AOL Search has quietly launched a pay-per-call advertising program, powered by Ingenio. The program is similar to pay-per-click programs offered by Google, Overture and others, with several key differences. Pay-per-call ads appear at the top of sponsored links in AOL Search results, and display a toll-free number in the search result. Clicking on the ad directs the searcher to an information page with a description and additional details about the advertiser, rather than to a landing page on the advertiser’s web site.
I’m planning an in-depth look at AOL’s new program next week. Meanwhile, check out the SearchDay article Pay-Per-Call: A New Avenue for Search Marketers, or if you can’t wait to sign up, visit Ingenio to learn more.