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Mobile searching versus online searching: differential effects of paid search keywords on direct and indirect sales

Author

Listed:
  • Feng Wang

    (Hunan University)

  • Li Zuo

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

  • Zhi Yang

    (Hunan University)

  • Yueyan Wu

    (Hunan University)

Abstract

Paid search advertising is a critical source of traffic for sellers on e-commerce platforms. As the mobile Internet gains prominence as the main channel for reaching consumers, sellers need to know how to select and bid on keywords in online versus mobile search settings. This study compares the differential effects of paid search keywords in online and mobile settings on both direct and indirect sales, along with the moderating roles of keyword specificity and keyword cost. Two field studies and two lab experiments consistently show that a paid keyword in a mobile setting can prompt higher direct sales than it does in an online setting, but it generates lower indirect sales in general. Moreover, while keyword cost attenuates this positive relationship between mobile searching and direct sales, keyword specificity and keyword cost attenuate this negative relationship between mobile searching and indirect sales. Empirical evidence also reveals the sales and return on investment of paid search keywords in mobile and online settings. This study enriches previous literature by detailing new insights into the distinct settings of mobile and online search advertising.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Wang & Li Zuo & Zhi Yang & Yueyan Wu, 2019. "Mobile searching versus online searching: differential effects of paid search keywords on direct and indirect sales," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 47(6), pages 1151-1165, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joamsc:v:47:y:2019:i:6:d:10.1007_s11747-019-00649-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11747-019-00649-7
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    2. Lu, Steven Qiang & Singh, Sonika & de Roos, Nicolas, 2023. "Effects of online and offline advertising and their synergy on direct telephone sales," Journal of Retailing, Elsevier, vol. 99(3), pages 337-352.
    3. Erdmann, Anett & Arilla, Ramón & Ponzoa, José M., 2022. "Search engine optimization: The long-term strategy of keyword choice," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 650-662.
    4. Stefan F. Bernritter & Paul E. Ketelaar & Francesca Sotgiu, 2021. "Behaviorally targeted location-based mobile marketing," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 49(4), pages 677-702, July.
    5. Sunday C. Eze & Hart O. Awa & Vera C. A. Chinedu-Eze & Adenike O. Bello, 2021. "Demographic determinants of mobile marketing technology adoption by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ekiti State, Nigeria," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
    6. Siliang Tong & Xueming Luo & Bo Xu, 2020. "Personalized mobile marketing strategies," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 48(1), pages 64-78, January.

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