barbara friedland

What is wrong with search?

Or should I ask what is wrong with paid search?  How would you feel if you called a store, asked for a certain item, were told they have it.  You drive there, park, go to the place and discover what is actually in stock is merchandise similar to what you asked for but  really not what you requested. 

Except for the driving, parking  and the mechanics involved in actual shopping, that is what  is happening with paid SEM which focuses on one, maybe two, major key words.

Of course the Cyberspace journey only takes a few seconds but people will start to remember the names of the companies that fooled them.

Recently, I wanted very high thread count  (TC) sheets in a leopard  pattern.

Product reviews

My partner Sean wanted me to write about, you got it, product reviews.  He buys a lot on-line, both personal purchases as well as computer equipment and parts.  He is an astute shopper, looking for the best deals, great coupons and sales.

Without personal relationships, on-line buying could turn into a Darwinian case of survivial of the best price.

Of course there are the old stand-bys of service, selection and support.  Also, the sites that have mastered the siren song of SEO,  continue to attract scores of people daily.

Unless you are an artisan, selling your own creations on a website, product reviews written by users are invaluable.  It helps the buyer, providing caution against  problematic wares and gives a green light to great merchandise.