comScore’s latest report on the top web properties in the U.S., based on data from its Media Metrix service, puts Google Sites on top for the month of April, 2012:
Microsoft and Yahoo! are almost tied for the #2 spot, while Facebook, AOL and Amazon round out the top six. comScore reports that general web traffic regarding news sites was up in April, and also noted that sites relating to beauty and style had also gained popularity. Jeff Hackett, executive VP of comScore states, “The general news category reached an all-time high in April, reaching 5 out of 6 U.S. internet users during the month.”
General news sites were up 12% in April at 183 million hits, and Yahoo! News came in at #1, with 89.1 million viewers. HPMG came in second, and CNN came in third, with 59.4 and 57.4 million hits respectively.
As for the top 50 ad focus ranking, Google Ad Network saw 204 million unique visitors, with a 92.2% reach, taking the top spot. Interestingly, Facebook came in at #16, with 158 million visitors, reaching 71.6%
During the aftermath of Facebook’s IPO ordeal, investors have been weary of Facebook’s inability to monetize its ad content, especially for mobile, the mode of which more and more users are adopting to access the site. Still, Facebook’s April ad focus ranking isn’t so bad realistically – Sure, Google’s Ad Network blows it out of the water, but Zuckerberg and Co. still compete with the likes of Yahoo! Sites, and Microsoft. Though, these rankings don’t really define actual results – GM recently pulled its ad campaign from the social network, and on a much smaller level, a New Orleans pizza joint getting its start was unable to sell even one pizza using Facebook ads.
