Abstract: An advertiser budget is retrieved from a data store. A set of traffic sources associated with the advertiser budget are identified. An allocated budget for the set of traffic sources is generated by allocating at least part of the advertiser budget to the set of traffic sources. At least one advertisement is delivered via a traffic source of the set of traffic sources based at least in part on the allocated budget.

Abstract: At least one listing is retrieved based on a search query, the query including at least one parameter associated with an element of a hierarchical index A determination of a normalized click-through rate for each of the at least one listings is made, the normalized click-through rate for a listing being based on a click-through rate for the listing that is adjusted according to one or more positions in which the listing has been displayed in each of a plurality of sets of search results. A determination is made of a position for the at least one listing in a set of search results based at least in part on an aggregation of the aggregate normalized click-through rates associated with at least one level of a hierarchical index.

Abstract: A set of preliminary search results is retrieved based on a search query, the set of search results including a plurality of pay-per-click listings. A normalized click-through rate is calculated for each pay-per-click listing in the set of preliminary search results, the normalized click-through rate being based on an actual click-through rate that is adjusted according to one or more positions in which the pay-per-click listing was previously provided in one or more sets of final search results. The plurality of pay-per-click listings is ordered based on the calculated normalized click-through rates.

Abstract: A system for and method of enhancing web page delivery and visitor tracking. The invention provides the ability to control redirection of Web traffic of humans. It can identify visitors to a Web page, track their movements, log critical information, and analyze the Web traffic in order to judge the success in driving quality traffic to some known goal on a Web site, such as a sale. The system tracks visitors via use of redirection with an image tag. The invention can also use unique image marker references to prevent browsers from accessing cached images.

Abstract: A client and one or more information retrieval (IR) engines, such as a search engine, may be in communication with each other via a network. A computer may read index information associated with at least a portion of an audiovisual object, the index information structured to be used in an index database of a search engine system. The computer may obfuscate at least a portion of the index information so that the intelligibility of the contents of the index information is reduced, and may transmit at least some of the obfuscated index information to the search engine system.

Abstract: A plurality of pay-per-click listings is retrieved based on a search query. For each pay-per-click listing, a rank value is calculated that is based at least in part on a performance score and a maximum bid, thereby generating a calculated rank value. The plurality of pay-per-click listings is ordered based at least in part on the calculated rank value. A cost is determined associated with each of the plurality of pay-per-click listings.

Abstract: User actions responsive to a plurality of web pages are tracked and included in records in a data store. A conversion score is calculated for each traffic source of a plurality of traffic sources, the conversion score based at least in part on the tracked user actions. A traffic source quality score is calculated for each of the plurality of traffic sources, and the plurality of traffic sources are ranked based at least in part on the traffic source quality scores. The traffic sources are allocated to sets based at least in part on the ranking.

Abstract: A response subsystem includes a plurality of listings, with at least one listing associated with a first type of per-hit fee and at least one second listing associated with a second type of per-hit fee. A translation subsystem is configured to translate between the first type of per-hit fee and the second type of per-hit fee.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing information (collectively the “system”) is disclosed. The system includes category-based, geography-based, and ratings-based attributes to better “focus” the information distributed by the system. In the processing of listing-based attributes (e.g. attributes limited to a particular listing), the system can also be influenced by relationship-based attributes (e.g. attributes between the administrator of the system and the advertisers, and even potentially users).

Abstract: A computing device receives, from a module that manages bids to bid engines, data relating to a bid rule, the data including at least two metrics concerning performance of the bid rule. Two of the metrics are selected for defining a goal for the bid rule, wherein a first one of the selected metrics is a primary metric and a second one of the metrics is a secondary metric, the primary metric being a value that is subject to an optimization, and the secondary metric being used to establish one or more constraints. The goal is defined by performing the optimization subject to the one or more constraints.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing information (collectively the “system”) is disclosed. The system can, but need not, include category-based and geography-based attributes to better “focus” the information distributed by the system. In the processing of listing-based attributes (e.g. attributes limited to a particular listing), the system can also be influenced by relationship-based attributes (e.g. attributes between the administrator of the system and the advertisers, and even potentially users). If desired, the system can accommodate the ability of advertisers to modify or enhance the display characteristics relating to information records in order to further differential listings and advertisers. The ability to organize listings into tiers can also be incorporated into the system. By organizing listings into tiers, the system may be more effective in maximizing competition at all ends of the listing continuum, and not just the competition for the top position or two.

Abstract: A system and method that enhances the “focus” of information exchanged between sellers and buyers. Buyers identify potential sources for goods and services that are desirable to the buyer. Buyers can focus their access to listings of seller information by identifying desirable attributes, including but not limited to: geography attributes relating to the location(s) of the seller; and category attributes relating to the various categories of offerings that interest to the buyer. The use of geographical and categorical attributes is not limited to their inclusion as part of the search terms. Instead, seller listings can be organized into hierarchies of geography-based and category-based attributes in a highly normalized fashion to enhance the ability of a buyer focus on the most desirable listings. The system can be configured to limit, order, or otherwise prioritize the information viewed by the buyer on the basis of the desired attributes identified by the buyer.

Abstract: A click fraud prevention system and method that analyzes click patterns across multiple search engines and integrates with a website advertising management system that manages advertisements and bids across multiple search engines.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing information (collectively the “system”) is disclosed. The system can, but need not, include category-based and geography-based attributes to better “focus” the information distributed by the system. In the processing of listing-based attributes (e.g. attributes limited to a particular listing), the system can also be influenced by relationship-based attributes (e.g. attributes between the administrator of the system and the advertisers, and even potentially users). If desired, the system can accommodate the ability of advertisers to modify or enhance the display characteristics relating to information records in order to further differential listings and advertisers. The ability to organize listings into tiers can also be incorporated into the system. By organizing listings into tiers, the system may be more effective in maximizing competition at all ends of the listing continuum, and not just the competition for the top position or two.

Abstract: Bid management with a robust set of rules that ties bids to actual site-side performance. From site-side performance data, the invention creates an optimal portfolio of keywords by determining optimal mix of keywords, position, and bids to achieve greatest return for risk, comparing keywords against one another to determine allocation of budget, and automatically implementing recommendations.

Abstract: At least one listing comprises a plurality of sublistings, each of the sublistings being associated with one of a plurality of advertisers. A response subsystem is configured to provide the listing in a response. A forwarding subsystem configured is to forward a request for information to one of the advertisers.