Microsoft’s Bing has always had an image problem despite its best efforts. In a move vaguely reminiscent of the Pepsi Challenge, Bing is challenging users to pick their preferred search engine using a blind, side-by-side test. The big question is: could this all be too little too late?
In the “Bing it on” challenge, you get to enter five search queries and the results are then presented side-by-side. You can choose a winner (or declare a draw) and once you complete the five tests, you get to see the results of your choice.
According to the Bing team, Bing web searches result in nearly a 2-to-1 ration over Google in their blind tests.
To spread the word, Bing is rolling out a new nationwide TB ad campaign rumored to run over the next few months on MTV, Fox (including during the premieres of “Ben & Kate” and “American Dad”), the CW, FX, ABC Family and Hulu. Here’s a preview of the ad.
Considering that Google has a nearly 69% share of market in the U.S. compared to Bing’s 29% and you begin to wonder if it’s just too little too late. I don’t believe the Pepsi Challenge did anything to upset Coca-Cola’s market dominance, now did it.
I should mention that I took the “Bing it on” challenge and I chose Google. Screenshot above.