Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/24144 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2005
Series/Report no.: 
ZEW Discussion Papers No. 05-52
Publisher: 
Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (ZEW), Mannheim
Abstract: 
An Internet retailer?s (e-tailer?s) outstanding virtual location enhances the probability of being noticed by potential customers. The notion of a virtual location for e-tailers refers to the analogy to the physical location. In the empirical analysis, an e-tailer?s Internet search engine rank as well as its advertising activities in search engines serve as proxies for the virtual location. The results suggest that it is optimal for e-tailers to complement a high search engine rank with investments in online advertising. Moreover, banner ads seem to serve as price advertising mechanism, whereas sponsored links rather seem to be used in order to signal outstanding customer service.
Subjects: 
virtual location
online advertising
search engines
JEL: 
M37
L29
L81
C25
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
379.93 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.