It must be a happy day at Redmond: two big stories for Microsoft Live Search today, both announced during PubCon.

Last month, we first reported that cashback might actually be working in terms of traffic to Live Search. But today they announce that traffic isnt the only metric cashback is doing well on.

In the press release, GM, Microsoft Live Search, Brad Goldberg says (emphasis added):

We are pleased to report a 30 percent increase in the number of product offers available in Microsoft Live Search cashback, indicative of the strong advertiser interest in the program and early results on its ROI. We have seen an average of 4.5 million unique users per month visiting cashback who have conducted more than 68 million commercial queries.

eBays North America GM, Stephanie Tilenius, chimed in for other KPIs, lower prices for consumers (up to 60% below retail) and more (emphasis added):

Beyond the great deals for buyers, Microsoft Live Search cashback has improved our ROI on paid search by 50 percent, and based upon our shared success, eBay is increasing its search marketing spend with Microsoft Live Search by threefold.

Microsoft is also expanding its program to include sites using Miva Merchant, Early Impact Inc. (ProductCart) or 3DCart as its shopping cart software.

I guess during an economic downturn, people look for any wayt they can to save money. Will you be signing up for cashback any time soon?

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