Real Time Search – Is Your Small Business Prepared?

Isabel Isidro

September 1, 2010

Tough Decisions Ahead Road Sign

One of the biggest changes in search in recent months is the introduction of real time search. The big three – Google, Yahoo and Bing – now incorporate social media posts and other types of content in their search results.




Searching on Google for “Hurricane Earl” now leads to a blended search results page where one can find news, videos, Twitter posts, blog posts, even videos and images. The top 10 organic results have now been pushed down, more so when local business results and maps are added to the mix.

The search engines have realized that there are now two main sources of information to users: recommendations from friends, contacts and peers in social media, and their traditional search engine results. To make their search engines timely, they need to incorporate and bring into their search listings the parallel world of social media. They also realized the need to show other types of content, such as blogs, videos and news.

Many complain that the move to real time search have made for one big clutter in the search results. But it is what it is. Instead of complaining, small business owners need to think how they make sure that they are visible in the search results, amidst the clutter and other types of information.

So what does it mean to small website owners?

1. Get even better in search engine optimization.

Whereas before search engines only show the top 10 organic results in the first page of the search results, now your top 10 ranking is pushed down with listings of videos, posts from social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and even MySpace. In fact, unless you are in the top 2 spots, chances are your listing may be below the fold, possibly reducing the clicks that your search engine listing generates. Instead of simply aiming for the top 10, aim higher and try to get to the topmost spots in the organic search results.

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2. Become social!

Now is the time to actively develop your presence – and build your authority in the social media landscape. If you think Twitter is only for those who have lots of extra time in their hands, well, think again. It is important that you start looking at how to develop a strong presence in social media. Create a Facebook page and get your users to like and talk about your site and products. Start a Twitter account, and learn how to encourage retweets of your posts and to increase your @ mentions.

3. Study your analytics.

Now is the time to seriously take a look at your analytics to see what’s driving traffic to your site. Watch out for the keywords that you are ranking – and where you should be ranking. Find out which sites are linking to you – and what should be linking to you. Look for opportunities where you can generate traffic and sales.

4. Time to diversify.

Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, now is the time to seriously look at marketing strategies that you need to consider. Doing nothing may result to decreasing traffic for your site, as your search engine traffic may be reduced and if you are unable to take advantage of the expanded social search.

5. Work to get your site considered as a news source.

Google places news items at the top of the search result listings. This implies that sites considered as news sources have better chances of being visible in the search results. Check how your site can be considered as a news source. In Google, your site needs to submit an application for consideration http://www.google.com/support/news_pub/, while Bing News include sites they feel would qualify as a news source straight into their news listings.

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Author
Isabel Isidro
Isabel Isidro is the Co-founder of PowerHomeBiz.com, one of the longest-running online resources dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow home-based and small businesses. She is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Ysari Digital, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, content strategy, and performance marketing for small and mid-sized businesses. With over two decades of experience in online business development, Isabel has launched and managed multiple successful websites, including Women Home Business, Starting Up Tips and Learning from Big Boys.Passionate about empowering others to succeed in business, Isabel combines real-world experience with a deep understanding of digital marketing, monetization strategies, and lean startup principles. A mom of three boys, avid vintage postcard collector, and frustrated scrapbooker, she brings creativity and entrepreneurial hustle to everything she does. Connect with her on Twitter Twitter or explore her work at PowerHomeBiz.com.

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10 thoughts on “Real Time Search – Is Your Small Business Prepared?”

  1. Meu nome é EMANUEL GONÇALVES DA SILVA, sou consultor NOTÓRIO SABER EM NEGOCIAÇÃO DE DÍVIDAS, escritor e instrutor de palestras.
    Venho apresentar proposta de parceria, você divulga aos seus clientes nosso livro e serviços, com base nos negócios fechados terá uma excelente participação.
    Nossos serviços à disposição de são:
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    -Pendências com Bancos, Cartões de crédito, etc.
    -Reduzimos os valores significativamente e baixamos serasa e spc legalmente.
    -Cursos, palestras para funcionários de empresas que estão com problemas e sem rumo.
    Aceitamos outras sugestões de parceria.
    Positivamente,
    71-99499075 – Vivo
    71-92342277 – Tim

  2. Meu nome é EMANUEL GONÇALVES DA SILVA, sou consultor NOTÓRIO SABER EM NEGOCIAÇÃO DE DÍVIDAS, escritor e instrutor de palestras.
    Venho apresentar proposta de parceria, você divulga aos seus clientes nosso livro e serviços, com base nos negócios fechados terá uma excelente participação.
    Nossos serviços à disposição de são:
    -Evitamos busca apreensão de veículos
    -Reduzimos as prestações
    -Garantimos acordos para quitação total do financiamento bastante favorável.
    -Pendências com Bancos, Cartões de crédito, etc.
    -Reduzimos os valores significativamente e baixamos serasa e spc legalmente.
    -Cursos, palestras para funcionários de empresas que estão com problemas e sem rumo.
    Aceitamos outras sugestões de parceria.
    Positivamente,
    71-99499075 – Vivo
    71-92342277 – Tim

  3. Sadly it’s just going to make it even harder for small businesses to get exposure on the search engines as organic results get pushed further down the pecking order. News results will almost always be dominated by the big boys, social networking is probably the best way to go as real time searches are phased in, but you’d need to commit to being extremely active to gain the most exposure possible.

  4. Sadly it’s just going to make it even harder for small businesses to get exposure on the search engines as organic results get pushed further down the pecking order. News results will almost always be dominated by the big boys, social networking is probably the best way to go as real time searches are phased in, but you’d need to commit to being extremely active to gain the most exposure possible.

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