Time to Add Shortening

Short Descriptions Required Beginning Wednesday, May 16

Last month we announced that, sometime this month, we would be requiring short descriptions on all new or modified Sponsored Search ads. Then, week before last, we reminded you that this change was coming. Yes, it was very thoughtful of us.

A few of you asked the obvious question, however: “So, um, when in May will these short descriptions be required?”

And here we thought we were being all suspenseful and stuff! Well, in answer to your query, this is a “rolling launch.” The short description requirement may take effect on your account as early as Wednesday, May 16, 2007.

Mark your calendars.

Note that if a short description is not provided by late June 2007—exact date to be determined—we’ll automatically cut off your ad description at the nearest complete word followed by an ellipsis, when it is displayed on Yahoo! This may impact your ad quality and, potentially, your position in search results.

A few items to bear in mind:

• Titles will continue to have a maximum of 40 characters
• Short descriptions are now required when creating or modifying an ad. Short descriptions must be 70 characters or less
• Display URLs must be 35 characters or less

—The Team