Google search engine traffic sent directly to website? Is this possible (and if so, how).

[wordwizard]

Hi Fellow Warriors,

One of my clients wants me to find out how to make the following happen:

Someone searches for client's keyword, i.e., "hash browns" (not the real keyword), and
will be taken directly to the client's website rather than being given search results.

Is this an available method to advertise, how is it done, and, well, how much does it cost?

Thanks so much for any help.

Elisabeth

[dburk]

Hi Elisabeth,

Not possible, at least in a legitimate fashion. There have been malware programs that hijack it's victims browsers to automatically redirect to a specified website.

You could have your own malware program authored, either a custom browser, toolbar, or browser addon. As long as you fully disclose the malicious behavior in the terms and prompt for agreement, you could get away with it without going to jail, but still, it would be kinda slimy.

The only other way would be to build your own search engine, or pay astronomical prices for a position on an existing dubious search engine that basically serves to part you with your money offering little or nothing in return.

[Cosmit]

That would be possible if your client was spot #1 and users hit the "I'm feelin' lucky" button..

Other than that, no it's not possible.

[wordwizard]

Originally Posted by dburk

Hi Elisabeth,

Not possible, at least in a legitimate fashion. There have been malware programs that hijack it's victims browsers to automatically redirect to a specified website.

You could have your own malware program authored, either a custom browser, toolbar, or browser addon. As long as you fully disclose the malicious behavior in the terms and prompt for agreement, you could get away with it without going to jail, but still, it would be kinda slimy.

The only other way would be to build your own search engine, or pay astronomical prices for a position on an existing dubious search engine that basically serves to part you with your money offering little or nothing in return.

Hi Don,

thanks so much for your reply. I was pretty doubtful about this, but you never know...
It's kind of reassuring actually that there is no such (legit) advertising.

And I certainly have no intention of messing with malware!

Of course now I have to explain this to my client...

Thanks again.

Elisabeth

[dburk]

Originally Posted by wordwizard

Hi Don,

thanks so much for your reply. I was pretty doubtful about this, but you never know...
It's kind of reassuring actually that there is no such (legit) advertising.

And I certainly have no intention of messing with malware!

Of course now I have to explain this to my client...

Thanks again.

Elisabeth

Hi Elisabeth,

Years ago there was just that type of advertisement program available in certain "walled garden" Internet service providers, namely AOL. But all of those types of private networks have faded away as people escaped to the relative freedom of standard Internet access.

[wordwizard]

Originally Posted by Cosmit

That would be possible if your client was spot #1 and users hit the "I'm feelin' lucky" button..

Other than that, no it's not possible.

Thanks for the reply. Ah yes, the "I'm feeling lucky" button! And it's good to know that can't be bought.

[wordwizard]

Originally Posted by dburk

Hi Elisabeth,

Years ago there was just that type of advertisement program available in certain "walled garden" Internet service providers, namely AOL. But all of those types of private networks have faded away as people escaped to the relative freedom of standard Internet access.

Hmm. Maybe that's where he got that idea.

I remember AOL from way back and that trying to find anything on AOL was pretty much a lost cause. I remember my excitement when someone told me about Google ;-) It was almost a secret tip back then. Hard to imagine now.