Looksmart UK Goes Google

Google not Inktomi

[wordy]

An interesting development...
Just searched for one of my recently submited domains and noticed L$ is offering Google results rather than Inktomi.
Even shows the Google logo!

[NFFC]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld wordy, first post and a scoop!

Hold the front page!

[rcjordan]

I tried a search on looksmart.co.uk and got looksmart, no sign of google.

[seth_wilde]

RC you need to do a search that pulls up secondary results... I'm seeing google in place of ink...

[NFFC]

It's there,

[looksmart.co.uk...]

You may have to dig a little but no more Ink.

[Rumbas]

WOW!
Makes you wonder doesn't it?

[seth_wilde]

The question is, will this happen in the US? I'm guessing that the regional versions have seperate contracts and that the US version will stick with Ink... The US L$ resales Ink's paid inclusion and IC programs... It's hard for me to believe that L$ US would give up a revenue stream for something as silly as relevancy :)

[john316]

Maybe they don't like the idea of getting scooped by the beeb. If they could get rid of the pop ups, it might be a nice experience.

Will the beeb be doing popup harrasment?

[wordy]

Are the SERPS google.co.uk or google.com
It's difficult to tell.

[IanTurner]

Wow! Great entrance wordy.

Did some digging, you are getting google.com results on both the UK and Worldwide searches.

Interestingly syndicated £S at ntl and btopenworld are still showing Ink results.

[engine]

Good find Wordy - welcome to wmw
Not that many people search on LS directly, compared to the portals - that will be the breakthrough.

[tigger]

MMmm

Wonder what’s next on googles hit list, MSN? Now that really would put the nail into Ink's already dying market share

[Terrier]

Already showing on MSN.co.uk after the directory listings.

[NFFC]

>showing on MSN.co.uk

I don't see Google, Ink still for me. Anyone confirm?

[Terrier]

And MSN.com

[Terrier]

I am seeing google results instead of ink on both msn.co.uk and .com

[engine]

Still seeing Ink here too.

[Terrier]

Sorry folks it is only on .co.uk

[tigger]

nope still ink on both .com/co.uk thank god as I've just paid to renew a load and it would be very upsetting if MSN changed now.

[Terrier]

I do not uderstand this it has gone for a few searchs I saw the google logo it has gone now just ink - I must be going nuts.

[backus]

I'm seeing google.

[tigger]

would you please sticky me a SERP from MSN showing google

ta

[engine]

Ditto, thanks.

[backus]

so, I meant i was seeing google on Looksmart. My mis-understanding...

[Liane]

I'm still seeing Ink on both Looksmart and MSN in the British Virgin Islands. I'd love for them to use Google though!!!:)

[IanTurner]

Nice place to live Liane.

As far as we know is only £S (looksmart.co.uk) that has changed. L$ (looksmart.com) is still running Ink results.

[rcjordan]

>regional

It's my understanding that looksmart.co.uk is separately owned by British Telecom and just affiliated (co-branded might be a better description) with the 'main' Looksmart. This could be an entirely free-standing arrangement.

[engine]

If that is going to be the case, then, i'd guess that Looksmart's direct traffic will increase.

[IanTurner]

I would suggest that if you are doing better in Google then traffic from BT and ntl ISP searches will increase if they take on the new Google powered results.

Its a pity they aren't using Google.co.uk UK sites search for backfill on the UK search. It would be a lot better for those of us based in UK.

[tigger]

>BT and ntl ISP searches will increase

would be nice, I've just checked my referrers and so far this week a big fat ZERO from both of them