Want a snapshot of the day’s search marketing news? Here we’ve collected today’s top news stories posted to the Search Engine Watch Blog, along with search-related headlines from around the Web:
From the SEW Blog:
- Google Website Optimizer Now Widely Available
Google Website Optimizer, which was launched in beta in October, is now being made widely available. The A/B and multivariate page testing tool is being billed by Google as the “third leg” of a “three-legged stool” that is comprised of AdWords to drive traffic, Google Analytics to measure that traffic, and Website Optimizer to convert that traffic into customers. - Yahoo Alpha (beta) Tested Down Under
Yahoo is testing a new search interface called alpha, which meta-searches several Yahoo properties, and also allow users to add their own search service via OpenSearch RSS. - Need Help Planning Your SES Schedule?
If you’re a first-time attendee, you may be feeling a bit daunted by the 4-day, multiple-track agenda. Fear not, seasoned pro Greg Jarboe has stepped in to help. - Search Retargeting Worth a Second Look?
Want to combine some of the benefits of search marketing with display ads? Search retargeting may be just what you’re looking for. - Troogle?
Fresh speculation has emerged about whether or not Google will launch a vertical search capability focused on travel. - Pay-Per-Digg Black Market Manipulation?
Another pay-per-digg scheme claims it won’t get users banned from popular social network promotion tool Digg.
Headlines & News from Elsewhere:
- Utah Bans Keyword Advertising, Technology & Marketing Law
- Internal Links versus External Links, SEO Theory
- 64 Tips for Getting Started with Google Website Optimizer, GrokDotCom
- The Outlook for Search in China, Read/Write Web
- Diagnosing Search Traffic Drops, Part 2, ClickZ
- The Ultimate Guide to Getting Lots of Link Love, Problogger
- Yahoo! Pipes out Questions from Answers, Yahoo Search Blog
- Questioning the Legitimacy and Authenticity of Internet Marketing Advice & Sources, SEO Book
- Microsoft bCentral Submit It Deadline Announced, Marketing Pilgrim
- Is link bait dying as a search engine optimization technique?, Jennifer Slegg
- Google’s Core Competency Does Not Translate To Offline Media — But That May Work To Google’s Advantage, Publishing 2.0
- New Version of Live Maps Launches, Windows Live Maps Blog