Google is apparently testing out click-to-call AdWords – I can’t see it myself, but Seth just searched for ‘refinance’ and spotted some phone icons alongside the AdWords listings. He entered his phone number and within five seconds received an automated phone call, which connected to the purchaser of the AdWords listing when it had him on the line. Wish I had a screenshot for you (UPDATE: screenshots below) – but here’s how it works, direct from the Google Click-To-Call FAQ:
What’s the phone icon on Google search results? How does it work?
We’re testing a new product that gives you a free and fast way to speak directly to the advertiser you found on a Google search results page – over the phone.
Here’s how it works: When you click the phone icon, you can enter your phone number. Once you click ‘Connect For Free,’ Google calls the number you provided. When you pick up, you hear ringing on the other end as Google connects you to the other party. Then, chat away on our dime.
We won’t share your telephone number with anyone, including the advertiser. When you’re connected with the advertiser, your number is blocked so the advertiser can’t see it. In addition, we’ll delete the number from our servers after a short period of time.
Seems Google’s getting into the pay-per-call business. What are the rates, I wonder?
UPDATE: Screenshots!
Fig. 1 – phone icons appear alongside AdWords
Fig. 2 – opportunity to enter your phone number
Fig. 3 – connecting…
Fig. 4 – yep, you’re now connected to the advertiser.
A lot of business implications here but at the moment that little evil part of me is thinking ‘great, a single form-field way to pester others with crank calls from advertisers at three in the morning.’ Om Malik wrote about Google’s use of VoIP for commercial purposes back in September – I’m guessing the call made from Google to the lead (step 3 in the screenshots) is an early implementation of this. Of course Ingenio will be concerned – Google’s trying to eat their lunch.
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I wrote about this on October 27th.
At the time they were calling it “Google Connect”.
Here are the Ad specifications:
http://www.shimonsandler.com/wordpress/?p=18
Imagine that! Google playing catchup with AOL! Using a call as a billing mechanism for an advertiser is well over a year old. Yawn. At least in the goofy Google implementation, you can prank call your buddies at all hours of the day or night.
Google never ceases to surprize doesnt it. I wont be surprized if they take over the world some day. Still… cool concept and kudos to google to think of it
yep, google going to demonsate the online global market
Could be an interesting concept, and could bring globalization a bit closer. Emagine companies all over the world using this advertisementform. VOIP is cheap, but taking it from IP to ordinary phonenetworks should cost a bit.
Wouldn’t mind being able to call those remove tropical islands and hear the waves from the pacific ocean in the back
Like the service though.
Rgds
Jakob
http://www.boyer-draeby.dk
It’s interesting how they will deal with phone privacy issues. I also can’t stop but notice that my current company released a product which clearly inspired click to talk more than 5 years ago! (more on my blog)
warning again for tel companies?
Any ideas on whose service they’re using (ie. Ingenio, Voicestar, or ThinkingVoice) or is this their own home brew?
so what’s to stop me from putting in someone else’s phone number just to annoy them???
Johnny: nothing. BTW, be expecting a call from “Dave and Jim’s Great Used Rubber Products” any second now.
Looks very Promising….
I hope Google has it work with *GoogleTalk* also so there is no having to “Pick Up” or “Answer” the Phone…
Cheers,
Keith
Nice revenue generator for Google, however why is this any better than a ‘Freephone’ service? Appart from the obvious stress of dialing a phone number!?!?
It seems you have to have google talk installed on your PC.
We launched this service in Australia on 4th July 2005 and you can see it on http://www.WeCallYouNow.com It is also a feaure of our local search for Australia at http://www.AussieWeb.com.au Nothing new doing with Google.
Monte
Title: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECEIVER SELF-PRICED MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION OVER THE INTERNET AND A MEMBER POOL INCORPORATING ADVERTISING PLACEMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH A SEARCH ENGINE
Abstract:
The present invention accomplishes billing and collection of multimedia IP calls with receiver designated fee schemes, enabling advance services such as personal 800 or 900 service in the conventional telephony. Internet users register as members via member sub-system, and acquire a unique member ID across the member pool by downloading and installing client -software, and login to the communication sub-system and enter a ‘stand-by for communication’ mode. Member chooses a fee flow method among options of ‘pay-to-answer (PA)’, ‘charge -to-answer (CA)’, and ‘free-to-answer (FA)’, and set member’s own per-pulse fee rate. Callers find the right receiver by entering keywords in a search box within their IM space or by going through a refined search utilizing such keys as country zip codes, keywords, or fee schemes. Results are returned in a search result page in several variations, preferably: pay-to-answer first, and higher rate on top; free-to-answer, then; and charge-to-answer, then lower rate on top. The higher advertisers such as pay-to-answer providers are rewarded with call icons appearing in a higher position. The search engine sells advertisements with its search results pages and receives a portion of the IM fee flows from a successful connection.
seems great !! google is trying on a lot of thing to earn high revenue
We decided to ouy Google – “Google”. Just search on Pay Per Call in Google. You will see an ad for We Call You Now. Click on the ad it is gives you a choice of getting a phone call right now or going to the web site. Choice! PS – if it is out of hours your options are visit the web site or email!
How about a free 5 minute phone call to anyone in the world, even to a POTS phone, just for viewing/listening to advercrap? That would be innovative!
This is a great idea and I didn’t even know it existed. Off to go check prices and see how it is implemented.
Thanks for the heads up.
good idea to get onto before the whole world does. for me, graphic design and web design in san francisco I only have two competitors in the entire Ingenio network (AOL, etc). Just signed up…
Be careful with Pay Per Call. I used Ingenio and all the calls I received were from people that were looking for things that had nothing to do with my company. Windows and Siding for instance… My ad and company are completely unrelated. I have a feeling that ingenio aka Miva has a call center using predictive dialers all day long to call listings and pose as buyers simply in the name of artificially raising the cost of your campaign. Lets hope Goggle isnt as shady as Miva is.
Google had some issues with this, and the beta test was turned off for a little while. Now, it is back on again.
I am eagerly waiting for Google to launch this service in India too… But, thinking about the cost and privacy implications.
I was trying to find samples of Google’s click-to-call feature but could not find any. It seems they scratched that project – or?
Microsoft has that service on their virtual earth website.
It’s pretty cool.
Google is playing catch up on this one.
Bzzzz
Next generation of click to call is http://www.Mexuar.com
It uses Java to initiate a browser to call center voice session, no download and no prank calls to random phone numbers running up click to call bills.
Dean
The dominant player in this industry is a small stealth company called Voicestar. These guys run click for call and pay per call programs for hundreds of groups!
Linda,
I don’t know if I’d call Voicestar ‘dominant’ but I know Ari Jacoby, their CEO, and it’s most definitely a strong player in the space.
The click to call Google feature you are all talking about is powered by Voip Icnorporated (voii.ob). This has nothing to do with Skype. The litle green phone next to the call feature is Voip Inc. out of Orlando Florida. They are the carrier for Googles Map click to calls.
Does any one know why Google decided to stop click-to-call AdWords?
thanks,
Iddo
Is this still in e existence? I could not find it when I did a search? Is it under another name, now?
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