SEO And The Different Search Methods



Search Methods and Google


It's always wise to be aware of the different methods that Google utilizes to help it's users to find information on the Internet. Why? With the different methods of search, comes different opportunities  to utilizing SEO, and thus, gaining a greater share of traffic for your website or blog.

The following search methods that will be discussed are:

1. Personalized Search
2. Universal Search
3. Real-time Search
4. Local Search
5. Google Image Search

Let's first begin with personalized search.



Personalized Search

Some users utilize personalized search, or they don't know how to turn it off, you're using it without knowing it. Let's first delve into personalized search, then I'll explain the simple method of turning it off.

Personalized search simply means that Google is putting the user's search to the forefront, not just the average user. In the beginning, this type of search was offered to sign-in users, but now it is being expanded outward to include signed-out users as well.


How will Personalized Search affect SEO?

How will personalized search affect SEO? In the past, you could go after the "average users" and pull many users to your site. But with personalized search,  Google has customized the user's search according to their previous searches, thus, making it more "personal" for the user. Which means, that your SEO keywords may or may not reach these people who is relying on the personalized search that Google has given them. With that being the case, you will have to put SEO into a broader light.

Here are some things you may have to do to work through the personalized search while maintaining the typical "average searcher" search method:

1. Utilize more long-tail keyword phrases versus the high ranking keywords. (If you're a small website-you may already be doing this because of the competition).

2. Utilize Adwords to draw traffic with a new web page. (Many do this with a new page because it helps you to cannot people to your pages more quickly).

However, the user can turn off personalized search, if they are wanting a broader "average" search.


How to Turn Off Personalized Search

To disable the history-based search customizations of Google, you will need to remove Web History from your Google Account. 

1. In the top right corner of the search results page-click web history.
2. Click disable customizations on the page

Or you can delete the current cookie storing search from within your browser and start fresh.



Universal Search

Universal Search or Blended Search is where the search engines return not only text results but also images, news, local listings, blog posts, etc. to the user doing the search. 


SEO and Universal Search

The search marketer will need to optimize for video, images, local, news etc. Some avenues to look at is through video (YouTube), a press release, a blog post, Twitter and other Social Media opportunities that are on the Internet. 

Note: If you are not aware of the rules or etiquette of some of these other social media avenues-take the time to learn.



Image Search and the Search Engines

Those new to website construction or Search Engine Optimization usually ignore their images. They assume an image is an image and it offers nothing more than aesthetic beauty to the site. Though you are right, partially, not totally. It is another way, in which you can signal the search engine that this image is important. So, how can you get your images noticed?


SEO and Images

To identify your photos or images for Google you should do the following:

1. Your alt tag should be descriptive

2. Your photo or image title should also be descriptive. (With relevant keywords) 


If you have news on your website or blog and you utilize images or videos be aware of some of the limitations of Google's News Crawler:

1. Articles that are just images or videos will not be included

2. If you update your article after it's been posted and it's been crawled by the Google News Crawler, you won't see the update. Why? Google News only crawls your site once.

3. If you dramatically change your site, the Google News crawler may have a hard time finding your new articles


Local Search

You should not forget about local search if you are a brick and mortar business and you have a presence online. However, if you've not even thought about local search, you're not alone. But why should you consider local search?

Many people are now going to the web to find local businesses in their area. It works with the telephone yellow pages-without flipping through the pages. So what are some things to consider when using SEO for local search?

1. Include Your local Address-Name, city, state

2. Get other local websites to link to your site

3. Include map and driving instructions to get to your business

Many business may think that local search is not important. However, consider this, have you thought about the rise of the mobile web? The mobile web is growing in it's use, and local search can play a greater role in getting customers to your business.

Search Engines For Local Search

Local search is expanding to other search engines. Though Google is first in line for your local search, you should also take a look at the following search engines that can drive more traffic to your blog or website:

1. MapQuest
2. Bing
3. Yahoo
4. Google

SEO and the Different Search Methods