How to Secure a Prime Spot in Ask Jeeves' Directory: A Guide to Text Sponsorship Program

Jan 2
17:19

2024

Merle

Merle

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The popular search engine, Ask Jeeves, is used by millions of people who appreciate its straightforward approach to finding relevant search results. As more search engines and directories shift towards pay models, Ask Jeeves has introduced its own Text Sponsorship Program. This program allows advertisers to secure a top spot in the search results, but it requires a strategic approach and a willingness to invest.

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Understanding Ask Jeeves' Text Sponsorship Program

The Text Sponsorship Program by Ask Jeeves is a unique advertising model. It involves a text sponsorship ad,How to Secure a Prime Spot in Ask Jeeves' Directory: A Guide to Text Sponsorship Program Articles which includes a title of up to 40 characters and a description of up to 150 characters. This ad appears on the right side of the search results page whenever a user searches for one of your pre-selected keyphrases. However, only the top three bidders for each keyword or phrase are displayed, making competition fierce.

Your ad will also be featured on other search engines that are part of the Ask Jeeves Network. This includes well-known brands like Direct Hit and MSN, as well as some lesser-known partners. The placement of your ad on these partner sites may vary depending on the specific engine or directory.

Getting Started with the Text Sponsorship Program

To participate in the Text Sponsorship Program, you need to open an account, which costs $25. Ask Jeeves operates on a CPM (cost per thousand) payment model, meaning you only pay when your ad is displayed. This differs from platforms like Goto.com, where you pay per click. Ask Jeeves charges per impression, with minimum bids for keywords or phrases set at $5 per CPM. This means you'll be charged $5 every time your ad is displayed 1,000 times.

Ask Jeeves provides a handy suggestion wizard to help you choose your keywords and phrases. This tool can be useful for identifying search terms you might have otherwise missed.

Bidding Strategy for the Text Sponsorship Program

When setting your bid amounts, keep in mind that you can only opt for the minimum $5 per CPM if no other advertiser has already placed a bid on your keyword or phrase. If there are existing bids in the top three spots, you'll need to outbid one of them to have your ad displayed for that word or phrase. All high bidders' names and bid amounts are displayed, allowing you to plan your strategy accordingly. Bids are placed in $0.50 increments. For instance, if the top three bids for the search phrase 'air purifiers' are $6, $7, and $8, you'd need to bid $6.50 to secure the third position.

After setting up your account, you'll receive a username and password, allowing you to log in and manage your listings and bid amounts. You'll also receive email notifications if you're outbid and your listings are bumped from the top three. If you want to maintain your position, you'll need to log in and increase your bid. You'll also be notified if your account balance is running low, so you can top up as necessary.

Making the Most of Your Advertising Dollar

As the trend towards 'pay for listing' models continues, it's wise to leverage programs like Google's and Ask Jeeves' to maximize your advertising dollar. By paying for targeted exposure and a top listing, you can ensure your ad is seen by those searching for your keywords or phrases, who are likely interested in what you're selling. This targeted approach can result in a higher return on your marketing investment.