Automated Keyword Generation for E-Commerce Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current search engines struggle to effectively generate and manage keywords for paid searches, leading to irrelevant search results and inefficient keyword usage, which hampers web site traffic attraction and profitability for electronic storefronts.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically generating and managing keywords by identifying target objects, creating corresponding keywords, and monitoring their cost-effectiveness through click-through data analysis, enabling targeted advertising and optimized keyword purchasing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual keyword management is used, then keyword selection can be customized, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyword generation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for keyword management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates keywords by extracting terms from product descriptions and categories without requiring manual intervention. The automated keyword management system performs selection, optimization, and performance tracking independently, eliminating the need for manual keyword management while maintaining customization through algorithmic analysis of product data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual keyword management processes with an automated computational system that uses algorithms to generate, select, and optimize keywords. This substitution transforms the mechanical manual process into an automated electronic system that processes product data to generate keywords efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If generic keywords are used, then traffic volume increases, but search result relevance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch traffic volumeVSAvoidsearch result relevance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates different keyword strategies for different product categories and individual products based on their specific characteristics. Rather than applying a uniform keyword approach, the system analyzes product descriptions and categories to create customized keyword sets that are optimized for each specific product, thereby maintaining relevance while capturing traffic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts keyword parameters such as specificity, match type, and bid amounts based on performance data and product characteristics. The system modifies keyword parameters to balance between attracting traffic and maintaining relevance, adjusting the level of keyword specificity based on what proves effective for each product category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If paid search keywords are purchased without optimization, then search visibility improves, but cost-effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch visibilityVSAvoidkeyword spending efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors keyword performance metrics including click-through rates, conversion rates, and cost-per-acquisition. This feedback loop allows the system to identify underperforming keywords and adjust or pause spending on them, while increasing investment in high-performing keywords. The automated optimization uses this feedback to maximize cost-effectiveness while maintaining search visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic keyword management where keyword selections, bids, and budgets are continuously adjusted based on real-time performance data. Rather than static keyword purchases, the system dynamically optimizes the keyword portfolio to maintain visibility while improving cost-effectiveness through data-driven adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7769648B1Method and system for automating keyword generation, management, and determining effectiveness

Publication Date: 2010.08.03 WALGREEN CO

AI summary

A method and system for generating, management, and determining the cost effectiveness of keywords used in paid searches. Target objects for which customer traffic for an electronic storefront web site is to be targeted to are identified. Keywords corresponding to those target objects are automatically generated, and associated keyword purchase data is sent to one or more search partners to initiate purchase of the keywords from those partners. Cost-effectiveness of each keywords is determined based on partner reports containing billing and keyword activity data and monitoring customer session activities that are initiated via clickthroughs contained in search results generated by the search partners.