Radio Ads for Live Maps, But What About Live Search?

By Li Evans

Microsoft admits they have an issue with Live Search.  Well it's about time, don't you think?  People outside of the Search Industry haven't a clue as to what the heck "Live" is.  I know what Live is, I'm sure just about anyone who reads this blog, knows what Live is.  But go to your neighbor and ask them if they know what Live is.  If they are under the age of 35, your first answer will likely be "its a rock band."

Perfect example, I was helping my best friend do a search on "Multiple Sclerosis" with a bunch of things like "alternative treatments", "dietary supplements", I sent him the actually links to the searches in an email last night.  Today he messages me and said "Doesn't Microsoft have a search engine, how come you didn't send me a link for them?"  Technically I did, because I sent him the links to Live, but he didn't relate Live with Microsoft.

Almost every morning for the past 2 months now, I've heard this advertisement on my way to work for "maps dot live dot com."  There's a clear connection between Microsoft and "Live Maps" in the 15 second spot, and it hits on a few key points. The commercial does a good job of promoting maps on Microsoft.

So why in the world aren't they advertising Live Search?  They continue to slide down the market share hill, and yet they are promoting "maps dot live dot com" - nothing at all about Live Search.  I find this utterly perplexing.  Microsoft, after you are done promoting Vista, turn around and give Live a little love, will ya?