Google Delivers Blazing Fast Local Search Results

Can Google show results faster than we can think or type? Well, it sure seems lately that Google is faster than most of us can type a search phrase. That is because of Google Instant. Last year Google launched Google Instant - a search enhancement that shows results as you type. For example when I go to Google and type the letter "w", I instantly see my local weather forecast...

Who needs weather websites when Google does it so fast? :)

Google Instant tries to suggest and predict what you may be looking for. After all, the faster they can help you find what you are looking for the happier and more satisfied you will be with Google and the more time you may spend on Google.

Google Instant will probably improve many peoples' searching skills, but it may also influence what websites searchers click on through the power of suggestions. For example, as I type something like... "floori" I instantly start to see flooring results that are both location-based, as well as other suggestions based on the nature of the word itself. See screenshot below...



Google Instant suggestions for "floori"

 Although you can turn Google Instant on or off I doubt most people will bother. Also, when I look under the hood at the HTML source code I see Google has text alerts ready if your connection speed is too slow for using Google Instant. So slower connections may not see Google Instant suggestions. (Note: Google is also suggesting you make Google your browser's home page.)

As I mentioned above, Google Instant is also showing suggestions that are location-based. Meaning, some local results appear based on your Internet foot-print (where you are accessing the Internet from). Google may list Google Places listings and include a corresponding Google Local Map in the upper right hand corner. Search results will vary depending on your location, which should give each person a more personalized local results listing.

As retailers you may think these new location based, instant results are great, if you are one of the lucky ones listed. But for most this can mean lots less traffic. Website SEO may not have any bearing on whether you appear on page 1 of these search results. That is especially true for Google Places listings, which are totally different than the organic website listings.

Staying on top of this is going to be even more important in 2011, especially as Google lures more and more people to begin all their local business searches on Google at blazing speeds! This will undoubtedly make this year very competitive for marketing your store online. Are you ready?