Word-of-mouth measurement comes to Nielsen

Nielsen Buzzmetrics, the newly formed buzz-measurement system announced under the Nielsen Media Research umbrella, brings together former stand-alone companies Intelliseek and BuzzMetrics as part of the Nielsen family. Soon you will be able to measure “consumer-generated media and word of mouth” all in one place. Nielsen’s new suite is highlighted here: Nielsen BuzzMetrics
Also visit the Intelliseek site or the BuzzMetrics site.

Google Ads Making Additions

Google has a few new additions to their advertising programs up their sleeves. They have begun contacting publishers about running rich media and interstitial ads along with their text and standard banner ads. They are also in beta with a desktop AdWords editor, as shown below:

Podcast Ad Networks Popping Up

“Two new podcasting ad networks — Kiptronic and Podtrac — launched this week…Podtrac developed…a third-party audience measurement service for podcasts…with the addition of demographic profiles and media kits, developed in partnership with custom research firms TNS Global and MediaMark, familiar to many advertisers for their work with print and broadcast media…
This week, Podtrac began selling ad space on individual podcasts in its network, and across multiple podcasts in a category. It also launched an auction for three top podcasts, including technology-focused This Week in Technology and entertainment-oriented MuggleCast and Josh & Japan
…Podtrac has signed hundreds of top-ranked podcasts to its network, and has made deals to sell ads on podcasts belonging to the Association of Music Podcasting, Technology Podcast Network, and the Teen Podcast Network…
Advertisers can opt to upload pre-recorded 10-second spots, or a script for a host-read spot, which will appear within the first 90 seconds of the podcast. A longer, 30-second spot could be inserted at the end of the podcast. For video podcasts, Podtrac is also offering some product-placement opportunities. Podcasters have veto power over any ad submitted for their content…
Kiptronic this week also unveiled its podcast ad marketplace, with an auction-based model. The centralized exchange allows marketers to place and manage multiple ads across podcasts in Kiptronic’s network, with targeting by podcast topics, or geography.
Advertisers can upload pre-recorded audio spots, or upload a script to be read by the podcaster. The system provides a workflow for advertisers and podcasters to mutually approve of these spoken-word endorsements before they air. The ads are inserted dynamically, so ads can be sold on a CPM basis, or for a flat fee per week, and then replaced once an advertiser’s campaign is fulfilled…
Kiptronic’s ad server places ads at the time the podcast is downloaded, matching the downloader’s IP-based geography and time of day with any campaigns currently running on that podcast. The ads’ are inserted into the podcast without modifying the original MP3 file, currently at the beginning or end, but soon to be inserted at specified points within the content.
Kiptronic struck a deal with podcast distribution company Liberated Syndication, which hosts and distributes more than 2,600 podcasts. It also signed on podcast publishing networks IndieFeed and Radio Memories Network. Acoustica, an audio and music recording software company, and the Independent Online Distribution Alliance, have signed on as advertisers at launch.”

[Cropped from ClickZ]

Yahoo shortens paid search ads

Yahoo has announced that they will be shortening the majority of their paid search ads from 190 characters to 70 chartacters, in an effort to fit to industry standards (i.e. Google’s methods).
Most feedback from SEO marketers has been positive, as this will enable people to manage keyword buys across engines more easily, and fits with truncated way people are more and more consuming information online.
Some Yahoo partners will continue to display longer text ads, conforming with the belief that longer copy generates more qualified leads.
[via ClickZ]

Stephen King Utilizing Mobile Marketing Campaign

Stephen King has a full fledge mobile marketing campaign planned out for the release of his next book called "Cell".

“Looks like a company called Flytxt—a mobile marketing provider that has teamed up with book publisher Scribner—is planning an exclusive mobile tie-in with Stephen King’s latest book called Cell. Basically, you’ll get an SMS to join the Stephen King VIP Club on January 18, sent out via Yahoo!, that will also ask you to check out the website cellthebook.com. Once there, you’ll be asked again to join the Club. If you choose do so, on January 24 (publication day), you’ll receive a voice message from Stephen King himself, as well as weekly messages advertising trivia, sweepstakes, polls, and other Cell-related content. Also expect some premium content, like wallpapers and Stephen King talk-tones, which you’ll have to pay for. And best of all? You’ll also get a podcast where the author reads a monologue."

[via Gizmodo]