Google new selling ads in 225 newspapers

Everyone who frequently uses the Internet will know that Google's AdSense advertising program is really popular. A bit less known is that the search giant is also experimenting with offline advertising.

Last year Google started a Print Ads trial in 50 newspapers and today they announced they are now selling advertisements for 225 newspapers.

Newspaper publishers including Hearst Corp., The New York Times Co. and E.W. Scripps Co., cautiously optimistic about early results, have increased the number of daily newspapers involved in the test to 225.

"We did see some new advertisers come in through the original test," said Gannett Co. spokeswoman Tara Connell. "Now we really need to see whether there really, really are advertisers (who are) going to jump in here and bring us new business."

The self-serve, Web-based program is designed to draw companies with little or no experience with print advertising. Like with search advertising, companies bid on available ad sizes, sections and dates; it's up to publications to accept or reject the bids. Google's technology automates the billing and payment cycles.

Google's Smita Hashim, a group project manager, said Google will begin taking a "small revenue share" from each transaction, less if the newspaper quickly posts proof that an ad has run.

Source: BusinessWeek.