A new Microsoft reward program has been developed recently. This seems to be a new way to promote their own search engine and browser once again. Microsoft has been trying to play a role in the browser and search engine market for years. It is rumoured that Bing has a share of about 20% of users which means hardly anyone is using it.
The Microsoft reward program – time to catch on
One of the reasons why is because Google ensures that most mobile devices come with Google Chrome. Chrome has Google search by default. Apple users do not seem to voluntarily want to use Bing as well. Therefore Microsoft has placed Bing prominently in Windows 10 but even Windows 10 does not provide the desired growth. Now Microsoft has enough of it and starts to pay everyone who is searching with Bing.
Earn and spend points
If you are searching with Bing while using Edge you’ll be able to collect points. Those points can be turned in at the Windows Store, for example to get cheaper games or to buy vouchers for other products. There are no costs for the users. You just need a free Microsoft account where you have to be logged in so that Microsoft knows when you searched something with Bing to credit you accordingly.
A distinction is made between Level 1 and Level 2 users. A Level 1 user gets three points with a single search and a maximum of 30 points each day. Level 2 users will be determined by collecting about 500 points in one month. As a Level 2 user you can collect a maximum of 150 points per day, of course with the appropriate amount of searches. The points can then be cashed in. A $15 voucher in the Windows Store will cost about 5.000 points.
Conclusion
Time will tell whether this step brings the necessary success but since you will get paid for using Bing it might get more popular in the future.
Maybe it’s now time to start optimizing your content for Bing as well. If you need help with that let me know.
More information about the Microsoft reward program can be found here: https://www.bing.com/explore/rewards