Comments on: What is The Real Reason that TripAdvisor Is Limiting Review Content To Places?

By: Google Mobile Instant Suggestions – Search Results Before You Search | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:16:19 +0000

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By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 03:16:12 +0000

@Jax
It makes some sense but who knows what other tensions exist between these folks…

@VBV
Interestingly Expedia is one of the advertisers that is listed as a booking site….

Yes, those stars are very visible and must have an impact on click thrus…

@Mark
Yes, they were visible on every hotel that I looked at in Australia….but not in the US. An interesting twist in this kabuki.

@Mary
I think you are correct that Google will insert themselves in any transaction that has too many steps… and too much friction selling the difference in adwords…

By: Mary Bowling

Mary Bowling — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 01:04:20 +0000

I think the direct booking links on Places pages are a good indication of what other industries can expect to see as Google evolves. If a giant shark like Expedia can’t thwart them, then there’s not much hope for smaller fish.

By: VBV

VBV — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:05:35 +0000

Notice the 5 yellow star rating is omitted. This is a big deal, because it does not show up in the search results. It is what people look at to decide which website to click on.

By: Mark Oliver

Mark Oliver — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:37:55 +0000

Mike, I see that TripAdvisor reviews are still displayed in Google Places for accommodation here in Australia. My guess is that since TripAdvisor has a lesser position in the psyche of Australian web-surfers that they still feel it serves their needs. Or, the segmentation of TripAdvisor across different servers results in different access for Google. Anyway, under Motels in Apollo Bay I still see TripAdvisor for the Beach Front Motel on Google Places.

By: VBV

VBV — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:24:31 +0000

Expedia now has major if not complete ownership of TripAdvisor. They have set it up so Expedia is in the best position to get the bookings (i.e. commissions) Also, it now costs (way more than other sites) to have your link, telephone # and e-mail posted on TripAdvisor.

I new it would be a matter of time until Google took this business away.

By: Jaxcoffee

Jaxcoffee — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:38:45 +0000

“Do you think that is the reason that the two are “fueding”?”

No doubt.