Are You Addicted to Google? - Day 2, 12:00 PM (EST)

Garrett · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 12:07 PM

Are You Addicted to Google? Go ahead, admit it. You're an addict, too. This morning, Danny Sullivan's Keynote speech was titled "Google Anonymous" -- the joke is many people seem to be addicted to Google. He had a step-by-step process to help people overcome this "addiction."

Some highlights:

1 - Honesty. If your ranking has been hurt due to the Florida Update, ask yourself the following questions: Were you really the best? Should you have ranked highest? Do other search engines treat you better for free?

2 - Faith. Have faith in yourself. You CAN survive the Florida Update - you just need some new methods.

3 - Surrender. It's now time to consider starting to pay. Do organic AND paid advertisements. Consider advertising with Google. If you're spending money Google, you'll have more weight. You can't necessarily change your site's rank, but you will at least have more direct contact with Google. Your complaints will mean a little more due to your investment.

4 - Soul Searching. Will your traffic last? Don't rely on Google for all your traffic.

5 - Affiliates. Can you continue to expect affiliate content for free?

6 - Integrity. Make this vow: "I will offer the best possible research for searchers regardless of whether or not it results directly in sales." Realize the importance of content. This is bascially an ecco of what Danny told me in our brief discussion last night. Your content should be what people will read for more than ten seconds. It will educate your visitors about making decisions on your site. Content is not to be underestimated.

7 - Acceptance. Search results have changed in past and they will continue to change in the future. You cannot depend on free search results as your primary way to find leads.

8 - Maintenence. Still continue to maintain your organic listings. Don't drop them completely.

9 - Humility. Don't worry about being humble with Google.

10 - Forgiveness. Forgive Google for the Florida change. They didn't mean to do it. Really! ;)

Some of Danny's other advise on search engine marketing included...

File Spam Reports. There's a button on Google where you can file spam reports. Use it.

File Bad Search Reports. If the results for any given search term are 'bad' write Google and tell them why -- but be sure you're writing from the perspective of a searcher, not a business owner!

Follow Up Any Channel Available to You. If you file any reports with Google, do follow ups. Do you participate in a forum, for example? ;) That's a great place to talk about it!

Where's Google Going? Danny also talked briefly about the future. Google is currently repsonsible for 76% of results on internet. His prediction for the search engine landscape in January, 2004 is that Google will drop to 51% and Yahoo! will be responsible for up to 43% of all search results, with AskJeeves having 2% and other search engines controlling 4%. The reason for this? Danny believes Yahoo! might be partnering with MSN sometime in the near future...

What do you think this would mean for the search engine industry?

The Invisible Tabs Theory. Then Danny went on to talk about what he calls his 'invisible tabs theory,' which is similar to one of Dan Thies' search structure theories. Not visible to users, the invisible tabs would just be something search engines would use for organization based on search terms. Each tab would have its own individual database. News, Frequently Asked Questions, blogs, software, shopping (Froogle), and images are just a few examples. He believes this is the direction things will go in and that more tabs are on the way. He also believes search engines will become more confident in what you're searching for. For example, you can search for a picture of DNA on AskJeeves and it will show you a picture in the search results, whereas Google doesn't do that. YET.

Take a look at the bigger picture. The invisible tabs theory means you'll need to stop thinking about just being IN the search engines and start thinking about where you want to be within them. What tab would your site belong in? News? Froogle? Images on Google? What terms should you optimize for? How are search engines organizing the data and content? Figure out your specific ideal section. Understand various tabs and multiple sections and try to get in the section that's right for you.

I hope you found this information to be helpful! I'll be back soon with more updates...

TrafficProducer · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2003, 05:11 AM

Google, Google, Google...

It's not the only search engine! Everyone could be missing other engines by concentrating on Google too much. They just might sneek up and grap the Traffic...

