Google Blurs the Line Between Local Paid & Unpaid Results

[CHR]

From Danny Sullivan of Search Engine Land:

Google Blurs the Line Between Paid and Unpaid Results

Google has a new program that allows local businesses to get paid listings that appear within what’s known as the 7-pack of local listings. But do those listings violate the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines about proper disclosure of paid search ads? Probably not, but they do seem confusing.

Click the link above and read the entire article.

One way or the other, every local business is eventually going to become a Google advertiser.

The program discussed is only being tested in San Jose and Houston and I'll keep you posted if it goes national.

 

[BOSS]

Just great....

Crud~!

 

[herndonflorist]

It looks like we are going to have to fight the same fight we fought in the yellow pages over deceptive listings with Google. Only I think the layers of free speech and a free internet are going to make this much harder. I think Google auctioning off my trade name to a competitor as a source of revenue falls under deceptive listing / trade name infringement. I have had limited success in getting a response from Gogle on my own so far, so the next step is to seek legal advice. I think a class action lawsuit will be in their future!

 

[BOSS]

It looks like we are going to have to fight the same fight we fought in the yellow pages over deceptive listings with Google. Only I think the layers of free speech and a free internet are going to make this much harder.

I think it would be easier... it's as simple as this: DO NOT FILL gathered orders. In fact, DO NOT FILL any order that does not originate in your shop, no matter the location of the consumer.

Not filling, would kill the current system in a month or less. Most florists are sissies~!