Someone At Google Likes Peppermint

Ho ho ho. Do a search on Google for ‘peppermint’ and the expected search results and related advertising content a la AdWords appears, along with a little something extra.

I’ll make it easy for you: click here. Notice the creative border running along the left side of the Sponsored Links block? Nice, huh? The same thing happens when Googling for ‘Christmas’ too.

And at the moment, unique. Searches for peppermint at Yahoo and MSN just place the usual subtle blue line alongside the ads. Ask.com doesn’t even bother with a vertical rule, and its horizontal rules are a utilitarian grey. Even AOL Search, which delivers ads from Google, doesn’t have Google’s peppermint striped vertical line next to its ads.

It’s a simple programming trick that teaches a stronger message. Sites can do little things to freshen their look without investing in a massive revamp. It shows site publishers recognize their visitors like a little variation in the presentation, and that the site is being updated in a timely fashion.

Timeliness helps reinforce the perception that the site stays current, that what it has to offer its visitors is not just relevant to their needs, but relevant today. Isn’t it time to put a sprig of holly in your company’s logo online?

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.