Microsoft Buy Opens Pay-Per-Call Possibilities

The acquisition of Teleo could enable MSN to offer the pricing model to local advertisers.

With the acquisition of VoIP start-up Teleo on Wednesday, Microsoft has gained click-to-call dialing capabilities. The purchase raises the question of whether MSN’s adCenter will offer pay-per-call pricing.

Pay-per-call advertising, which has been implemented by players like Verizon SuperPages and America Online, is thought to be especially appealing to small business advertisers. These players may lack a Web site or be unable to assign value to a click, whereas a call represents a valuable lead.

MSN wouldn’t say whether it planned to add pay-per-call to its upcoming ad platform, but said it was one possible feature it could enable for its customers.

JupiterResearch analyst Gary Stein said a pay-per-call capability is one thing Microsoft gets from Teleo that it doesn’t already possess.

“That seems like the most interesting thing they got that they don’t already have,” he said. “I would imagine they would want to include that in the adCenter. Pay-per-click isn’t that attractive for local advertisers.”

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy
Report | Digital Transformation

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

2y

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Exp...

Customers decide fast, influenced by only 2.5 touchpoints – globally! Make sure your brand shines in those critical moments. Read More...

View resource
Announcement Alert from Lee Arthur
Weekly briefing | Digital Transformation

Announcement Alert from Lee Arthur

2y

Announcement Alert from Lee Arthur

Announcement Alert!! Read More

View resource
The 2023 B2B Superpowers Index
Whitepaper | Digital Transformation

The 2023 B2B Superpowers Index

3y

The 2023 B2B Superpowers Index

The Merkle B2B 2023 Superpowers Index outlines what drives competitive advantage within the business culture and subcultures that are critical to succ...

View resource
Impact of SEO and Content Marketing
Whitepaper | Digital Transformation

Impact of SEO and Content Marketing

3y

Impact of SEO and Content Marketing

Making forecasts and predictions in such a rapidly changing marketing ecosystem is a challenge. Yet, as concerns grow around a looming recession and b...

View resource