Microsoft has invested $100 million over the past year to improve MSN’s search capabilities. MSN Search is now available in 31 markets and 17 languages. Nielsen//Net Ratings reported in March that MSN Search now attracts 39.1 million unique users who perform search queries each month, and that 70 percent of the world’s internet users have used MSN Search.
MSN Search has features such as Search Builder, which lets users build a search query by adding or excluding terms or other parameters -- such as sites, countries, regions, and languages -- that narrow the search. MSN users can employ one option or all options, as needed, to support search focus. The MSN Search Toolbar with Windows Desktop Search also enables users to search from Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer, Outlook and the desktop.
Live.com enables internet users to create a fast, clean and personal homepage by choosing their content and layout.
Other players include:
Google, Yahoo, Ask.com
What this could mean for marketers
Advertising on MSN Search is only available in the United States, France and Singapore, so companies that are looking for a truly global audience may want to consider other search engines as well. But there are numerous opportunities under the Sponsored Sites section for paid search advertisements. Microsoft says the paid listings are ranked based on keyword bids (algorithms can be used to help improve rankings). Placement of the paid listings is generally separated from organic listings so they can gain maximum exposure at the top of the search results page, or on other areas of a page. At this point MSN does not offer marketing opportunities around Live.com, though it is safe to assume that there will be opportunities presented for brands to connect to consumers in the near future.
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