We Are all Google Guinea Pigs

August 24, 2010 - If you've ever aspired to be a Google product tester you don't have to dream anymore. According to Google spokesperson Gabriel Stricker, Google is running anywhere between 50 and 200 search experiments at any given time. These experiments are dealing with new features, testing add-ons to its popular search engine, and working on new ways to integrate its products.

Google is using you as a guinea pig and you don't even realize it!

One of the latest tests that was discovered by SEO consultant Rob Ousbey was live-update search queries. As you type your search terms, Google updates the results live! Say you start typing "cheese" - you should start getting results for cheese shops, the Cheese Wikipedia article, and so on.

If you keep typing and turn it into "cheesecake" you'll start getting results centered on the popular dessert without having to click the "search" button again! Keep going and type "Cheesecake factory" and the link to the restaurant chain will be at the top of your search results faster than the blink of an eye.

While this feature is apparently only being tested on a small number of search users, Rob uploaded a video of the function working live on his machine. If it proves successful, it may be rolled out to everyone in the near future.

Another new feature Google quietly snuck into its search functionality was the simplified ability to search for keywords at a specific website. In the past you would have had to go into Advanced Search options or add site:(site name) before your keywords. Just by adding "at (website name)" after your search term, you get the same functionality with less hassle.

Try searching for "catch a whale at wedowebcontent" and see what happens!

It's not perfect, but it does bring up more results specifically from our domain than if you just searched for "catch a whale." This allows users who know the website they're looking for to obtain more results from that specific domain. This is a great way to allow clients to search your site for specific topics, but a search feature on your actual page is much more convenient and efficient.

More Fun With Google

We couldn't tout the latest Google features without adding in a few items of interest, one of which includes a permanent link to Google's wonderful Pac-Man tribute from the May 21, 2010 celebration of the game's 30^th birthday. Enjoy! (Apologies for the plummet to your day's productivity which is sure to follow.)

Next; do you know who the most dangerous celebrity to your computer is? No, it's not Chuck Norris, but rather, Cameron Diaz.

Internet and PC security company McAfee recently released their list of most dangerous celebrity searches of 2010. Topping the list was Diaz, whose name if searched gives you a 10% chance of landing on a website that will infect your computer with malware (viruses, spyware, adware) rather than the videos or photos you may have been expecting.

In the fast-paced world of search engines you need to make sure your website is on the ball with its SEO practices. With every new feature Google and Bing roll out, the same basic knowledge remains the same: regularly updated content with relevant keywords will attract search results.

When your business is looking for quality, custom content for your website, newsletters, and social media look no further than We Do Web Content. Having unique content on your website is a great way to increase search engine rankings and boost your Internet marketing. For affordable, quality content exclusive to YOUR website, blog and clients, contact us today!  1-888-521-3880