Google Search with Show Options
Google has made search interesting again for users.
In trying to show a richer set of results based on the new and different ways people create and share content, Google has had to find another way to present this rapid increase.
The SERP still shows search results based on regular (ok, these sometimes change) page ranking and relevance rules. But From May 2009, you would notice a Show Options link just below the search box.From your search list, you can now filter your results by Videos, Forums and Reviews. These are the more common ways people refine their search after a first round of keywords at the search line.
The time based filters will be great for news articles and hot topical blogs. The searcher will be able to work down past posts relevant to the search keyword. This is a good nudge for content providers to keep their material updated and in tune with the times.
The Wonder Wheel is a significant new way to research a topic. Sometimes, you may not know an exact way of framing your query or search keywords. Just start somewhere with your search term and then fire up the Wonder Wheel (I think this is better called the Wander Wheel, but that’s just me).
You would be presented with a wheel with your root search in the centre, and a few spokes showing the most relevant related topics. You can click on a spoke and another wheel expands with more recommendations. The regular search results on the right side of the page follow the wheel’s focus, so you can jump out and read the link at any time.
This is a great contribution by Google in helping the user have a richer search result set.
What does it mean for the SEO consultant? For one, being at number 1 for a particular keyword in the “normal” SERP may not mean that you are number one in other filtered results. You may also have to start building related content to address the richer requirement of the searcher. And definitely, start examining the other formats of information and content sharing.
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