Search engines World wide:-
http://home.inter.net/takakuwa/search/search.html

nakulgoyal · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2003, 02:31 PM

Whatever way we write !! It's a fact that almost all use Google Today. If not all, MOST.

search_searches · #4 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 12:34 AM

U r right nakul what we right and what we show google accepts everything
but tell me do we use hidden words for google.

Please reply

LauraB · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 05:17 PM

search_searches wrote:

Quote:

do we use hidden words for google. Please reply

I find it hard to believe that 5 days have gone by and not one of my colleagues has responded to you! NO we DO NOT use hidden words

That is one of the very tactics that causes problems! Hidden words, why oh why would you even want to hide words!?! Content is and should be king (Queen whatever - I'm tweaked enough by this comment that PC be damned) Say what you need to say to sell your product, your idea, your goal. Use keyword phrases that are relevant to your audience. Don't ever build a site just for the sake of Google, or any other search engine.

We have to have respect for ourselves! and respecting ourselves usually means respecting the rules. And you can respect the rules without being a slave to Google (or anyone else for that matter).

Sorry to gent off on a rant, but you hit a nerve.

cbp · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 06:59 PM

Is Google addictive ...

My main site and the search results it comes up in were not changed during Florida ... so I did this analysis:

Referrals from Google in October (pre-florida) were at 55% of the total referals (excluded yahoo + AOL).

Referrals from Google do far in December (post-florida) are at 65% !!!!

No sign that the public are disatisfied with Google and are going elsewhere .... they are addicted.

minstrel · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrafficProducer

Google, Google, Google... It's not the only search engine! Everyone could be missing other engines by concentrating on Google too much.

That's true, to a point... but have you examined your site stats lately? looking just at search engines, which one(s) provide the bulk of your traffic?

In my logs, it's primarily Google and MSN, with Google at least 2:1 over MSN.

SO I don't ignore other search engines, but I am sure not going to ignore those two...

jackson992 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 01:17 AM

Speaking of paid listings I'm can someone point me to some links about this? The only thing I've paid for so far is a few pages through PositionTech

RemodelingGuy · #9 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garrett

Are You Addicted to Google? Go ahead, admit it. You're an addict, too. This morning, Danny Sullivan's Keynote speech was titled "Google Anonymous" -- the joke is many people seem to be addicted to Google. He had a step-by-step process to help people overcome this "addiction."

Some highlights:

1 - Honesty. If your ranking has been hurt due to the Florida Update, ask yourself the following questions: Were you really the best? Should you have ranked highest? Do other search engines treat you better for free?

2 - Faith. Have faith in yourself. You CAN survive the Florida Update - you just need some new methods.

3 - Surrender. It's now time to consider starting to pay. Do organic AND paid advertisements. Consider advertising with Google. If you're spending money Google, you'll have more weight. You can't necessarily change your site's rank, but you will at least have more direct contact with Google. Your complaints will mean a little more due to your investment.

4 - Soul Searching. Will your traffic last? Don't rely on Google for all your traffic.

5 - Affiliates. Can you continue to expect affiliate content for free?

6 - Integrity. Make this vow: "I will offer the best possible research for searchers regardless of whether or not it results directly in sales." Realize the importance of content. This is bascially an ecco of what Danny told me in our brief discussion last night. Your content should be what people will read for more than ten seconds. It will educate your visitors about making decisions on your site. Content is not to be underestimated.

7 - Acceptance. Search results have changed in past and they will continue to change in the future. You cannot depend on free search results as your primary way to find leads.

8 - Maintenence. Still continue to maintain your organic listings. Don't drop them completely.

9 - Humility. Don't worry about being humble with Google.

10 - Forgiveness. Forgive Google for the Florida change. They didn't mean to do it. Really! ;)

Some of Danny's other advise on search engine marketing included...

File Spam Reports. There's a button on Google where you can file spam reports. Use it.

File Bad Search Reports. If the results for any given search term are 'bad' write Google and tell them why -- but be sure you're writing from the perspective of a searcher, not a business owner!

