Google Finally Gives Up Trying To Sell Ads In Newspapers

from the what-was-the-advantage? dept

Tue, Jan 20th 2009 8:48pm — Mike Masnick

We were somewhat skeptical of what kind of advantage Google could provide to selling ads in physical publications (initially magazines) when the program launched in 2005. At best, we thought that the relationship with advertisers could maybe bring in some advertisers who didn't traditionally advertise in print. But, there was no way to provide the customization and contextualization that made Google's ad programs online so effective. And, indeed, the original program was something of a failure. The company then took a second shot, which seemed to get a lukewarm thumbs up from some newspapers, but it was hardly a rousing success.

And, indeed, the company has now admitted that they're killing off the program -- which seems unlikely to be missed. There's certainly nothing wrong with experimenting with new business models and ideas, but it was never really clear what true advantage Google provided in this space, and the shut down pretty much confirms that the answer was that there wasn't much of an advantage.

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Filed Under: ads, newspapers
Companies: google

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Anonymous Coward, 20 Jan 2009 @ 10:16pm

throwing the dog a bone?
i believe google's move was "politically" motivated since the internet (represented by google for many) is blamed for the physical publications dying business.
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randy shamak, 10 Feb 2009 @ 4:53am

Newspaper Advertising
The content you have provided is pretty interesting and useful and I will surely take note of the point you have made in the blog.

I was surfing the Internet a few days back to find out what would be the best strategy to get mass exposure and traffic to my website. I found that newspaper and magazine advertising can be very helpful. If you are looking to boost your website traffic at affordable rates and get an audience of millions to view your website, then try advertising in broadsheet newspapers that offer national exposure.

I did this with web windows which is a UK based company and found amazing results with my newspaper ads. It’s also got the added advantage of reaching out to those potential customers who do not use the Internet.

I thought this information might be useful for anyone looking for solutions to get more traffic to their website at affordable rates.
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