google adding video to arsenal for adwords’ content network
May 23rd, 2006
I love this on so many levels.
According to Inside Adwords, the official blog, Google is now offering the option for advertisers to create targeted video campaigns to place on Adwords‘ content network. You know, those ads you see on sites saying, “Ads by Gooooogle”:
First, as with all AdWords ad formats, video ads will compete for placement on sites in the Google content network with other text, Flash and image ads — and, as with our other image ad placements, you can choose to bid on a CPC or CPM basis.
Second, these ads will be supported by both site- and keyword-targeted campaigns. You can choose to serve your video ad on a specific site or on pages in our content network that relate to your product or service. As always, you have the ability to geo-target your video ads internationally, nationally, or locally.
Finally, unlike some intrusive advertising, users will have complete control. When a page loads, only a static image will be visible; the video will not start playing until the user initiates it. He or she will be able to advance the video, pause it, adjust the volume or click through to the advertiser’s site.
Google is transcending advertising-as-we-know-it and rewriting the rules. Video takes things to the next level. This is what the PPC opponents fail to get. Paying for a targeted click is just step one. Image ads, video, voice, behavioral targeting are the next signposts in the road.
Imagine a mash-up of YouTube and this offering. Imagine the opportunity to create what only huge companies could once create. Imagine outsmaring, outrunning and outmanuevering your bigger, slower, more bureaucratic opponents. Imagine winning big.
This is what Google is creating. PPC is square one. The best is yet to come. And it’s mindblowing. Are you ready?
