Category Archives: Search Wars

Google and Freshness

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Chris Crum recently wrote a post on Web Pro News about Google’s changing algorithm around the issue of timeliness, or freshness. Specifically my interest has been to see my Twitter and Facebook efforts make a difference with regard to organic listings. I understand that Google is between a rock and a hard place, because it wants to be up-to-date, but also relevant. I think with a foot in both camps, it’s having a difficult time. Google needs to have a separate box for its freshness listing. I really think it is missing the boat, but then so is Twitter. Twitter search tends to be incredibly limited because of its focus on “exact phrase”. Twitter needs a more contextual dimension to its search and Google needs to find a way to stop blocking relevancy with its freshness attempts.

For Google this could be achieved with the separate box strategy or even a new fresh search offering. Twitter’s problem is more serious. How do you develop a contextual search without spending the kind of money Google has? Think about it and let me know what you come up with. You can reach me on my twitter handle: https://twitter.com/#!/NewEnergyCom

Google V. Microsoft

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Internet Search Wars

I read an article today about the epic battle between the two giants over search traffic. It reminds me of those old Japanese science fiction movies where the giant lizards fight it out. I have nothing against either company, but one thing that seems clear: neither side is ready to blink and walk away. This is probably smart because the web is still changing so quickly. The way Bing could gain market share might not even be on the horizon yet. But the stakes are so high, it’s worth staying in the game if you can. Personally, I think many folks are staying with Google out of habit or convenience. The Google search bar is at the top of my Firefox browser and so it’s easier to use than to go looking for Bing.  What’s useful about comparing the two engines is the way they respond to a particular search. For example I searched “Jim Coon” on both platforms and got very different SERPs (results). This is a good, actually a necessary, exercise to perform if you have a company. It’s important to know how you’re showing up on the web and if your web marketing is actually making a positive difference. Next up, a series on web marketing strategy.