Google Instant Search is now live. Did you notice it? Google Instant Search is a new search enhancement that shows results as you type. In other words, it basically predicts what a searcher is looking for.
As a user I like the enhancement, but as a marketer I'm concerned. I wonder how it will change the way consumers search. Will they complete their own search thought or will they pick from the provided list? How will it change search marketing and how we optimize for search?
I'm not the only one with mixed feelings about this new enhancement - many marketers have spoke out this voicing not only their option, but concern as well. Google Instant Search doesn't necessarily affect your search rankings, but it does fundamentally change the way results are delivered. One thing is for sure we all need to watch our web analytics, behavior of your users, click patterns and search terms to gauge the impact.
Are you concerned with the rollout of Google Instant Search? How do you think it will affect your consumers?
Whether we like it or not isn’t an issue …. it is here and we can’t change it!
Google has revolutionised many aspects of marketing .. firstly with the development of the Google Search Engine …then came hundreds of additional tools from Google Maps to Adwords …. and this is just another innovation from Google.
Lots of marketers complain about the way Google “treats” them (see comments all over teh web about Google Slap) but they fail to remember that before Google came along we didn’t have many of the superb free marketing tools Google has given us (lets face it we only pay for Adwords, everything else is free).
Of course anyone that finds Instant Search a problem can ignore it ……. like they can ignore search engines, websites etc. The reality is that great marketing people will embrace Instant Search and will make it work for them … and I stress great marketing people because like always lazy marketers will get left behind and will continue to complain!
Yes we will need to learn new skills but I relish to opportunity that Instant Search brings.
It is early days but I can’t see any issue with the new Google search feature. It will definitely improve web users searches and will make nmarketers think more about their SEO -PPC strategy.
Thanks Laura…
Like you…as a user I like it…but as someone who is also focused on marketing a variety of services on the internet…the jury is still out.
As with most things in business, the question is not whether we like it or not…but what needs to be done, if anything, in how we adapt to it. If users like it…it’s here to stay and there will be plenty of ideas on the best way to adapt. Thanks again…
Great feedback, thanks guys!
I don’t even look at the search results until I’m done typing anyway. And, out of habit, I still hit “enter” when I’m done typing.
I don’t think I get different search results, only slightly irritated by the “instant search”.
When one is seeking knowledge earlier Google was giving and increasing it now , in instant search as you say it predicts .
Let it predict we can fish out of confusion if we are creative . Our imagination in the direction is stimulated . We need to approach it that way . Diverse imagination nothing wrong if you are at standby mode for free imaginations . Surprises and sudden unexpected is nature of net services .
In Digital era we need to use what is available creatively.
It is the role of marketers to change strategies in order to keep up with technology. The trend in internet use has been away from web based use and towards app based use, so marketers may be well served to focus their efforts on reaching consumers through social media applications and geo locater based apps rather than through traditional search engine optimization anyway.