Google: Time to Advertise

Who would've thought that there would be an end to Google's growth but it appears to be happening. So much so, that they're actually considering advertising. Google experienced a similar slowdown in 2005 but diversification fixed that as it scrambled to find new revenue streams outside of search. Now, we have tons of cool Google apps, the new Google browser, Chrome (sorry Mac users, Windows only for now) and very soon – the Google phone. With all that traction, why would Google's growth be slowing? One would have to consider the not-yet-dead Ad Accord between Yahoo and Google which has a long line of critics. Among those critics are ad agencies and major advertisers who feel that the cost of ad buys will go up while limiting their options. But it's the fact that it's in legislation that is contributing to Google's slowing pace. From the New York Times:

The Justice Department’s review is expected to conclude perhaps before the end of the month. Meanwhile, analysts who follow Google worry that the agreement puts the company on a course to more frequent collisions with government regulators. That could slow its growth prospects, much as Microsoft’s clashes with the government damped its ability to innovate. “All of this government and legislative friction is our biggest concern with Google moving forward with its business,” said Christa Quarles, an analyst with Thomas Weisel Partners.


Google has its own in-house agency called Creative Labs which works on marketing across all types of media, so it's unclear yet whether they will be handling the out-of-home advertising or if they hand it off to an outside shop. Wieden + Kennedy has handled international advertising campaigns for Google in the past and they are reported to be in discussions.