Google Unveils a New Feature for Related Image Search
Google introduced a new preview feature for image search. This latest feature allows users to see the first three results for related searches and make it perfect for visual content on the web. This helps users identify the photos most relevant to them more easily. By just gliding their cursor over the three or four suggested related searches, a window will pop up with results that will appear on the upper page. According to Peter Linsley, Google product manager, it will be available globally in a few weeks time.
As part of SEO strategy, Image Search places a strong emphasis on the use of visual results so to attract site visitor’s perception of a business. Rich & high-quality metadata will give an extra boost to a website. Images and other visual content have 94 percent higher page views compared to those with text-only content. Brafton said the new feature helps attract site visitor’s perception of a business.
New Tax Law: A Threat to Amazon’s Affiliate Program
A film critic Robert Ebert, struggles to keep his website free for all to read. Through this website he expresses his opinion on his half–star review of Battle: Los Angeles. Now with the new law signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, it seems that his fight was for nothing.
It is required in this new law that Amazon has to pay sales tax on items shipped to Illinois if affiliates operate in that state. In a 1992 Supreme Court decision, a local sales tax will only be collected from online sellers if they have a physical presence or affiliate living in the state where the product is to be sent. The Main Street Fairness Act which is the original law protects local retailers from being sunk by lower prices on an internet site.
Will Amazon conform to the new rule or will they simply terminate their affiliate program? This may mean business as usual for the shoppers but beginning of the end for the internet marketer.
U.S. Smartphone Owners: Retail Websites are More Popular than Retail Apps
Smartphones are now being used for shopping, researching products and reviews, comparing prices, finding retail locations and redeeming coupons. In response to the increasing usage of these devices, mobile apps and website retailers are competing with their designs to attract smartphone shoppers. Nielsen’s detailed analysis of smartphone usage reveals that retail websites are more popular than retail apps. Amazon is the most popular retail mobile website of all.
A mobile research was conducted by Nielsen in 2011 holiday season. Amazon, Best Buy, eBay, Target and Walmart were the top retail apps and websites. Both genders prefer retailers’ mobile websites over mobile apps. All of the top 5 mobile retail websites experienced a “bump” during the days leading up to and following Black Friday, led by Amazon.
Mobile shopping has reached its peak and will continue to grow as smartphone infiltration rises to the top. According to Burbank, business must be treated by retailers as a multi-channel environment that include mobile, online, and bricks and mortar stores. A requirement to success is a consistent experience across channels that strengthen the values being represented as a retail brand, may it be price, service, reviews, selection, style, or other key attributes.
Other Social Marketing Articles of Interest