In cruising other forums I've seen Froogle already dismissed as a "gadget" and hailed as the next best thing. After talking to several merchants, I've found that many of them really like the idea and quite a few of them are wondering how long the beta test will last and of course when Google will add Froogle Search to the toolbar options. Everyone has seen those "other" toolbars that hijack your search, direct you to merchant partners, etc. but Google seems intent on keeping Froogle free from all the junk associated with other toolbars.
The next logical step after the beta is of course making Froogle part of the toolbar options. No need to drive people to Froogle to showcase it, just add it as an option to the toolbar that is already on millions of people's desktops. As the Froogle database continues to grow so to will the consumer base as long as the consumers are pleased with the results.
Google creates a merchant showcase, available on millions of desktops, for free. They allow merchants to provide them with data feeds for free.
SEOs are already scrambling to get the goods on Froogle and merchants are calling up SEOs and asking for services. I've already had someone mention that in order to "appear credible" that his sites need to be listed in Froogle.
What, if any, do you think the impact of a Froogle toolbar would be on the online shopping industry? The SEO industry? Will sites listed in Froogle appear more credible? Will the ease of being able to shop from a toolbar drive more sales? Put more consumers at ease?
