Aiding search-result selection using visually branded elements

摘要

Computer-storage media, methods, and systems for formatting and surfacing a badge are provided. The badge represents a graphical region presented in visual association with a search result on a web-results page. The format of the badge is initially dictated by a template that is automatically generated. Upon collecting performance information, a website owner is granted permission to alter the template and appearance of the badge, via a publisher portal. During interaction with the publisher portal, the website owner is prompted to provide feedback in order to manage parameters of the badge, such as uploading a visual representation of a logo, trademark, or other branded element, or specifying a type of metadata to be imported to the graphical region. Accordingly, the badge operates to improve a users' ability to distinguish between search results on the web-results page and assists users in confidently deciding upon and selecting a relevant search result.

主权项

1. One or more computer-storage memory devices having a badge formatting and surfacing system embodied thereon including computer-executable instructions that, when executed, perform a method for formatting a badge according to a template selected by a publisher, wherein the badge is associated with at least one search result selected for display on a graphical user interface (GUI), the method comprising:
providing a plurality of metadata extracted from one or more online documents; accessing the template that is previously assigned to the badge, wherein the badge represents a graphical region that is revealed in association with the at least one search result, and wherein the at least one search result includes a description of the one or more online documents; determining whether the at least one search result is authorized for inclusion on the badge as a function of a coverage-weighted analysis that considers at least one criterion, wherein the at least one criterion considered by the coverage-weighted analysis includes at least one of revenue accrued via the at least one search result, a click-through-rate of the at least one search result, an identity of a publisher of the at least one search result, or a ranking of the one or more online documents underlying the at least one search result, and wherein the at least one criterion is employed as one of a plurality of weighting factors for authorizing inclusion of the badge; selecting one or more metadata fitting a type of metadata indicated by the publisher from the plurality of extracted metadata; constructing the badge by incorporating visual depictions of the one or more selected metadata into the graphical region; and rendering the at least one search result within the GUI by incorporating the badge within the description of the one or more online documents.