If you have used Google lately, you may have already noticed that Google has moved their text ads (that were earlier displayed near the right edge of the search page) towards the center of your screen. In case you missed noticing that change, here’s a screenshot image.
In this screenshot (taken on a 1650×1050 resolution screen), the ad unit is located at a distance of 725px from the left edge so if you were to maximize the browser window size, the ad region will fall almost in the center.
Eye tracking studies (like this "Golden Triangle" heat map from Eye Tools) suggest that people normally navigate Google search pages in an "F" pattern – they focus on the top search results and often ignore sections that are either below the fold or are located towards the right edge.
With this recent shift towards the west, it is therefore quite obvious that the CTR figures will move further north for Google.
The change is live on the Google homepage but you’ll experience it only if the resolution of your computer monitor exceeds 1100 pixels (wide) according to Marissa Mayer. So if you are using a small screen netbook like the Asus Eee PC, you’re spared.
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/internet/google-homepage-ads/9412/
Reader Comments
I have noticed change in my laptop also. Google is spoiling its only superpower putting more focus on sponsored ad.
Written by Suraj Shrestha on 08.14.09
Nice catch!
Written by Gaurav Gupta on 08.15.09
That really sucks. How does this compare to Yahoo!, Bing, and Ask?
Written by Quikboy on 08.15.09
@suraj…
if google can make people change their lives with adsense why cant it change itself? lol
kudos to internet users like you … for spoiling the internet
Written by pushpinder on 08.16.09
Freedom is also one’s ability to keep the best of Google and avoid the worst. I just love the way Google makes me feel free :)
Written by Transcontinental on 08.16.09
@pushpinder
I was just worried abt the possible loosening of market share by google due to tough challenge by bing and yahoo.
Written by Suraj Shrestha on 08.16.09
How I can make difference between search results and text adds…I did couple of searches for travel, tech etc… it comes same way.
Written by prasad on 08.16.09
its NOT on the Google HOMEPAGE… there are NO ADS on the Google HOMEPAGE..
its on the RESULTS pages…
Written by Vetinary on 08.18.09