Google Amps Up Mobile Ads

Online search leader Google is expanding the volume of advertising that it delivers to mobile devices, hoping to make more money from the expanding audience of consumers surfing the Web when they’re away from home or the office, according to a CNNMoney.com report.

Previously we reported on Google’s recent push into ad-sponsored mobile search. This latest move takes it a step further: “any Web site accessible through a mobile Web browser will be able to participate in Google’s vast advertising network.” The company previously had been serving up mobile ads based on search requests entered directly into its engine or its partners’ sites, according to the article.

CNNMoney.com gives the example of someone reading about a football game on a mobile phone, who might now see an ad for sports equipment or memorabilia. If that person clicks on an ad, the advertiser pays Google a fee that is shared with the publisher of the mobile Web page. In other words, it’s Google AdSense on cellphones.

Google grows mobile ad network [CNNMoney.com]

Join Baratunde Thurston (left), The Onion’s Director of Digital and author of How to Be Black, for an entertaining look at creative social media campaigns in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. Other speakers include Morin Oluwole (Facebook), Tim Devane (bitly), and SocialTimes' writer Devon Glenn.   Register now.