Google tests new commission-only search ads

Google is testing commission-only search ads that “feature product specific information directly in the ad”.

The search giant has invited advertisers to test the new ad format, which aims to show more product and price information, according to reports.

The new ads will include an image to accompany the product, which differs from Google’s current text-only ads.

“Through participation in the Google Affiliate Network product ads beta program, you can promote your products to users actively searching for your products and pay only when users make a purchase on your site,” Google said.

Google confirmed that advertisers will set the level of commission they are willing to pay, and will only be required to fork-out if a user makes a purchase during the test period.

Google’s initiative follows the launch of Microsoft’s new search engine Bing, which features real-time search suggestions, more detailed product information and the ability to save and share search histories via email and networks such as Facebook.

Last week, Microsoft continued to increase its position in the US search market following the initial week of Bing’s debut, according to comScore data (see Bing increases market share).

Microsoft sites saw average daily searcher penetration and share of search result pages in the US continue to climb during the second week of Bing’s introduction, said comScore.

Mike Hurt, comScore senior vice president, said: “It appears that Microsoft Bing has continued to generate interest from the market for the second consecutive week.

“These early data reflect a continued positive market reaction to Bing in the initial stages of its launch.”