Follow Up Any Channel Available to You. If you file any reports with Google, do follow ups. Do you participate in a forum, for example? ;) That's a great place to talk about it!

Where's Google Going? Danny also talked briefly about the future. Google is currently repsonsible for 76% of results on internet. His prediction for the search engine landscape in January, 2004 is that Google will drop to 51% and Yahoo! will be responsible for up to 43% of all search results, with AskJeeves having 2% and other search engines controlling 4%. The reason for this? Danny believes Yahoo! might be partnering with MSN sometime in the near future...

What do you think this would mean for the search engine industry?

The Invisible Tabs Theory. Then Danny went on to talk about what he calls his 'invisible tabs theory,' which is similar to one of Dan Thies' search structure theories. Not visible to users, the invisible tabs would just be something search engines would use for organization based on search terms. Each tab would have its own individual database. News, Frequently Asked Questions, blogs, software, shopping (Froogle), and images are just a few examples. He believes this is the direction things will go in and that more tabs are on the way. He also believes search engines will become more confident in what you're searching for. For example, you can search for a picture of DNA on AskJeeves and it will show you a picture in the search results, whereas Google doesn't do that. YET.

Take a look at the bigger picture. The invisible tabs theory means you'll need to stop thinking about just being IN the search engines and start thinking about where you want to be within them. What tab would your site belong in? News? Froogle? Images on Google? What terms should you optimize for? How are search engines organizing the data and content? Figure out your specific ideal section. Understand various tabs and multiple sections and try to get in the section that's right for you.

I hope you found this information to be helpful! I'll be back soon with more updates...

I Agree and DIS-Agree my friend!

Honesty! - Cool!
Faith - BLAH!
Paying has been on the decline the entire year! AdWords/Overture! ROI stinks comparable to a year or two ago! Spending 5k to make 5100 is a pain. Then there is the LOSS side which we won't discuss!

The Rest! Another BIG BLAH!

What happened to PLAY by the rules?

Accept them for what they are.

WIN!

Not to take away from you at all bro'!

Just IMHO

- J

LiviLou · #10 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Are You Addicted to Google?

I can in all honesty say no. Very seldom do I ever use google. When I'm looking for something, I have a much better chance of finding it if I use a different search engine.

m4K · #11 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImaDunce

Quote:

Are You Addicted to Google?

I can in all honesty say no. Very seldom do I ever use google. When I'm looking for something, I have a much better chance of finding it if I use a different search engine.

Google is fast, easy to navigate and straight to the point, even the memorable name "google" helps guide users their way.

For me, google is the easiest way to find exactly what im looking for.

ronniethedodger · #12 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minstrel

... but have you examined your site stats lately? looking just at search engines, which one(s) provide the bulk of your traffic?

In my logs, it's primarily Google and MSN, with Google at least 2:1 over MSN.

SO I don't ignore other search engines, but I am sure not going to ignore those two...

I will ditto that and like to add that by ignoring MSN in anyway would be a big mistake.

It does take a little bit of cash outlay though to get up in the MSN results. Such is life now as I see it.

But, remember this about MSN search...it is the default search on Internet Explorer installed on new PC's. And we all know what kind of impact that entails -- not only here in North America, but world-wide.

I would like to add to that by saying that you are getting to a lot of new computer users, in that they are on the Internet for the very first time in their lives.

They know not of Google or how to even type a Url into the address bar. This new possible clientele via MSN will always be at your doorstep from day one. How you choose to let them into your house and stop them from exiting through the rear door is up to you.

With all that said...am I addicted to Google?

Me: "I'll take Search Engine Potpourri for a $400 Alex"

Alex: The answer is, "It is used daily for all personal searches on your computer."

Me: "What is Google, Alex?"

Alex: "Correct!"

