Microsoft launched a new search loyalty program today, called Bing Rewards. Similar to airline and credit card-style programs, Bing Rewards gives users credits for each search they perform that can be used to redeem a number of gift cards, products and can even be used as charitable donations. Microsoft has had two previous programs similar to this one, SearchPerks and Cashback, but both had the plug pulled on them.
Users receiving 250 credits just for signing up and will continue to accumulate them by conducting searches and doing a number of varying tasks. Before you can start taking advantage of the new rewards program, users must install the Bing Bar toolbar on their Windows machine in Internet Explorer and have a Windows Live ID. Macs are not compatible with Bing Rewards and neither Google Chrome or Firefox are accepted browsers.
As of right now you must conduct five searches to gain one credit and that is good for up to eight searches per day. Search Engine Land‘s Greg Sterling says that Microsoft’s Stefan Weitz told him the goal of the loyalty programs is to “get casual Bing users more engaged” and that “the Bing Bar will push suggestions, messages, and Bing features to them in an ‘unobtrusive way'”.
This new feature has the potential to be very successful, however I think that excluding users of Mac and Firefox might prove to be bit detrimental.
Will you give Bing Rewards a try?
