Google targets eBay customers with ads

by Larissa Bannister, Campaign 01-Sep-06

Two of the world's most powerful internet giants, Google and eBay, have joined forces to deliver individually tailored ads to eBay customers.

Google has signed up to be the exclusive provider of all advertising on
eBay sites outside the US, and will also integrate click-to-call
services (which allow customers to click on a link to be connected to

the advertiser via an internet telephone call) via a partnership with

the eBay-owned Skype and Google Talk.

Whenever a bidder looks for a product on eBay, Google will provide
related text-based search links.

The service will launch in early 2007 and will be tested over a period
of several months. Financial terms include a revenue share, although the
companies have not revealed specific details.

This deal is the latest in a series of attempts by Google to diversify
its income away from its core search site. Last month, it agreed a deal
with News Corporation to sell search services across Fox Interactive
sites.

"This agreement underscores how much we value eBay as a partner," Eric
Schmidt, the chief executive of Google, said. "By working together to
promote click-to-call functionality through Google Talk and Skype, we
are offering advertisers another innovative way to connect with
customers."