I didn’t realize Ask.com offered online discount items and deals. I discovered it while watching the rare TV program this weekend, it may have been part of a football game, an ad came on for Ask.com.

Actors of different ages were shown dancing to upbeat music in their own “box” similar to Hollywood squares. I can’t remember what they were asked and what they answered but I do remember the ad was for Ask.com.

The thought struck me: they’re advertising deals on Ask? Did they change their business model? I thought it was a clever way to go by giving shoppers what they want – online discount shopping.

I didn’t realize it until I started doing some background checks but Ask.com launched the deals portion of their search results October 6.

This online report in the Wall Street Journal says the service “scours the Web for online coupons, store circulars and other promotions, and organizes the cacophony of deals for consumers pinched for time and money.”

This online report in the Wall Street Journal says the service “scours the Web for online coupons, store circulars and other promotions, and organizes the cacophony of deals for consumers pinched for time and money.”

The article refers to Ask.com as an also-ran “that handles fewer than 5% of online searches. The latest strategy, overseen by new Ask Networks President Scott Garell, is built around organizing massive amounts of Web information to feed popular search subject areas, including local services and recipes, areas where Ask competes less directly with Google.”

So Ask is pouring money into TV commercials to generate user interest and make consumers aware of the service. I stopped using Ask.com (formerly Ask Jeeves) a few years back for no particular reason except I was in the habit of using a search engine called . . . hmm, let’s see what the name is . . . I’m trying to remember, ah, yes, Google!

But maybe Ask will successfully carve out a niche – or in this case an interest among its target. Many online consumers are pinched for time and money.
But this change in Ask.com also is giving me a glimpse into the future of search engines and related services turning up search results.

As a writer, search engines mark our success or non-success if our articles aren’t picked up. I’ve been wondering how will it look two years, five years from now or longer? How will searches affect how we write and promote?

Maybe this change at Ask.com shows the gradual change in search services: meeting specific consumer needs. Could there be a future search function specializing in cars and auto mechanics for example?

But what it also shows me is the lesson to strive to give customers what they want. If they want to find online deals quick and easy then give it to them and win over more market share.