Google versus Facebook

In our last class of MCV I, our professor, Dilip Soman asserted that Google and Facebook are in direct competition. This was based on the fact that both Google and Facebook use databases to target their advertisements (revenue stream).

Dilip would argue that since the Facebook database is more robust, they will ultimately be the winner in the Google/Facebook war.

Personally, I disagree that they are in direct competition.

Remember that MCV stands for Managing Customer Value. While it is true that advertisers are important 'customers' for both Facebook & Google, the end user is the most important. What advertiser wants to be on a site that isn't relevant and won't be able to reach THEIR customers?

It's important to consider how people use these sites:
Google - people are actively looking for information.
Facebook - people are trying to connect with their friends.

So, while Facebook has a more robust database, is it the best way to invite people to your website? Maybe not. Is it the best way to interact with your customers & have a conversation? Probably.

Why am I bringing this up months after the course ended?? The Comscore February US Search Rankings were released last week and Facebook saw a 10% increase in number of searches to 436 million searches - the only site to see growth that month. Google still dominates with 13.5 billion searches, but did experience a 4% decline.

Food for thought.

The Internet is a Fad???

HAHA - just kidding.

Today is the 25th anniversary of the first dot-com business. Like most Canadians under the age of 30, I cannot remember a time when I didn't have information at my fingertips so it's weird to think that the industry is still so young!

According to BusinessWeek,

About 1.7 billion of the world's 6.7 billion people use the Internet, meaning 75% of us are still off to the side of the flow of e-commerce. Less than a third of Americans buy things online. Only about half the small businesses in the U.S. have a Web site.

So while the Internet is booming, there is definitely still room for growth. The question is, will it be via PCs or smartphones.

Bring on the innovation

Facebook Gold?

Invitiations to upgrade to 'Facebook Gold' have been circulating through the news feeds of countless, unsuspecting facebook users. If real, FB Gold offers a new 'video chat' feature and claims to have no advertising.

Too good to be true? Probably.

I strongly suspect this is a scam - if there is no advertising, who pays for the site? You? Me?

There has been no official announcements from the Facebook camp. Be wary.