It’s time we acknowledge that Google's dominance in the online world is unparalleled. All business owners know this already; but not all have accepted that in order to succeed in the market, we need to shift our mindset and put Google on a pedestal— treat Google as your #1 customer!
Majority of online experiences begin with a search engine, with Google reigning supreme as the top player. This means that Google is often the first point of contact between potential customers and your business. Therefore, it's crucial that you prioritize how Google perceives your website and online presence, as it can make or break your business's success.
Think of it this way: every time someone searches for a product or service related to your business, Google is essentially vouching for your brand. But if your website isn't optimized for search engines, or if your online reputation isn't up to par, Google may not even recommend your brand. By prioritizing Google as your primary customer and ensuring that your website and online presence are optimized for search engines, you can significantly increase your chances of being recommended by Google and attracting more potential customers to your business.
Not convinced? Let’s look at some hard stats on the power of Google.
Did You Know?
Google is the most visited website. As per the 2022 data from Similarweb, Google reigns supreme as the ultimate website traffic champion with a mind-boggling 89.3 billion monthly visits. It's no secret that billions of people worldwide turn to Google every day to satisfy their quest for answers, making it an invaluable tool for businesses of all shapes and sizes. But what truly sets Google apart is the comprehensive suite of services it offers. From the world-famous Gmail to Google News, Google Shopping, and even video and image hosting, Google has transformed into a one-stop shop for all things online. Refraining from tapping into the potential of Google for your business means you're missing out on a vast opportunity to succeed.
Google is the king Search Engine. As the most visited website on the planet, it's hardly a surprise that Google is also the reigning champion of the search engine market. According to GS Statcounter, as of January 2022, Google held a staggering 91.9% of the market share. To put that into perspective, Bing only managed to capture a mere 2.88% of the market share, while Yahoo! fared slightly better with just 1.51%. YANDEX and Baidu lagged even further behind with only 1.27% and 1.16% respectively. These statistics clearly illustrate that Google is the undisputed leader in the world of search engines. Any business that neglects the power of Google's platform is leaving a significant opportunity on the table to connect with potential customers.
Google processes over 99,000 searches every single second (Internet Live Stats, 2022). It's hard to fathom the sheer scale of Google's search engine prowess. As per the 2022 report from Internet Live Stats, Google processes an astounding 99,000 searches every second. This equates to a mind-boggling 8.5 billion searches daily. However, what truly sets Google apart is the meteoric rise it has experienced since its humble beginnings. In 1998, Google processed a mere 10,000 search queries per day. Yet, by 2006, it was capable of handling that same volume of searches in just one second. This remarkable evolution has firmly established Google as an indispensable tool for millions of users worldwide, enabling them to access information and businesses to reach out to their audiences with ease.
Google reigns supreme even on mobile devices. When it comes to mobile devices, Google remains the unchallenged king. It's fascinating to note that, as of 2019, a remarkable 63% of Google's US organic search traffic was generated by mobile devices (Merkleinc, 2019). Mobile search refers to searches that are carried out on a smartphone or tablet. It's worth noting that mobile searches on Google in the United States have been on the rise since the last quarter of 2013. Users on mobile devices are more likely to conduct location-based searches, such as finding the nearest store or restaurant. In addition, mobile searches are typically more focused on quick facts rather than in-depth research. This valuable insight can help businesses optimize their mobile search strategies for better results.
Most people are dependent on Google. Google has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, as we rely on it to provide us with answers to our inquiries throughout the day. A staggering 84% of people use Google three or more times per day to find what they need (Moz, 2019). But Google is more than just a search engine, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of its users. With the introduction of new search components like Featured Snippets and Knowledge Panels, Google has made it possible for us to find quick answers to our queries with even greater ease. We can now search for videos and images with improved accuracy, and Google's "People Also Ask" boxes have become an essential tool for digging deeper into our searches by showing us relevant additional questions. As we continue to turn to Google for answers, it's clear that its evolution will continue to shape our daily lives.
Almost half of all product searches begin on Google. Google is a major player in product searches, with almost half of all searches for products starting on the platform (Jumpshot, 2018). However, Amazon has recently taken the lead in product searches with 54% of searches starting on the e-commerce giant. The Jumpshot report also reveals that the two companies have been swapping positions since 2015, highlighting the constantly evolving nature of consumer behavior.
This information is invaluable for marketers looking to optimize their strategy and understand the customer journey. Knowing where product searches begin can help marketers determine their impact at different stages of the buying process. Whether it's through organic rankings or effective Google ads, providing the right information to searchers can help them make informed purchase decisions.
