SearchCap: The Day In Search, January 30, 2008

Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web.

From Search Engine Land:

Google Universal Search: 2008 Edition
It’s just over a half-year since Google launched Universal Search, its method of blending results from its own various topically-focused or "vertical" search engines. Since that time, the system has evolved. In particular, Google Universal Search now fills more than just 10 spots on the page, while shopping and…
SMX West: Preview Our Upcoming Conference In Sight & Sound
Search Engine Land’s first three day search marketing conference — SMX West — is only about a month away. Thinking about going? We’ve got a great program lined up, and I’ve just finished a podcast giving those interested an audio preview of what to expect. Check it out here…
Visualize Earthquake Data In Google Earth
The US Geological Survey and Google are now making global earthquake data available in Google Earth as one of the layers under “Places of Interest.”…
Scientologists Google Bombed Or Not?
Just days after the one-year anniversary of Google’s Google bomb fix, a new Google bomb may have gotten through — dangerous cult, bringing up the Scientology web site, as shown above. But is it really getting past the fix? Considering one of the targeted words is being used on…
Search Engine Reputation Management: Setting & Managing Expectations
The euphemistic phrase “reputation management issue” describes what happens when you have a problem arise in search engine result pages. Whether its the result of an algorithm change, bloggers or social media sites jumping on negative news or other negative linking bandwagons, reputation management issues are a major pain…
Yahoo Earnings Mixed, Company To Go Through With 1,000 Job Cuts Amid Uncertain 2008
Despite the hopes of many and rumors that Yahoo would post “strong” earnings, Q4 2007 results (PDF) were mixed, and net income was down from a year ago. In addition, CEO Jerry Yang said the company faced “headwinds” in 2008 and offered weak guidance but promised a return to growth…
SEMPO State Of SEM Survey, SEOmoz Industry Survey & SEMMYS Need Your Help
There are three surveys underway right now for the search engine marketing industry looking for participation. SEMPO and SEOmoz are both running surveys to collect data on the search marketing industry that, while the SEMMYS are a more fun look at search marketing articles up for awards….
The Big B2B PPC Mistake
It’s been said that the three rules of marketing are brand recognition, brand recognition, and brand recognition. Given that, marketers spend considerable funds and resources to ensure that people recognize their brands and connect with them. In other words, brand matters. Yet, when it comes to PPC marketing, the…
Don’t Panic - Plan For Disaster
If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you know all about the “hit by a bus” scenario. What happens when key members of your team leave? Is there knowledge sharing among the team? Can your business function effectively while you scramble to find a replacement, and…
4 Days to Save Big on SMX Social Media
Registration is now open for SMX Social Media – but hurry, the current “pre-agenda price” will expire on February 2. SMX Social Media is coming to Long Beach, California, April 22 & 23. This SMX Social Media is an encore presentation of the standing-room only New York City edition presented…