Google changes search again instantly. Here’s what it means for small business owners

by Doug Stewart on September 9, 2010

Google LogoYesterday Google Instant was launched. Want to know what it’s all about? The following was taken from the Google Instant web page:

“By predicting your search and showing results before you finish typing, Google Instant can save 2-5 seconds per search.”

When someone types in a general search term like “furniture”, they will see a list of keyword phrases, like “office furniture cheap.”  This happens while you’re typing. It’s like predictive texting but for search engines. You type less and get better, faster in-depth searches. Google will deliver more search results closer to the intent of your search with less work on your part.

How Will Google Instant Affect Your Small Business Website? My Predictions:

  • Less traffic for websites only focused on top level or general keywords like “furniture” or “computers”
  • Less traffic to your home page
  • More traffic to interior web pages
  • The traffic to your website or blog will be more targeted. Fewer people will find your website if it doesn’t offer an exact match for what they’re looking for. 
  • Blogs will become even more important
  • Brochure-type websites will become even less effective

What actions should you take?

  • Create unique web content for each stage of the buying process
  • Create blog posts or web pages that address common questions prospects have
  • Create blog posts, forums or web pages documenting and addressing customer service issues. 
  • Make sure your web pages tell who the page was written for. (Example: Have a sentence like the following at the top of web pages, “If you’re a government purchasing agent, you’ll find info about __________ here”)

If your website isn’t getting the traffic it used to, it’s even more important for you to start making these changes now.

Sincerely,

Doug Stewart

“Giving You the Power to Fight the Big Boys!”

If you like this post, let us know. If you want to know more about Google and your small business website, ask. If you have additional info you want to share, then comment below.

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Tagged as: adsense, Bing, computing, focusing, Google, googles, human-computer interaction, hypertext, instant, internet search engines, keyword, keyword phrase, means, mobile payment, Search engine optimization, small business owner, small business owners, targeted traffic, targets, top level, traffic, world wide web

  • Warren

    Wow. What a change, and what a topic to whirl around in the mind for web design. Which part of the site is more likely to be seen by Google?

  • http://www.PowerToFightTheBigBoys.com/ Doug Stewart

    This puts Google one step closer towards delivering better, more personal search results faster. If you’re a small business, most people aren’t searching for your business name when they go to Google. People search for answers to problems. A printer is broken down and they need it fixed or replaced. Or they’re looking for a way to save on ink costs. Or they need to find a reliable supplier for something. If you can create blog posts or web pages that match what they’re looking for, you win. If people know that your web page is specifically for them, you win.

  • Pingback: Tweets that mention Google Instant and what it means for small business owners -- Topsy.com

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