Google has recently added a new feature to their bourgeoning search engine, SearchWiki!

SearchWiki is a dynamic tool that allows users to manipulate the positioning of results on their search inquires. With a simple click of a button users can add notes or comments and rearrange results.

Users can move their favorite sites to the top of the page or include a site that does not show up in the results. Users can also remove results they think don’t belong on the page.

The changes that are made only affect the users searches. Whenever the user is signed into their Google account their altered search results will show up for identical search inquires. Other Google users in the community can view the changes and comments users make. An official statement from Google states:

The changes you make only affect your own searches. But SearchWiki also is a great way to share your insights with other searchers. You can see how the community has collectively edited the search results by clicking on the “See all notes for this SearchWiki” link. See the Link

From a Search Engine Optimization standpoint this new feature strikes an interesting question. What will Google do with all the data collected from user generated rankings and notes? Will this information affect search rankings? And if they do will SEO firms be able to take advantage of this feature?

Google is a very innovative firm and it is in their best interest to have relevant items returned in searches. We have seen how user generated search results can have a profound affect on the integrity of results think DMOZ.

Googles new web 2.0 search feature will be an interesting one to watch. And it appears to be a move towards including user generated result suggestions into their search algorithm.

My suggestion would be to add notes to your site and improve its page position, it can’t hurt and you never know it might help improve rankings! It could also drive traffic since notes for the SearchWiki can be viewed by all users at the bottom of the page.

So be proactive and get notes on your site and rank it to the top!

Tags: DMOZ, Google SearchWiki, Search Engine Optimization, Web 2.0.

The “cheap chic” marketing machine of target has come out with a novel idea for this holiday season. Instead of just giving a thoughtless gift card how about giving a gift card that is a gift it’s self! Sound confusing?

Target recently introduced the new Target Digital Camera Gift Card ($50-$1000). This is the Hybrid of the retail world. The gift card features a 1.2 mega pixel camera that holds 50 pictures. The camera / card comes with a USB cord, driver disc and voucher for 40 free prints at Target.

The gift card works the same as all other gift cards you chose how much store credit you want to load on to the card ranging from $50 to $1,000 of store credit.

This is a great idea to help spark lagging retail sales during the holiday season. The camera is fairly useless but it offers a fun cool factor that is sure to attract attention to the otherwise boring gift card.

From a marketing standpoint this move makes a lot of sense for the retail chain.

1.) It is a novel concept that is sure to attract attention and excitement.

2.) Encourages shoppers to purchase gift cards and it will also entice gift card purchasers to up their spend to a minimum of $50 so they can get the camera.

3.) It empowers the lazy gift givers, it is a simple holiday gift solution that keeps the giver from looking like a thoughtless shopper.

4.) It is cool ideas that will attract lots of word of mouth and positions target as a hip creative innovator in their market further differentiating Target in the minds of consumers from the relic Wal-Mart. This is a strong move since Wal-Mart has attempted to re-energize their brand with a more positive, youthful look. Their new logo looks remarkably similar to Targets. And their new tagline: Save money. Live better seems inspired by Targets tagline: Expect more. Pay less.

We will see if this gift card campaign is successful as we approach the holidays.

But it feels like this trend of incorporating utility into gift cards is going to carry on. I could see a company like Apple jumping on this trend with an IPod gift card hybrid. With the high priced items in an apple store they could justify the cost of a music playing gift card. With a minimum spend starting at $300 dollars or so.

I am sure Jobs is already on this and if not Steve better give me a shout out on this one!

Tags: Apple, Digital Camera Gift Card, Retail Sales, Target one ups Wal-Mart, Targets New Gift Card.

If Internet marketers are running out new global markets to tap there might be a solution on the horizon. The Internet is truly a global medium now it will be a universal medium. In an article in Time magazine’s best inventions of 2008 ”The Orbital Internet” has been listed as the 9th best invention of the year. 

A new protocol titled the ”The Orbital Internet” is being developed for use in space and will allow e-mail to be sent and received in outer space. Is there any one out there…? Check you’re in-box.

The system is not flawless and it is hard to maintain a stable connection in orbit, so the interplanetary Internet will have to be especially tolerant of delays and disruptions. In September, a satellite used the new protocol to relay an image of the Cape of Good Hope back to Earth.

I can just see all the spam being forwarded from an intergalactic IP address. I guess ET wont need to phone home he can just send an e-mail.

Tags: 4, E-mail, Orbital Internet.

The perfect day planner for visually orientated creative thinker. This notebook allows you to organize your day, thoughts and notes in a perfect harmonious circle. Your life is not linear so why should your day planner be?

It is a simple idea but like all great design simplicity is key.

The planer organizes your day around a clock icon. The left side of the page is for the AM hours and the right side is dedicated to the PM.

For once creativity and timeliness can work in balance. I picked up a Muji notebook on my last trip to New York and I love it. If you are any thing like me than you are constantly thinking up new ideas writing them on napkins in your cell phone and basically anywhere else you can find. This is a perfect solution for all of us scatter brained ADD thinkers.  And if all else fails it looks cool.

$5-$10: www.muji.com

Tags: Organization.

Days after the monumental election of Barack Obama I am still struck by the power of his words and the vision of a better America he has created. As marketers there is something we can learn from Obama and his campaign. Obama a little know junior Senator just two years ago has transformed into the symbol of change and progress for the United States and I argue the world. This did not happen by accident, or over night.

Obama’s 22-month campaign has set a new standard for the effective use of media and advertising to create a lasting and differentiated brand. The Obama brand has been perfectly honed and shaped into a winning presidential candidate.

This was a brilliantly composed fully integrated marketing campaign that will serve as a new standard for all campaigns to come. Every component was successful in creating the perfect mood and brand image to help Obama succeed. Obama executed speech after speech and debate after debate with grace and charisma; I have never seen a president use the camera so effectively.

Many would argue that $426.9 million in record campaign expenditures cant hurt. But there are many aspects that helped set Obama’s campaign apart.

The Obama campaign was the first campaign to effectively tap into social media and the Internet to communicate with young voters. These young voters came out in record numbers. From Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to many other social media sites the Obama campaign was able to effectively open dialogue with crucial voters and rally support. The Obama campaign tastefully used viral media components remember“I Got a Crush…On Obama” and they where very successful in utilizing bloggers to spread the Obama message to select groups.

The over all result is a perfectly differentiated, consistent and authentic campaign message that touched the heart and mind’s of 64 million voters who voiced their opinion to elect barrack Obama the 44th president of the United States of America.

This is a truly inspiring election and a beautiful orchestration of marketing effectiveness.

Tags: Change, Obama, Presidential Election.