checkout.
As for the button – I want more money! Other than that it does not bother me.
Hannes Johnson
February 16th, 2007 10:54 am
It would be great if it was a referral link so we would benefit from any Checkout sign-ups.
But I’m not sure if I like the icons – especially the one they had with google.com/adsense — what has Google Checkout got to do with AdSense? – I would understand if it was AdWords or some service where you had to pay (and not get paid).
MoneyBusiness
February 17th, 2007 12:18 am
To the person’s response above, in regards to credit checks…
“…You authorize us to confirm that your Payment Instrument is in good standing with the issuing financial institution, including, but not limited to, by submitting a request for a payment authorization and/or a low dollar credit and/or debit to the Payment Instrument, in accordance with the relevant card association rules. You also authorize us to obtain from time to time a credit report and/or to otherwise make credit or other background inquiries as we deem appropriate to evaluate your registration for or continued use of the Service …”
(taken from their GCO Terms of Service page)
Eliena Andrews
February 18th, 2007 3:16 am
I think its a good start by Google to promote their website and even of publisher having more clicks. Well done
Ugly Google Checkout Icons
February 21st, 2007 4:28 pm
[...] There is a lot more coverage of these icons on other blogs. Google is also using icons on AdSense, but they are not nearly as obtrusive. (yet?) [...]
bloggadget
March 11th, 2007 8:51 am
Great post
I wonder when i will start seeing Google checkout logs on my ad sense ads
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