MSN Search Engine

Organic Search Results
MSN is late to the search game despite having the search engine that is the default for the vast majority of the computers in the world. Their new search engine is due mid '05.

• Rankings are currently based on historical information from the Looksmart directory and Inktomi (search technology owned by Yahoo).
• Search technology is similar although typically considered inferior to Google and Yahoo.

Sponsored Results
Through Overture, MSN publishes PPC ads that show up in a section titled Sponsored Sites and in little boxes at the top right of the screen.

• The advertisers with the top three bids will have their ads displayed in the Sponsored Sites section.
• Advertisers with lower bids are displayed in the side boxes and on secondary pages.
• Position is determined solely by the amount that the advertiser bids.
• Ads are limited to a 40 character title and a 190 character description.
• Click thru rates are often very good for advertisers in the top spots.