Posted:
54% of users who researched online but bought offline used their mobile device to conduct their search. Such impressive engagement is evidence that mobile devices are changing the very way in which we shop. As a continuation of our multi-channel video series (Part 1, 2, 3, 4), Alex Barza, Mobile Ad Sales Lead, and Surojit Chatterjee, Product Manager, present their perspective on why mobile is the next 'big bet.'

Watch the recap video of this session:



Posted by Julia Tang, the Google Retail Team
1 comment | Labels: , ,

Posted:
Beyond multi-channel tactics, research, and best practices, we at Google recognize the need to build better products to connect retailers with shop-savvy, local customers. At the "Think with Google: Future of Multi-Channel Summit," Sameer Samat, Director of Product Management at Google, and Paul Lee, Business Product Manager at Google, emphasized these customers who are actively using the Internet and their mobile devices to inform and enhance their in-store experience.

In this short 2-min recap video, Sameer and Paul shared an exciting product launch around the ability to show real-time, in-stock nearby items from retailers:



Check out more information here to find out how to use this feature when you're shopping locally, and how to show your locally available products on Google.

Posted by Julia Tang, the Google Retail Team
2 comments | Labels: ,

Posted:
Display advertising is going through the biggest transformation in its history, thanks to the emergence of audience data, engaging new ad formats, dynamic creative and new technologies. Marketers are increasingly taking advantage of this opportunity to meet their objectives, and as we mentioned on a recent post on the Google blog, we’re making significant investments in this area to help them succeed.

Please join us for an upcoming webinar on May 20, 2010 at 11:00am PST / 2:00pm EST on our recent innovations in display advertising and how marketers are incorporating it into their strategy today.

Specifically, we’ll discuss:
  • Google's vision and recent innovations in display advertising
  • How to best take advantage of our offering, from planning to optimizing your campaigns
  • How advertisers are incorporating the Google Content Network into their marketing strategy
Register here for the "Connect with the Google Content Network" webinar.

Posted by Emel Mutlu, the Google Display Team
No comments | Labels: ,

Posted:
We already learned that Mother’s Day is second only to Christmas in terms of spending, and this is especially true online, as searches for ‘Mother's Day’ have already reached a record high, up by 40% over last year. As savvy consumers search for gift ideas and compare prices, the internet has clearly become an important tool for both research and purchase.

To further demonstrate the impact of Mother’s Day searches, take a look at the top ten rising searches over the last month. Mother’s Day is second only to rocker and recent Celebrity Apprentice contestant Bret Michaels.


With all her recent popularity, what gifts should Mom expect this year? It looks like tried and true items like flowers, chocolates, and jewelry are still popular, with flowers taking the lead. However, it’s important to note that many users are searching for other gift ideas. In fact, searches for ‘Mother’s Day ideas’ have recently risen as much as 120%.

So, what can we learn for next year? Whether you sell traditional gifts like flowers, candy, and jewelry, or more niche items, be prepared to showcase your products for mom-loving searchers. Highlight special offers or shipping deadlines in your ads, and make sure your site appeals to people who are looking for gift ideas!

Posted by Erin Piper, the Google Retail Team
No comments | Labels:

Posted:
(Cross-posted on the Google Enterprise Blog)

It’s that time of year again. Brick-and-mortar stores are clearing out the sweaters and snow-mobiles and revamping window displays with sandals and scuba gear. We know that online retailers are painstakingly updating their virtual window space as well and (perhaps even more importantly) are thinking hard about how new technologies can bring a fresh edge to their website – and the bottom line.

To kick off the season, we’re extending an invitation to a live webcast on Friday, May 14 presented by Nitin Mangtani, Senior Product Manager for Google Commerce Search. We’ll cover all the basics of what makes good search on e-commerce sites, how improving search speed and usability can help improve customer satisfaction and increase sales, and how top online retailers have made the switch.

Join us to learn more – and bring your questions!

Google Commerce Search – Basics & Beyond
Friday, May 14, 2010
10:00 a.m. PDT / 1:00 p.m. EDT / GMT 06:00
Register here.

Posted by Anna Bishop, Enterprise Search Marketing Team
No comments | Labels: ,

Posted:
We have discussed in previous posts how marketers can independently better measure and understand their cross-channel activities, but increasingly retailers are recognizing the importance and benefit of leveraging partnerships with other retailers, manufacturers and merchandisers. We have solicited advice from two industry experts, Tom Bartley, President of TAB Consulting and Tyler Murray, Global Digital Practice Lead at Saatchi & Saatchi X -- both of whom have lived and breathed cooperative marketing through working with a variety of brands.

In this 4-min recap video, Tyler and Tom discuss the unique opportunities and challenges that online co-op brings:



While co-op advertising does not happen overnight, with thorough education, experimentation, and identifying shared objectives, a retailer and a vendor have the promise of strengthening each of their brands online by working together.

Posted by Julia Tang, the Google Retail Team
2 comments | Labels: , ,