Google Pauses Merchant Beta Test

Google has announced it is pausing its foray into the world of the financial comparison market to make some necessary amends to the programme.  The Google merchant programme was first spotted by the digital lookout in June of this year and caused a stir in the financial markets by replacing the top 3 sponsored listings with the merchant tool, annoying some of Google’s higher spending clients.

But it has now decided it needs to go back to the drawing board with the programme and has put it on hold while it makes some changes.  These changes are thought to be around the way in which applicant information is provided to advertisers and moving from a situation where Google held the information to one where it is sent directly to the service provider.  It is also believed there will be some slight tweeks to the commission structure and on what basis Google receives remuneration for leads.

So moneysupermarket, go compare and confused dont have anything to worry about for now.  But by the sounds of it Google will be back, and once they get their model worked out and decide to occupy top spot on key results consistently, there probably isnt much which can stop them.