searching for cash
the recent announcement by Microsoft that they plan to offer searchers cash back on purchases they make through their search engine is interesting. clearly they are trying to steal share from Google, but is this the best way?
potential problems:
- could attract a different audience (sweepstakes folks)
- changes the psychology of search from finding something to getting a good deal
potential benefits:
- clear contract with consumers (cash)
- will likely pull in new searchers
- passes the benefit back to consumers, not just advertisers (or Microsoft)