Microsoft Redesigns MSN to Promote Ads

Microsoft Corp. is redesigning MSN, the third-most used site for searching the Web, to get more users to click on advertisements within search results.

Starting in July, ads within results will be shaded a different color than regular search results. Testing by MSN has shown that consumers will click more often on the shaded results. Ads that MSN now labels as “featured sites” also will be labeled as “sponsored,” clarifying that they’re paid for.