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Microsoft's attempts to challenge Google's dominance in the Search Engine arena seemed to have died when their attempted acquisiton of Yahoo fell through recently.
Less than ten per cent of all internet searches are made though Live Search - Microsoft's own search engine. But it appears that the corpse is still twitching.
Part of Microsoft's new strategy is to introduce new search engine business models that challenge or undermine the way that Google does things. The latest attempt to do this is through something called "Live Search Cashback".
In essence, consumers get cashback savings by using Live Search to find deals on the products they want. Microsoft have signed up thirteen of the top forty US retailers including some famous name partners such as Sears, Barnes and Noble and Footlocker. They are also throwing in some price comparison capability for the purchaser.
All of this is significant for two reasons.
First, become totally "Google-Centric" at your peril. Microsoft, Yahoo, Ask and others are still in the game, and still capable of delivering new customers to your website.
Second, schemes like this are definitely worth a try from the retailer's point of view. If the idea catches on, you may want to reward new customers with cashback, as well as take advantage of what Microsoft describes as "a low-risk advertising channel based on actual sales".
The scheme is US-based only for now. We will be keeping a close eye on it and helping our Ecommerce customers to implement where appropriate...
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