Renren Information Service accused Baidu, China's No. 1 Internet search engine, of violating the antimonopoly law when it restricted search access to a subsidiary's Web site as punishment for reducing the amount of advertising it spent with the search engine, according to Kirby Chien. Chien writes that a search for "Renren" on Google in the United States found 6,690 pages, while only four were found on Baidu. According to Chien, Baidu also has open court cases brought by Sony Music, Warner Music and Universal Music, accusing it of directing users to unauthorized music download Web sites.

Earlier this week Google released the Google Analytics Data Export API beta publicly to all Analytics users. The API gives companies a standard platform to integrate analytics data with their own business data. Nick Mihailovski writes that developers can integrate Google Analytics into existing products and create standalone applications that they sell. He provides numerous examples of how the API works, as well as directions on getting started. He tells us Google also provides access to analytics with an Android application from Actual Metrics.

Marketers may want to consider Craigslist when creating local search campaigns. The site, which began as a bulletin board community, became the most searched-for term in mid-March 2009, according to Hitwise. This is the first time since March 2006 that "myspace" was not the no. 1 search term in the United States, writes Mary Bowling. There are 500 Craigslist sites in 50 countries and in each of the 50 U.S. states. Many local businesses have made Craigslist a part of their marketing mix, according to Bowling, who provides some tips for those who want to get in on …

Microsoft's PubCenter, a contextual advertising program, now offers U.S. Web sites an opportunity to display ads from Microsoft's online advertising networks. The project has moved out of private into public beta in the United States. Arnold Zafra explains that PubCenter allows companies to display targeted ads on their Web sites, customize ads based on the design, deliver high-quality ads from Microsoft advertising networks, and track performance using analytics tools.

Marketing Sherpa takes a look at why marketers use Yahoo Sponsored Search. The post, full of tips, looks at diversifying paid search campaigns and resources, and lists the top four differences between Yahoo and Google when buying pay-per-click (PPC) ads. It also explains advanced and standard match types, which set the criteria that determine a search query's relevance to a keyword marketers bid on.

Hitwise Research suggests U.K. online retailers see less traffic from paid search efforts and more from social networks. Robin Goad writes 8.9% of visits to online U.K. retailers came from paid search listings in March 2099, down from 10.1% in the year-ago month. Goad tells us that retail categories receiving the most traffic from social networks during March 2009 were auctions, fashion and department stores. These combined market segments account for more than half of all visits from social networks to online retailers. He also lists the 10 online retail Web sites that receive traffic from social networks.

Joseph Tartakoff reports that Microsoft has registered the trademark "Sift." He writes that the filing describes "Sift" as an operating system software for mobile phones; computer search engine software; computer programs for searching email, text messages, address and contact information. The trademark for Sift was filed on Jan. 9, according to Tartakoff. He believes Microsoft plans to unveil new online services by the time it launches Windows Mobile 7 next year. Microsoft applied for the trademark "Swivel," in March, "which it said in the application it wants to use for 'operating system software for mobile phones (cell phones).'"

How to handle an expired domain you've recently purchased? Rebecca suggests three options. New owners either can redirect the old domain to their existing domain, create a microsite that links to their existing domain, or overhaul the old domain and operate it independently. Rebecca provides the pros and cons for each suggestion. She writes that what new owners do really depends on the amount of work they want to put into the site. They also should check if any search engines still have pages indexed and 301 redirect them as well.

Search engine optimization professionals often forget the purpose of a Web site is to gain visibility and traffic by appealing to people, not search engines, according to Kevin Gibbons. To that end, he makes these suggestions: Make Web content enjoyable to read. Use short sentences. And, keep a sense of humor when writing copy for the site. Gibbons also reminds us that while content is important, don't forget to optimize keywords, and links in and out.

ABCSearch has acquired Advertise.com, which allows ABCSearch to present a brand based on several search engine marketing services and not just search.New programs will range from pay per click, to local and contextual targeting and display advertising. During the next six months the company will introduce three new tools. Mary Elizabeth Hurn explains the tools will provide tier-one search marketing bid management, technology to better serve local advertisers, and a display network that allows advertisers to reach consumers with contextually and behaviorally targeted ads.