In my last post, I was just writing how Google+ Is Showing Up In Paid Search, in a major way. Today, when performing my Daily Checks, I noticed a major change on Bing too. I noticed a little number in the upper right hand of my screen that kept going up with each search. Then, I clicked the little number and went to a page about Bing Rewards. You can see a screenshot of the Bing Rewards page below.
So, what is this Bing Rewards? Basically, Bing is allowing you to earn points just for searching. As you get more points, you can redeem your points for rewards such as gift cards, Xbox LIVE points, and more.
I think this is a really neat idea. I’m sure that Bing Rewards will draw some more attention to Bing and increase loyalty. People love freebies and rewards. That said, Bing Rewards could also potentially lower click quality. Some people may search just to get more points. Some may go as far as creating automated bots to search on Bing. With those increased searches, it is possible that some of them click paid search ads with a lower propensity to convert. It will all come down to Bing’s click quality monitoring, which in my experience is quite good. My end conclusion: This is a really neat concept, hopefully it will increase volume over time, and (especially in the short run) it will be important to keep an eye on click quality just in case Bing Rewards affects click quality.
Image in this post © Bing
Microsoft is trying their best to motivate people to use Bing. Why can’t they improve the search quality instead and add more features instead? So users will use it naturally…
That’s really interesting Ian, thanks for sharing. Too bad I have no extra time to play XBOX anymore, or maybe that’s a good thing 🙂
I find myself floating back to your daily checks, they are very helpful to keep ones self on there toes about their own business and competition. I really need to get into doing them again – I’d highly recommend anyone to float over there and implement a daily punch like that.
– Darren
Thanks so much, Darren, I truly appreciate it! The Daily Checks are so important. They are super easy/manual, but as you mention provide so much insight. Thanks again, Darren. How are things going on your end? Has been a while! Wishing you all the best…
Best,
Ian
Thanks for asking Ian! Things are going pretty well, I recently had the opportunity to do some temp work to do some eCommernce marketing for http://biscotti.com a consumer electronics startup for the past 3 months. I was kept very busy and pushed myself to learn and do more with regards to online marketing – It was a great experience 🙂
That is awesome, Darren, nice work! 🙂 I just checked out Biscotti, that’s really cool!
Yeah it’s pretty cool! “Turn your TV into a giant video phone” – the future of of communication in our living rooms 😉 it’s a pretty cool way to keep in touch with distant family and friends.
That is quite interesting, Ian. I rarely use Bing so I had no idea about this Bing Rewards incentive. You are right though, in that like anything, it has the potential to be misused but let’s hope it works out for the best. Microsoft are definitely trying hard, that’s for sure.
-Jean
Thanks so much for the comment, Jean! Very much appreciate it!