SassySEO Insights – Vol 4 – Personalised Search
Big News In Search Land! On 4 December, Google announced they will now personalise search in EVERYONE’s results.
If you are not logged into Google, search results will take 180 previous days data and use it create better results for YOU (if you are logged in, the history & preferences will keep until deleted).
Here’s an excellent article from Danny Sullivan at Search Engine Land “Google Now Personalises Everyone’s Search Results” that explains the scoop.
This is great for the user because they can now rate the results and take away any they consider irrelevant. Google will also learn what they are doing & deliver better results.
This is not so great for businesses who only want #1 ranking. From now, everyone could see something different. So even if one computer ranks you number one, it doesn’t mean this is consistent across all searches.
Is this bad news for you? Should you sack your SEO company? NO WAY! This just means you need to concentrate even harder on ensuring your site is valuable and relevant – and VERY focused on what you do.
What does this mean for all the businesses and SEO companies fighting to be number 1 in Google? What about the guarantee of high rankings?
1 – High rankings cannot be guaranteed – there are so many people fighting for the #1 spot with some keywords that it may be a futile fight – one that may lead to getting involved in not-so-ethical practices. Don’t get involved. It’s not a long-term solution.
2 – If you are more concerned with rankings and not with optimising your site or communicating with your customers, you are missing the point of having an online business. It IS about sales, but you need a valuable and relevant destination to have a long-term business.
3 – Let me say it again – the answer to better and improved rankings lies with your CONTENT. Visitors will continue to come to your site if you offer them something they like, they need or will help them. Take time to make your site a destination.
4 – Help guide people to your site with well-researched and focused key terms, helpful title & descriptions and smart copy. If you need a good copywriter, I know several. Email me at Kristin@SassySEO.com and I’ll hook you up with some of the sharpest people I know.
2010 will be a BIG year for SEO. Algorithms will change, tools will change, new analytics will be measured – the best thing to do is stay as informed as you can — and update & refresh your site content on a regular basis.
If you want to know my best SEO resources, let me know. I’m happy to share.
Cheers & happy 2010 – SEO for all, and all for SEO!