Bing Bang Boom

I was watching the Tonight Show last night and was captivated by a commercial. Now, I know there's this unspoken tradition of hatred toward Microsoft among many computer gurus, but I have to admit I don't jump on that bandwagon very easily. And, to make the point that Microsoft isn't out of great ideas, I would like to introduce you to Bing.

If you haven't heard of it, Bing is a new search engine. That's right, they have the audacity to think they can play in Google's back yard. But guess what? I think they just might be onto something here. And, no, I'm not just saying that because I get higher page ranking for my keyword on bing than Google: "Advertise on Twitter."

The basic premise is that, as people change the way they use the internet, search has to change with it. What is this major change that they think search needs to react to. The fact that they claim 4.5 new websites are created every second. So, how much of that do you think is crap? How much is designed just for SEO with no content in mind? Bing thinks it's becoming an issue.

What's more, the site search functions that so many have come to enjoy have become even more prevalent and easier to use on Bing. For example, search Bing for "twitter" and the first result includes a site search field. Google doesn't offer that. Try the same for eBay, Amazon, even Google itself (ironically).

As for advertising, their revenue model looks strikingly familiar. Sponsored links occupy most of the right column, and of course, the top spot in search results. Nothing new there.

But, what I do find a helpful advantage over Google is the offering of related searches in the left column.

What are you thoughts? Try it out. See if it might replace your home page. It has mine.

Labels: Advertise, bing, Monetize, SEO, Twitter