A One-Year Status Report on Google Base - Show Me the Money
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So, yes, the future prospects for Google Base seem extremely rosy. But is Google making any money of this product at the present time?
Once again, this question has a muddled answer at best.
Google does not release specific revenue data on Google Base, but based on its lackluster traffic, free listings, and lack of traction among veteran auctioneers, one can deduce that Base is in the red at this point. But as with most of Google's pet projects, the idea behind Google Base is not immediate profitability. It is more about helping to make Google an omnipresent force in virtually every facet of the online experience. At this point, any revenue that is generated is likely considered icing on the cake, especially when you consider that the service is still in beta mode.
And beyond that, Google has plenty of reason for optimism, based on, if nothing else, eBay's immense profitability and revenue making potential. In 2005, eBay generate well over four billion dollars in net revenue, and is expected to approach the six billion dollar mark in 2006. If Google Base can capture just a small percentage of that business, the folks over at Google will have yet another cash cow on their hands.
And if all of this wasn't enough, now comes word that Google Base could become a PPC-driven entity. Actually, this is more of a rumor, which was vehemently denounced by Google celebrity blogger Matt Cutts, who stated that he doesn't expect any aspect of Base to go PPC.
Still, some analysts believe that such a move would drive Google's stock price over $600 a share, and would turn its "Base" offering into a profitable enterprise virtually overnight.
So what does all this mean for the enterprising SEO webmaster?
It's simple: Google Base is likely here to stay, and will likely become a powerful tool for both e-commerce and general promotion. Remember that this offering allows users to post anything of interest, not just commercial products. That means that a crafty Internet marketer can use it as a promotional tool to bring attention to their website or brick-and-mortar business.
In fact, a quick perusal through the "Services" category of Google Base offers up countless examples of clever individuals that are currently utilizing this interface in this manner. There's an undergrad pitching babysitting. There's a freelance business planner. There's a Realtor, a packaging designer, a mural painter, etc. and so forth.
You get the picture.
Get started now, while Google Base is still in its infancy. Set up an account. Learn how to upload items and personalize your profile. Make yourself well-acquainted now, so that when this feature hits the mainstream, you'll already be an expert.
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