First time we noticed sponsored ads was when Google placed blue pins in the results. Join our forum thread named Google Tries Alternative to Blue Pins in Google Local Maps. Shimon Sandler found that Google Local is testing another form of PPC ads...
Although some sites are reporting that the Google Maps "blue pin test" is no longer visible, I'm seeing the blue pins on some Google Maps results pages as of this morning. RustyBrick told me he was also still seeing the blue pins
Strategies NY 2006 next month; MSN making moves with local search ads and regular search ads; Google Local getting blue ad "balloons" on its maps; debate over whether a pitch for Google Video partners on the Google homepage is an ad or promo...
For a search on hotels new york, he's spotted "blue pins" that correspond to what may be new sponsored links that come above editorial listings to the left of the map. On my end, I see the textual ads but not the blue pins.
