Is Google Slipping?

In the world of search we all know that Google is the main player, with 77% of search traffic on Google search alone they are far and away the leader in the industry and the gap may even be getting bigger. However, a number of occurrences over the last few weeks have lead me to ask the question, is Google slipping?

Over the many and varied pay per click accounts that I manage, more and more issues have been arising with regard to their Google accounts. I have lost count of the amount of times I have had issues with billing for different accounts over the last week. I’ve also noticed how Google’s own algorithm seems to be getting worse and worse when is comes to expanded match types. After running many search query reports in my time, some of the matches this week have mystified me. For example, an account built to advertise ‘chesterfield couches’ came out on broad expanded match for ‘horoscopes’, answers on a postcard please??!

While these issues can be readily solved in time, it makes me wonder whether all this talk of search wars with Microsoft and Yahoo, has Google taken their eye off the ball. Microsoft has this week been stepping up its attempt to take over Yahoo. They have hired a firm that specialises in proxy battles in a move which suggests it could try to oust the current board of Yahoo directors.
Now with an every growing diversity of products on offer to the market Google is no longer a company taking pride in being simple and effective, it is now a multi-tasking high tech animal eager and willing to take charge of every area online. Consequently, is spreading themselves too thin allowing sloppiness to creep in elsewhere?