Really basic Overture/MSN question

[gempdx]

Hi,

I've had an Overture account for several months now, and all along I assumed that my ads would appear on MSN. However, when I type in the keywords I've bought ads for on Overture into the MSN search bar, NONE of my sites are listed. And when I click on the advertising info on MSN, it
brings up something about LookSmart!

I'm so confused - how *do* I get my site into the sponsored listings on MSN?

Gem

[seth_wilde]

MSN only uses overture for certain search phrases.. If I remember correctly it's the top 25,000 (but I'm not 100% on that figure)..

Looksmart is the web directory listings..

[gempdx]

Hi,

Thanks for your response. So, if my search phrase isn't in the top 25,000 (and I doubt that it is, it's for an industry specific product) how do I get onto MSN if that's where my potential customers are searching? Do I just need to wait for my organic listings to improve through my other SEO efforts?

G.

[tigger]

either try Looksmart or Inktomi

[seth_wilde]

That depends on how many directory listings there are.. The directory listings (looksmart) are displayed above the organic listings (inktomi). For many phrases the organic listings may be buried too deep and you'll have to go through Looksmart.

[gempdx]

I'll try those, thanks! There's just so much going on the SE space, it could easily be a full-time job! Unfortunately, it's only one of many things on my plate. :(

Thanks again,
G.

[martinibuster]

For many phrases the organic listings may be buried too deep and you'll have to go through Looksmart.

Yup. I just want to clarify that the Ink listing don't always come after the LS listings. They often do, but not in all cases.

In your case LS is coming up first, so you'll have to get some exposure with them.

If you want to extend the effectiveness of your LS listing, take a read over here [webmasterworld.com]. It's a thread where someone's LS listing kept getting sliced up by the LS editors for sloppiness or spamminess, and was having trouble submitting a good directory listing and having it rank well.