June 4, 2007

Ads for Google Maps Mashups

Google's most popular API brought a lot of interesting mashups between data and maps, but they were not that easy to find and the developers couldn't monetize them. Google tries to fix these problems with the new mapplets, small gadgets for Google Maps. Infoworld reports that Google will allow the creators of the mapplets to include contextual ads on the maps. The ads could have special icons that distinguish them from the normap push-pins.
When the icon is passed over, information appears in the pop-up window. If the link is followed by a user on the Mapplet, "you receive a share of the revenue," giving Web site developers another way to make money for their sites. (...)

Users would be able to set a limit on the number of sponsored ads on their customized map and also turn the feature off.

Google Maps shows both ads that send you to a website and ads placed on the map, but there aren't too many ads from the second category.
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2 comments:

  1. MickeyJune 4, 2007 at 6:07 PM

    InfoWorld is steering people wrong on a few accounts.

    First, you won't be able to monetize mapplets using this system, only maps using their API on your own site. I've been told that mapplet monetization may be coming in the future, but certainly not any time soon.

    Also, you won't be able to just "pass over" an icon to see the ad. You'll need to click the ad marker just like any other marker on the map to display the ad. THEN, if you click the ad, the site gets paid.

    Hope that helps clear things up.

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  2. Alex ChituJune 5, 2007 at 5:03 AM

    << First, you won't be able to monetize mapplets using this system, only maps using their API on your own site. >>

    That seems a sensible start. Google still tests this new concept of mapplets.

    << You'll need to click the ad marker just like any other marker on the map to display the ad. THEN, if you click the ad, the site gets paid. >>

    Maybe Infoworld has a different interpretation for "passed over".

    It's interesting that the terms for Maps API include some details about advertising:

    << The Service does not include advertising in the maps images. However, Google reserves the right to include advertising in the maps images provided to You through the Service, but will provide You with ninety (90) days notice prior to the commencement of advertising. (...) During that 90 day period, you may terminate your use of the Service, or provide notice of your refusal to accept advertising in accordance with Google's policies and procedures for providing such notice (which Google may make available from time to time in its sole discretion). >>

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