Google click to call
john cecil – February 19 2006
Google click to call in beta – i think that this is going to be a huge market for Google and the PPC model – Google is not the first to enter this market but they will probally dominate it:
Here is a Q & A on their beta site:
1. What’s the phone icon on Google search results? How does it work?
We’re testing a new product that gives you a free and fast way to speak directly to the advertiser you found on a Google search results page – over the phone.
Here’s how it works: When you click the phone icon, you can enter your phone number. Once you click ‘Connect For Free,’ Google calls the number you provided. When you pick up, you hear ringing on the other end as Google connects you to the other party.
We won’t share your telephone number with anyone, including the advertiser. When you’re connected with the advertiser, your number is blocked so the advertiser can’t see it. In addition, we’ll delete the number from our servers after a short period of time.
2. Am I charged to connect to an advertiser?
No. Google foots the bill for all calls – local and long-distance. However, if we call a mobile phone number, you may incur airtime fees depending on the mobile phone plan. Check your mobile phone provider for details.
3. Is this just a way for Google to track me?
No. We take your privacy very seriously. Google does not share your telephone number with anyone (without your consent), including the advertiser. When you’re connected with the advertiser, your number is blocked. The advertiser can’t see your phone number.
In addition, we retain your information (including your phone number, date, time, and call length) only temporarily. It will be deleted from our servers after a period reasonably necessary to operate, audit, and evaluate the service.
Learn more about our Privacy Policy.
4. Whose caller ID do I see when connected?
The advertiser’s number appears on your caller ID when Google connects you. This way, you can save the merchant’s number for future call-backs.