Me: "Search Engine Potpourri for $1000, Alex"

Alex: "It is used daily for non-personal searches on a daily basis"

Me: "What is anything but Google, Alex?"

Meg · #13 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 03:35 PM

Google makes searching easy with their toolbar but increasingly I am finding the results are full of junk. Irrelevant results, dead links and sites listed multiple times in a single search have sent me elsewhere.

My employer, an Internet-based firm, does not depend on Google and never has. Hopefully as Google's market share declines, they will become more in tune to what is really needed and wanted by users.

Meg

shopinberkeley · #14 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 04:14 PM

Well, I use both Google and Lycos (also shows up on Yahoo) paid advertising (sponsored links), and the number of clicks on Google is hundreds of times that on Lycos. My ads show up in the same ranking on each search engine, so I'd agree that many more people are using Google.

ronniethedodger · #15 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShopInBerkeley

Well, I use both Google and Lycos (also shows up on Yahoo) paid advertising (sponsored links), and the number of clicks on Google is hundreds of times that on Lycos. My ads show up in the same ranking on each search engine, so I'd agree that many more people are using Google.

That would stand to reason that they are. GoogleAds are on quite a few websites, and that is where I suspect you are getting your clicked-on-ad results from...not just Google's main search site.

I am not quite sure about Lycos in that respect though....isn't their paid advertising limited to within Lycos itself?

carson · #16 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 06:32 PM

Could someone possibly explain to me what the "Florida Update" is? I seemed to have missed out on this.

I have, however, noticed that Google made a significant update to it's software and that my PageRank got messed up in the update.

Thanks,
Carson

Peter (IMC) · #17 (**permalink**) 06-29-2004, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Could someone possibly explain to me what the "Florida Update" is? I seemed to have missed out on this.

Florida Update

Regards,

Peter

Dave Hawley · #18 (**permalink**) 06-30-2004, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Where's Google Going? Danny also talked briefly about the future. Google is currently repsonsible for 76% of results on internet. His prediction for the search engine landscape in January, 2004 is that Google will drop to 51% and Yahoo! will be responsible for up to 43% of all search results, with AskJeeves having 2% and other search engines controlling 4%. The reason for this? Danny believes Yahoo! might be partnering with MSN sometime in the near future

I believe Google will leave MSN and Yahoo no choice but to join forces. Even then, I feel Google will be just too smart and wiley for the likes of MSN/Yahoo.

Yahoo only made a name when there was no competition, since Google (and others) came about, they have continued toward YaWho?. MS are good at marketing with deep pockets. However, it *might* be too late in this case as Google is already a household name.

IMO, Google has changed the way of the www for the better. They have freely deep crawled the web since day one. They have kept (even lowered) the cost of ppc. They have, forever changed the way of free email accounts for the better. I think Google has much more up their sleeve on email accounts. They given most Webmasters the ability to earn commission via AdSense. BTW, last week I started using the AdSense Site Search and doubled my commission over-night!

I shudder to think how the www would have shaped-up if left in the hands of Yahoo and MS.

magic_majax · #19 (**permalink**) 07-05-2004, 07:15 PM

I read this today:

http://www.google-watch.org/bigbro.html

I have been thinking along the same (conspiratorial) lines lately - except I've not got a big wall-chart and have not actually researched any investments or anyhting.

The amount of info google are collecting is staggering - via searches, tool bars and adsense. I would like to try and analyse what mapping is going on. I found this forum during my research - the first hours of it - but the whole topic has been on my mind for some time.

I found the linked site today because I was looking at the google search on big brother with a view to getting something similar listed up there myself. I already have link on another google page 1 of results that I am ready to use as a farm - I want to try and boost the above site to #1 on the google results for big brother to see a) what happens to that site b) what happens to my site.

cbp · #20 (**permalink**) 07-05-2004, 07:18 PM

Quote:

I read this today:

http://www.google-watch.org/bigbro.html

I ignore everything I read at that site.

CBP