Comments on: How many Google Coupons are there?

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local Search » How many Google Coupons are there (updated)? | Developing Knowledge about Local Search

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:09:48 +0000

[...] November of 2oo7, I used Google’s coupon search function to estimate the total number of coupons that Google was showing in major markets. Google introduced the coupon program inÂ August 2006 and [...]

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:59:18 +0000

Yes it is a catch 22 and Googlle has compounded the problem by burying the coupons deeply which minimizes if not eliminates viewing let alone redemtion.

But coupons unlike many forms of local content seems to generate buzz and interest…my article on the coupon search feature was my single most read blog entry ever because it was picked up by a coupon site. I think if google solved the visibility problem the redemption issue would go away.

Given that Google can solve the visibility issue it thus (in my opinion) comes back to inventory being the hold up…

I just spot checked NYC and they now have 650 coupons …a 21% increase in 2 and half months which works out to 102% a year growth. It isn’t clear to me whether that growth can be sustained or if it is just a function of the such low starting point. If it is real than it would take too many years to 100% growth to have a substantial inventory.

Mike

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 22:18:25 +0000

The problem with not having enough local coupons is the cost of building that content and the lack of response to the content. That has always been the problem with local content. Users are spread so thin on the web that it is hard to get any kind of critical mass on the local level. It costs too much to put together a sales force to go after these small sales and introducing a new product to an existing sales force, especially a low value one, usually isn’t very successful.

There is also a catch 22 where users don’t want to use the google coupons because there isn’t enough content and advertisers don’t want to post coupons because there aren’t enough users/redemptions.

Until Google can demonstrate that they can drive results, they will have a hard time building the local coupon content.

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local Search » Nominees in Local Search category: 2008 SEMMY Awards | Developing Knowledge about Local Search

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:22:31 +0000

[...] How many Google Coupons are there? Mike Blumenthal, Understanding Google Mapsâ€¦ | 11/3/07 [...]

By: SEMMYS

SEMMYS — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:47:18 +0000

[...] How many Google Coupons are there? Mike Blumenthal, Understanding Google Maps… | 11/3/07 [...]

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local Search » NY Times: On-line Coupon Growth 6% | Developing Knowledge about Local Search

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:43:24 +0000

[...] Total coupons available through Google Coupons for the major markets seems to have stayed even or declined in the same timeframe with some markets showing as much as an 18% decline in total coupons. [...]

By: November ‘07: Best Search/Marketing Posts » Small Business SEM

November ‘07: Best Search/Marketing Posts » Small Business SEM — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:47:50 +0000

[...] Mike/Understanding Google Maps: How many Google Coupons are there? [...]

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:57:48 +0000

To expand on your dynamic categories idea, coupons could become a means for non brick and mortar vendors to have a presence in a given market place without the need for spam.

Mike

By: earlpearl

earlpearl — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:31:34 +0000

One other comment, Mike:

It is astonishing that the volume of coupons for large Metropolitan regions is very low. I suppose it is an indication that this is currently in a testing mode by Google.

It is very powerful. Imagine planning meals, stays, and purchases around a powerful source that can give consumers discounts around a community. It would generate a lot of activity once it was broadly marketed.

The other thing, while reviewing the lists of available coupons within a region two things surprised me.

1. In some cases a reader doesn’t know what items are being discounted or what the business sells. A business should clearly highlight who they are, what they do, and what they are discounting.

2. There should be vibrant categories. If one is shoppoing for the kids for school, preparing to eat out, ordering a pizza, looking for clothes, needs a tune up on a car, etc. there should be categories so that appropriate coupons could be found quickly.

I look forward to the day when this becomes vibrant and well used.

Dave

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:51:14 +0000

On the question of whether Google coupons get significant use…I would agree with you that they probably get very little. Anecdotally, I know that in the 14 months my coupons have been up, I have received exactly 1 request for their use.

Greg Sterling’s article, last November, seemed to indicate the same thing. And yes I am also sure that Google is aware of it…and could easily change the situation.

Imagine if they do, all of the sudden you would need to become an expert in Coupon optimization. It may even spawn a whole new industry of coupon engine optimizers (CEO) and Google Coupon blogs!