Right to reply: Google’s ‘streaming’ search engine – impressive but that’s about where it ends

Google is supposedly testing a ‘streaming’ search engine which gives the searcher results even before they ask. Captured on video, the results pages can be seen to change according to the characters the enquirer types into the search box. Google literally updates the results whilst the searcher is typing. According to Adam Bunn, Head of SEO at UK-based independent specialist search and social marketing agency Greenlight, although it is a very impressive demonstration of processing power, that’s about where it ends.


“This is the second bizarre experiment we’ve seen Google try in the space of a few days, the first being the search engine results page (SERP) being dominated by one site. I’m dubious about the value it adds, and think if anything, people will be confused and turned off by it.
Consequently, however Google is measuring success of this, the results probably won’t be positive enough to warrant rolling this out to all. In both cases I would be highly surprised if the experiment works.”
Adams notes the SERPS being dominated by one domain would obviously be big news if it happens, making brands searches that are dominated by one site all but pointless to target with SEO.
However, he also stresses that the likelihood of Google rolling out either of these tests is low, and points out that Google does lots of tests all the time in its quest to improve the search experience. “Given the number of tests Google conducts there are always going to be some that miss the mark.”
By Adam Bunn
Head of SEO
Greenlight
http://www.greenlightsearch.com
About the author
Adam Bunn is Head of SEO at Greenlight. A search professional with over 6 years SEO experience behind him, he oversees natural search strategies for all Greenlight’s SEO clients such as Santander, Vodafone UK and Interflora. Adam has experience of building and leading strong SEO consultancy teams. Thanks to his industry expertise and broad knowledge as an SEO practitioner, he runs the in-house training program and is regularly called upon to train delegates at the IDM and industry conferences such as SES. Adam has also run bespoke external training programmes for the likes of First Conferences and Lastminute.com.
Adam regularly provides innovative thought leadership pieces, white papers and opinion pieces for trade publications including Econsultancy, UTalkMarketing and Tech Weekly.
www.greenlightsearch.com
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