When Microsoft has a search related announcement to make, I typically hear from someone on the PR team. However, with the launch of Microsoft’s SearchPerks–which gives people points for using the search engine that can later be redeemed for prizes–I didn’t hear from anyone. And I think I know why.
I would have laughed out loud.
Listen, I have no ulterior motive towards Microsoft. I happen to believe the company does some awesome things, but I just cannot help but LMAO at yet another lame attempt to bribe you to use Live Search. In fact, this one goes one step further. You have to use Live Search and Internet Explorer and you have to download a program that sends all this data back to Redmond.
While MSFT’s last incentive effort–Live Search Cashback–did see a short-term increase in market share, the latest numbers show a decline in audience. (Meanwhile Google roars ahead without any incentives).
So, will SearchPerks help Microsoft increase its search audience? Even Live Search Senior Director Frederick Savoye is not confident.
On the broader goal of boosting Microsoft’s share of the commercial search business, Savoye said, Cashback has yet to make a meaningful shift in share. “We haven’t seen it move significantly yet,” Savoye said.
Microsoft has to be careful that it doesn’t end up like a car manufacturer–an endless cycle of new incentives and rebates, which becomes hard to break away from.
So, who’s ready to switch to Live Search, Internet Explorer, and share data with Microsoft? 
Free Online Reputation Management Webinar - Andy Beal will host a free ORM training session on October 1st at 1pm ET. Space is limited so register now!
Tags: advice, books, browser, firefox, google, legal, marketing, marketing-pilgrim, microsoft, perks-incentive, podcasts, research, search, sem-scholarship, video, yahoo