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Perhaps there is some truth in the rumor that they will be showing only categories, sponsored links and web pages as part of yahoo search (no directory results) this would give a lot more value to a sponsored listing.
this would give a lot more value to a sponsored listing.
Or more value to Google results ?
Just as AOL has ABUSED the trust and good will of their customers, so is Y! following in their footsteps.
Seems like Google will be the only one remaining who wears a white hat.
but when yahoo itself is underplaying its directory value, won't it make people less inclined to go for a directory listing ?
but when yahoo itself is underplaying its directory value, won't it make people less inclined to go for a directory listing ?
I think that Y! is betting that a directory listing is now seen as di rieguer and the basic almost accepted listing for commercial sites, especially with it's influence on Google PR and possibly other factors that help a Google ranking.
To us the only real advantage of a Y! listing has been in increasing ranks in Google. We get searched very little from the Y! directory, probably becuase of the directory sections we are listed in. I dont think this would discourage people much because of this and given that a yahoo directory listing is accepted industry wide as the basic first listing you pay for.
A Sponsored Listing would be seen as going beyond "basic promotion" (for sites that are "serious" about on-line promotion in Y!) - and allow Y! to make much more revenue.. from the sound of that.
Im also guessing they will offer certain levels of subscriptions depending on the range of services you get from their many offerings.. mail, groups, chat, finance quotes, games, calendar, Y! messenger, news services, briefcase etc etc etc.
If they can become perceived to be better than AOL or MSN as a portal, many people will pay for the convenience. Get hooked on at least one of their services such as groups, games, or finance, and signing up for a reasonable amount per month/annum is easier. Especially if people are being bombarded with ads!
Pure speculation of course, but I think its even money that this is what they are up to.
If they can raise the sponsored listing cost and keep the annual fee at $299.00, relatively affordable for many sites, then this could be considered a good thing.
I don't think I would want to advertise with them if their site continues to be so slow especially with email and all their other services.
I am accessing Yahoo from Australia maybe that is why it is slow?
