Google Finance to offer free real time stock quotes?
With a new proposal from the New York Stock Exchange to allow the use of real-time share prices, Google Finance and other sites may soon be able to give users free access to such data.
Google has been working with the Securities and Trade Commission (SEC) the New York Stock Exchange and NetCoalition to reach an agreement which will allow Google Finance to display real time market data free of charge.
Massive increase in phishing attacks, claims FSA
The Financial Services Authority has expressed its concern about the rise in phishing scams to a Lords Parliamentary sub-committee, claiming that such incidences are on the rise.
A spokesman from FSA’s Crime Team told the Lords that such attacks have risen by a staggering 8,000% over the past two years.
Of course this statistic merely reflects a rise in 'reported' incidents, which does necessarily paint a precise picture of what's going on.
Shopping Comparison sites facing major challenges
The comparison engines sector has enjoyed strong growth in recent years, buoyed by sharp increases in the number of web users and the level of online researching before purchase.
However, to maintain their level of progress, it is clear that shopping comparison sites are facing major challenges to keep both consumers and merchants happy.
CNBC launches clunky new website, MSN deal expires
CNBC yesterday unveiled its all new website, after ending its five-year licensing agreement with MSN Money. The site has many new features, with a range of video clips and market updates.
The site features a the usual array of video clips, including market news to extended interviews with business leaders. CNBC.com will show up to eight hours of live video each day, and already has around 15,000 videos for on-demand use.
Banks reluctant to reveal full extent of online fraud
Fearful of damaging their reputations and denting consumer confidence, online banks are hiding the true extent of online fraud, according to a senior police officer.
The Guardian reports that Detective Superintendent Russell Day told an all-party parliamentary group investigating online fraud that banks are failing to report instances of phishing and other forms of swinish behaviour.
Internet social lending 'may threaten banks'
A new study has claimed that the social networking boom could eventually threaten the dominance of traditional lenders.
A study by the Social Futures Observatory think-tank found that many consumers would consider borrowing through online ‘social lending’ communities rather than high street banks and other traditional lenders.
Winning the Bidding War on Google Adwords
You can win a short-term bidding battle on paid search networks like Google Adwords by being smarter than your competitor. But you may not be able to win the longer-term war – that may be out of your control.
Quality-based bidding systems help with bidding wars since there is less transparency on prices bid and they give alternative ways for you to win.
So for quality-based networks, your position will be boosted if you follow any or all of the following techniques...
New paid search guide for client teams and agencies
We've just published our mega-comprehensive Paid Search Marketing (PPC) Best Practice Guide, which is going to help a lot of you to finesse your PPC strategies.
Understanding different types of keyphrases for PPC success
The majority of search queries consist of more than word - over the past decade searchers have gradually increased the amount of words per query, from 1.2 in 1998 to 3.3 in 2006.
Partly, this is because there is more noise to cut through on search engines like Google and Yahoo. But it is also about savvier searchers, finessing their query to return the most relevant results.
If you are running paid search marketing campaigns you need to understand how search queries indicate propensity to convert, and customer value.
Figuring this out can make a big difference to your return on investment from PPC campaigns...
Usability and visibility problems affect online insurers
Foolproof's 2006 Online Shopping Survey into insurance predicts rapid growth in online purchasing of motor and home insurance policies, but points out that growth is hampered by poor usability.
The good news for online insurers is that consumers see the benefits of avoiding long phone calls for quotes and insuring online, but insurers are urged to make improvements, especially when it comes to usability.
Social media: the best and worst of 2009
Email marketing: six steps to improving customer engagement in 2010
Web 2.0
Graham Charlton
Strategy & Planning
