Predictive Search Goes Live On Google, breaking news... Options

[Kal]

Just read on Marketing Pilgrim that Google has rolled out a full predictive search model, incorporating video, blog, image, news and search results in one interface: Google Introduces Major Algorithm and Interface Update

Afterthought

This is going to change the way we design and optimize sites, methinks

This post has been edited by Kal: May 17 2007, 01:43 AM

[eKstreme]

Hmm. I'm confused. I thought personalized search was the next big thing, and here they go and change their infrastructure to improve universal SERPs.

Anyway, this is not really new on the market. Hakia has had some cool features along these lines for a while. Try their CV generator for Bill Gates (for example).

And isn't this very similar to Ask's Edison algo?

But it's good to see Google actually bringing in new - useful - features.

Pierre

[Kal]

It's not new to the Net and it's not even new to search (think A9), but it's new to Google which some consider to BE the net. In this respect, it's going to have a huge impact. Time for another round of SEO course editing *sigh*

[JohnMu]

Now I'm just confused . Is it just integrating the results of the different specialized search services? <there goes the weekend...>

John

[Kal]

No, it's integrating related results from all Google services - news, youtube, blogger, images, products, the lot. There is also a new toolbar at the top of SERPs to narrow your search vertically to those from your preferred service. Try a search for Darth Vader to see it in full technicolor action. I believe the new algorithm incorporates AI and personalization (thanks Toolbar stats!) to determine what you are *really* seeking.

[JohnMu]

to determine what you are *really* seeking.

... happiness?

[EGOL]

Wow, I just saw this for the first time. This is really going to change the dynamic of some SERPs. Books, Products, Groups all appearing as link options could siphon off a lot of traffic - and income for some websites.

[Kal]

... happiness?

Yes, or perhaps whatever Google wants us to seek (Look at the logo.... you are feeling sleepy.... sleeeeeepy

[glengara]

Where does the "predictive" part come into it?

[EGOL]

Where does the "predictive" part come into it?

That's what I want to know... it just looks like some links at TopSERPs to siphon traffic.

[bwelford]

I haven't managed to see this yet in Canada, for example doing a search for 'darth vader' using google.com. Is it only available in the US?

[kestrel]

We're getting the same top 10 and Darths mugshot in the UK but minus the Searches Related To and News Results.

K

[phaithful]

Where does the "predictive" part come into it?

What's "predictive" is that Google is essentially saying they know what you are looking for just by a keyword term. They're predicting your intent which is definitely not an easy thing to do.

Like other have said this isn't really a new concept of merging in Video, Images, Onebox, etc content together on the same search page. It's been tested before. The question is if Google can change the search paradigm for the "65% search users" audience.

[Kal]

Hi Barry - yes, it claims to be limited to the US right now with international rollout over the next few weeks. But I can see it in action if I search at Google.com and I'm in Australia, so perhaps the data-centers are catching up?

[Poppet]

I've taken a look at the Darth Vader site (keyword tools are going to get skewed results now on this term!) and while I am not signed in, I get three images across the top of the results, and then the pages below.

[SEOigloo]

Hi Folks,
Anyone wanting to learn more about this should read Danny's exhaustive post at SEL:
http://searchengineland.com/070516-143312.php

He did a very fine job explaining this from the ground up.

Miriam