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Tag: google commerce search

  • Google Commerce Search Is No More

    Google Commerce Search Is No More

    After several iterations, Google has finally decided to kill of Commerce Search.

    The product was announced in late 2009 as an ecommerce-focused version of Google Site Search. It was specifically tailored to ecommerce and product sites. Here’s a look:

    In mid-2010, Google introduced version 2.0 with some new features:

    In 2011, another refresh was announced:

    Now, without an actual announcement, Google has shut the product down. TechCrunch shares a statement from a Google spokesperson:

    We are making a strategy shift towards offering more flexible, easier to adopt modules for retailers, such as the Search As You Type widget, rather than a full site search replacement and therefore will no longer be offering Google Commerce Search as a core site search replacement product. We will continue to support our current retail customers using GCS and will try to help them on the best migration process to alternate solutions.

    As TechCrunch’s Leena Rao points out, Google recommended sites use Commerce Search as recently as July, when the company announced it would shut down Google Mini.

  • Now, Google’s Search As You Type Is A Standalone Product

    Now, Google’s Search As You Type Is A Standalone Product

    Google announced that it is now offering the Search As You Type feature from Google Commerce Search as a standalone product. AdWords advertisers now have access to a free pilot.

    The feature uses Google’s search suggestions and instant product results for merchants’ site search features.

    “Great search is all about turning intentions into actions in the blink of an eye,” says Google Shopping Product Management Director Jennifer Dulski. “And in online retail, having a quick and user-friendly website can make a world of difference when it comes to engaging shoppers and driving sales.”

    “It’s easy to implement and helps increase sales and conversion rates on merchant websites,” says Dulski of the feature.

    Search As You Type

    The pilot is available to AdWords advertisers in the US, for free for up to 25 million searches a year. Beyond that, you have to pay.

  • Leaping Bill Gates, Google Prediction API, and Jabba the Hutt

    When you see Bill Gates, a few things come to mind: billionaire, philanthropy, Windows, etc. One thing that probably doesn’t come to mind is athletic ability, which makes sense.

    For more daily video round-ups, go here.

    See Bill Gates leap a chair in a single bound.

    See how Google’s Prediction API works, it’s pretty neat.

    Have you heard that utterly atrocious song by Maroon 5 “Moves Like Jagger”? If you haven’t consider yourself lucky. If you’re amongst the poor bastards that have, you might find some humor in this video, as it’s a parody entitled “Moves Like Jabba”.

    Here is a video about how GNC decided to go mobile and their decision to utilize Google Commerce Search)

    Google has changed the way their approach working with developers… they show you how with a pop-up book. Well played Google, well played.

    A guy conducts several iPhone 4S vs Galaxy SII tests. Let the arguing commence between the fanboys… Go!

  • Google Commerce Search Refresh Announced

    Retailers and serious shoppers alike may have reason to celebrate today.  The third generation of Google Commerce Search (“our search solution for e-commerce websites”) is here, and it introduces several upgrades that should result in a better online shopping experience and perhaps greater sales.

    First up is search-as-you-type technology, which should be familiar to everyone thanks to Google Instant.  Next, Google’s now able to provide insights about local product availability, in the event a consumer would rather drive a mile than wait five days for a package to show up.

    Then there’s something that’ll let retailers take a more active role in the shopping experience.  A post on the Official Google Blog explained, “Enhanced Merchandising tools allow retailers to create product promotions that display in banners alongside related search queries, and to easily set query-based landing pages (for example, when a visitor types [shoes], they’re directed to a ‘shoe’ page).”

    Finally, although it’s still in testing, a product recommendations feature should show shoppers what products other people viewed and bought.

    These changes are sure to win Google Commerce Search a few additional fans.  In fact, Google’s already secured Forever21, General Nutrition Company (GNC), and L’Occitane as new retail partners.

    Christine Burke, VP of International E-Commerce at L’Occitane, stated, “As our customers visit our re-designed website to shop and research our products, we’re excited about the speed and accuracy of on-site search results that will be provided to us through Google Commerce Search.  We’re also very excited about the possibility of the new local inventory feature, which can help us connect our customers with their favorite products in one of our 170 U.S. boutiques.”

  • Google Introduces New Version of Commerce Search

    Google has announced the launch of Commerce Search 2.0 for retailers in the United States and the United Kingdom. This is a new version that the company says provides a better online experience for shoppers, as well as greater control, while providing immediate ROI for retailers.

    Google Commerce Search originally launched back in November. It was kind of like Google Site Search, specifically tailored to e-commerce and product sites. 

    This Video runs down the new features:

    Improvements include: more merchant customization, a better shopping experience, and improved browsing and navigation. Google elaborates on these here.

    Google has also introduced a new pricing model for the product, beginning at 25,000/year.