Microsoft Advertising Tests New Image Ads Pilot

Microsoft hasn’t reserved image-related improvements for its Bing search/decision engine alone. In this regard, as the Redmond company announced the introduction of Visual Search for Bing, it also debuted an unrelated new advertising test program. As such, Microsoft Advertising is currently testing a new pilot program for image ads in the United States. The software giant announced the kickoff of the initiative on September 15th, 2009, and is looking for companies to start testing the new advertising offering.

“We’re excited to announce a pilot for our new Image Ads offering in the U.S. – and we’re looking for small to mid-sized businesses to test it out with us! Image Ads are display ads that can be purchased on a CPC or a CPM-basis. These ads currently run on our Content Ads network, including top MSN sites. Image Ads are a great way to extend your reach on our network and to continue refining your ROI,” revealed Carolyn Miller, from the adCenter Community Team.

The Redmond company’s ad-related efforts continue to expand, as online advertising is a critical aspect of the race to catch up with Google. If in terms of search Microsoft has made a leap forward by announcing the recent partnership with Yahoo, in which Bing will supply all search for Yahoo properties, when it comes down to advertising the two companies will continue to compete against each other and against Google.

“To participate, you must already have your own IAB Standard creative and tags. So let us know you’re interested: 1. If you manage your account on your own, then call the 1-800-518-5689 support line and ask to be enrolled into Performance Improvement program and the Image Ads Pilot. 2. If you are in a Managed Service program, you should ask your Account rep about the Image Ads pilot,” Miller added.