Google tests green backgrounds for Adwords

19 May, 2008 | Online Marketing

A little over a month ago we reported that Google was coming under increasing pressure to change the format of its "sponsored links" section in search results after the ACCC found them to be misleading. Now it seems as though Google has been testing an alternative green background in the directory sponsored links. So, is this related and will we soon see a change in Australian search results?

Here is a screen shot of the green sponsored links in action:

As you can see this is for the Google Directory only (information is retrieved from DMOZ), however UK Search Engine Marketers (SEMs) are reporting a green bar appearing above their search results as seen below:

Whether this design change will increase or decrease the click through rate for the premium ads and top natural listings remains to be seen, however my eyes seem to be constantly drawn up towards the green bar. This means my focus is increasingly centered on the premium listings and not lower listed organic results.

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Comments

1. Chris Martin (19 May, 2008 - 10:06)

This is really interesting and if implemented by Google, i think this will definately benefit both the premium advertisers and those ranking in the top 1-3 search results.

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