Google Loses Small Search Percentage in June thru July

Although Google is still the market leader in online search, research shows that they have lost .3% to competitors in June thru July; mainly to Microsoft.

In June, Google had 65% of search...in July 64.7%.

What’s the reason for this slight decrease in market share? Probably the heavy advertisement from Microsoft after the launch of their revamped search platform, Bing.com.

In June, Microsoft had 8.4% of search; in July it increased to 8.9%.

According to ForeSee Results, a very high customer satisfaction is one of the main reasons for Google’s first place. “Google is unquestionably king of search, so the only competition is for second place,” said Larry Freed, president and CEO of ForeSee Results. “The research was done before Bing entered the market, so we don’t know what effect its entry will have. But Google’s customers are pretty happy and have little reason to try something new, so Bing has a real uphill battle ahead.”

On the University of Michigan’s latest American Customer Satisfaction Index, Google scored an 86 out of 100, which is the highest of any search platform. Yahoo, which was ranked second, scored a 77.

Google Local Business Listing Tips

Last week Google sent out a newsletter to all Local Business Listing accounts. It seems as though Google is trying to create awareness by frequently sending newsletters...as last week’s was their first one.

Anyhow, they provided some insightful information regarding your local business listing. There are some very useful tips to think about when creating or updating your listing... Take a look at how to optimize your business listing.

“Here are a few ways to optimize your local business listing...

Make sure your listing is complete and accurate.

• Include optional information like images and videos to help your listing stand out.
  
• Add information like opening hours, payment types, and additional details to help users choose among search results.
  
• Make sure that the location of your business on the map is correct so users can find you. Remember, you can always drag the map marker to the exact location of your business.
  
• Make sure to list your authoritative business website as your homepage, since Google uses information from your homepage to help improve search results.
  
• Of course, be sure that your business name, physical address, and phone number(s) are correct in your business listing.
  
• See the Local Business Quality Guidelines to learn more.

Choose the most appropriate, specific categories for your business.

• Pick a category from the list of suggestions to help Google show your business for the right searches (although you can always enter your own category if the Local Business Center doesn't suggest one that fits your business).
  
• Don't be afraid to choose specific categories instead of broad ones. The important thing is that the categories are accurate and describe your business well.
  

This information is also available in our Help Centers. "

Updated Industry Statistics

Here are some updated industry statistics that boosts internet confidence.

• Of all local searches, 8 out of 10 will call or visit a store and 6 out of 10 will make a purchase.
• There are approximately over 1 trillion URLS in the world.
• In 2006 there was an average of 2.7 billion online searches per month. In 2009 there was an average of 32 billion searches per month.
• The first text message was sent in 1992. Today, texts sent and received each day exceed the earth’s total population.
• 44% of small businesses do not have a website.
• 82% of people look online for local products and services.
• 66% of all commerce is conducted online.
• 97% of people research products and services before purchasing.
• When pay-per-click and organic listings share a search results page you can expect:
  - 45% increase in “Call to Action”
  - 45% increase in orders
  - 43% more page views
  - 40% more visitors
  - 38% more time spent on the site