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Google is moving ahead with its print ad program involving barcode technology with a couple of advertisers acting as test cases.
Google’s enables advertisers to place small square barcodes beside print ads. Readers who see the ad can snap a picture of the barcode with their mobile devices and view promotions on their handhelds, reports ClickZ (via MarketingVox).
Companies testing the system can also incorporate different direct response triggers to the model; in some cases, that could be an 800 number, or even a special set of Google search terms that bring up sponsored links.
eHealth, a health insurance comparison site, has been testing the system and using site visits as its metric for success. Cruise.com is also looking at site visits to gauge the viability of the model and includes an 800 number with its ads as well.
Jewelry retailer Blue Nile used specialized search terms to accompany their print ads. Searching for “Blue Nile 100″ on Google brings the official site up as a sponsored link, whereas a search for the company name returns a hodgepodge of unrelated links.
Google admits the technology driving its program is still a year and a half away from being mainstream. But systems like this are already in use in Europe and have found some success.
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Ryan Seacrest is in talks with CNN to replace Larry King, according to sources close to Seacrest.
The source, however, also says, “I don’t think it’s going to happen,” writes Fishbowl LA.
Seacrest is currently host of E! News, American Idol…
Editors at Hachette’s digital operation will do well to have their digital skill sets firmly behind them. The company has reportedly chopped 15 editorial jobs from a staff of about 100 in its digital operation; those positions will eventually be…
Most CMOs with more than 10 years of experience describe themselves as “extremely loyal” to specific brands, according to a survey of marketing officers at Fortune 100 companies conducted by LoyalTV.com, a video sharing website.
92 percent of CMOs with…
