Google has just rolled out the new Google Instant search results. Now, all you have to do is type in one letter and you will start to get results instantly, without even hitting the Search button or enter key. Some interesting tidbits about the new search system according to the Google Instant information page include:
- Google Instant will be available first in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Russia in the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer browsers.
- Searches will take 2 – 5 seconds less. Globally, this would save 3.5 billion seconds a day.
- Some areas will only see Google Instant when logged into their Google account – you can toggle it on and off when available on your preferences page.
So what can you learn from the new Google Instant search results?
Brand Domination Rules
Depending on your location, just typing in one letter shows how major corporations and retail brands have the edge. For example, in the US:
- A is for Amazon
- I is for Ikea
- K is for Kohl’s
- L is for Lowe’s
- N is for Netflix
- R is for Redbox
- T is for Target
- V is for Verizon
- W is for Wal-mart
- X is for Xbox
Other letters are owned by major web services, including:
- C is for Craigslist
- F is for Facebook
- G is for Gmail
- H is for Hotmail
- M is for MySpace
- P is for Pandora
- Y is for Yahoo
Target Your Long Tail Based on Suggestions
With suggestion results coming up instantly, it will be more important than ever to target long tail phrases that come up as you type in common keywords.
Learn more about how to use Google suggestions for keyword research.
Online Reputation Management Matters
If you think online reputation isn’t important, think again. With the new “Something Different” results popping up in the left sidebar, the last thing you want is negative search suggestions or results for your brand.
Look at how easy it is for someone to see the suggestion that this company is down often and results say they suck, and then go to the top hosting company suggestion in the sidebar to see nothing but positive reviews, coupons, and savings.
Optimize for Everything
So how do you create a good online reputation? Dominate your own top ten search results with as much varied optimization as possible by including local search marketing and social media to give your brands results like these.
Get Into Shopping Results
If you are selling a particular product, you will want to make sure you get into these shopping results.
Learn how to improve your product rankings through Google Merchant Center support and this article on how to rank well in Google Products search by SEOmoz.
Your Thoughts on Google Instant
How do you feel about the latest Google search changes, and how will they affect your website, brand, or business?