Google is to shut down Google Compare, its financial comparison service, from March 23. The service will be closed in both the UK and US.
On the face of it, the news will have competitor comparison sites jumping for joy, as Google Compare constituted a major threat to their own business models.
When Google introduced the service, there was plenty of concern from existing players in the market that it was a conflict of interest.
This was understandable, given the prominence Google affords it in some very high value searches.
According to a letter obtained by Search Engine Land, Google told Compare Partners that “the Google Compare service itself hasn’t driven the success we hoped for.”
When it is asked by Digital Consultant Carl Hendy for his thoughts on the news:
Why do you think Google is closing Compare?
Its a little too early to know why they shut down Google Compare and we shall probably never find the real reason why.
It would be nice to think that Google decided that it was unfair to favour its own products in the search results and pressure of ‘unfair advantage’ from various country governments resulted in Google backing down.
However the cynic in me and the coincidental timing of the new Four Adwords listings for commercial queries makes me believe that Google will financially be better off whilst at the same time keeping those large financial and travel Adwords spenders happy.
Source: Search Engine Watch
Peter Zmijewski is the founder and CEO at KeywordSpy. His expert knowledge on Internet Marketing practices and techniques has earned him the title “Internet Marketing Guru“ He is also an innovator, investor and entrepreneur widely recognized by the top players in the industry.
