New Internet Tool Offers Suggestions in Real Time - "Google Suggest"

Ever start searching for something in Google only to find yourself stumbling around, trying to find the right words to use for your search? Maybe you have an online business and you're curious what the best keywords would be for your web pages to bring the most traffic.

Google is testing a new tool called "Google Suggest" that you're going to find helpful. Visit:

http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en

So What is "Google Suggest"?

Well, as you type something into the search box, Google Suggest guesses what you're typing and offers suggestions in real time. This is similar to Google's "Did you mean?" feature that offers alternative spellings for your query after you search, except that it works in real time. For example, if you type "bass," Google Suggest might offer a list of refinements that include "bass fishing" or "bass guitar." Similarly, if you type in only part of a word, like "progr," Google Suggest might offer you refinements like "programming," "programming languages," "progesterone," or "progressive." You can choose one by scrolling up or down the list with the arrow keys or mouse.

How do they Do it?

Google's algorithms use a wide range of information to predict the queries which users are most likely to want to see. For example, Google Suggest uses data about the overall popularity of various searches to help rank the refinements it offers. An example of this type of popularity information can be found in the Google Zeitgeist (excellent tool, btw). Google Suggest does not base its suggestions on your personal search history.

To me, this is the perfect tool to do exploratory keyword research, especially if you're not sure what people are really typing in to find your business. 

Or if you're writing an online article (like a blog article) and you want to use keywords that are popular to increase your traffic, then use Google Suggest.

Go try it out. I'm curious what you think.

http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en

Tom

Monday, April 21, 2008 in Search Engine  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

       

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