Yahoo! will introduce the program through an alliance with Overture Services Inc., formerly GoTo, the provider of Pay-For-Performance search. Overture will distribute its search listings on Yahoo! search results pages until at least April 2002, at which time Yahoo! will either offer its own Sponsor Matches program independently or explore extending its agreement with Overture.
The launch of Sponsor Matches builds on one of Yahoo!'s core strengths as a leading search and directory service. The company says businesses will be able to reach their targeted consumers more effectively through enhanced placement in search results on keywords that are relevant to their business.
Under the terms of the agreement, Yahoo!'s search results pages will feature Overture's top five Pay-For-Performance search listings submitted by its growing base of 49,000 advertisers. In order to differentiate between paid and editorial placements within Yahoo!'s search results, enhanced placement listings will be distinguished in clearly marked sections. The program will begin on November 15, 2001.
Yahoo! chairman and CEO Terry Semel said the program is consistent with the company’s strategy to build and diversify revenue sources.