Why It Matters
When it comes to search engine technology, Google is unparalleled in its complexity. Google's intricate algorithms take into account various factors such as keywords, relevancy, and popularity to present users with the most relevant search results possible. As a search term is entered, Google analyzes its index of websites to find the most suitable content, which is established by Google's web crawlers, which traverse the internet, follow links, and scrutinize websites.
For businesses, comprehending how Google operates is critical to developing a successful online marketing strategy. With Google dominating the search engine market, obtaining a high ranking on Google search results can make or break a business. This is because a website with a high rank will generate more traffic, which can translate into more leads and sales. Neglecting to optimize your website for search engines could result in the loss of potential customers to competitors who rank higher in search results, underscoring the importance of understanding how Google works.
The Importance of Ranking High on Google Search Results
In the competitive world of online business, ranking high on Google search results is crucial. Google's dominance in the search engine market means that businesses must understand and optimize their online presence to increase their chances of being seen by potential customers. Research shows that most users do not venture beyond the first page of search results, making it even more important for businesses to rank high on Google.
For small businesses, in particular, ranking high on Google search results can level the playing field against larger competitors. By optimizing their online presence, small businesses can compete with larger companies for market share and attract more traffic to their websites. This is a significant advantage for businesses that rely on online traffic to generate leads and sales.
The Google Algorithm and How It Determines Rankings
Google's algorithm is the secret sauce that determines the rankings of websites on its search results page. This algorithm considers a range of factors, including keyword relevance, content quality, page speed, and backlinks. However, the exact formula for this algorithm is a closely guarded secret.
Despite this lack of transparency, businesses can still work to optimize their websites for search engines by focusing on the most important ranking factors. Keyword relevance is a top priority, as businesses must use relevant keywords that are commonly searched for by their target audience. In addition, the quality of the website's content plays a significant role in determining rankings. By providing high-quality, original content that is relevant to users, businesses can improve their chances of ranking higher on Google's search results page.
The Importance of Having a Strong Online Presence for SEO
A strong online presence is no longer a luxury for businesses; it's a necessity. In today's digital age, having a well-designed website and active social media profiles can make or break a business's success. This is especially true when it comes to SEO and ranking high on Google search results.
A website that is optimized for search engines is more likely to rank higher on Google search results. This means using relevant keywords in website content and metadata, having high-quality backlinks, and ensuring that the website is mobile-friendly and has a fast loading time. Additionally, having a strong social media presence can help increase brand awareness and attract more traffic to a business's website.
A strong online presence can also help businesses establish trust with potential customers. When a business has a professional website and active social media profiles, potential customers are more likely to view that business as credible and trustworthy. This can lead to increased engagement, higher conversion rates, and ultimately, more sales.
In short, having a strong online presence is essential for businesses that want to improve their SEO and attract more customers. By investing in website design, content marketing, and social media, businesses can increase their visibility, establish trust, and ultimately, achieve greater success.
How to Make It Happen
Marketing to Google can be challenging without the right tools and resources. Let’s briefly explore some of the most important tools and resources for marketing to Google and how businesses can use them to their advantage.
Google Analytics: Tracking Website Traffic and User Behavior
Google Analytics is a powerful tool for tracking website traffic and user behavior. It provides businesses with valuable insights into their website's performance and helps them understand how users are interacting with their site. Google Analytics tracks a range of metrics, including pageviews, bounce rate, time on site, and conversion rate.
One of the most important benefits of Google Analytics is that it allows businesses to track the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns. By setting up conversion tracking, businesses can see which marketing channels are driving the most traffic and conversions to their site. This information can then be used to optimize marketing campaigns and improve overall website performance.
Search Console and Keyword Planner: Other Google Tools for Marketing
In addition to Google Analytics, there are other Google tools that businesses can use for marketing to Google. Two of the most important are Search Console and Keyword Planner.
Search Console is a free tool that allows businesses to monitor their website's presence on Google search results. It provides valuable information about how Google crawls and indexes their site, as well as any errors or issues that may be affecting their search engine visibility. By using Search Console, businesses can optimize their website for search engines and improve their rankings on Google search results.
Keyword Planner is another valuable tool for businesses looking to market to Google. It allows businesses to research and analyze keywords, which are essential for optimizing content for search engines. By using Keyword Planner, businesses can identify the most relevant keywords for their industry and target them in their content and marketing campaigns.
SEMrush and Ahrefs: Keyword Research and Competitive Analysis
While Google's own tools are essential for marketing to Google, businesses can also benefit from using third-party tools for keyword research and competitive analysis. Two of the most popular tools for this are SEMrush and Ahrefs.
SEMrush provides businesses with a range of features for keyword research, including keyword suggestions, search volume data, and keyword difficulty scores. It also allows businesses to track their keyword rankings and analyze their competitors' rankings.
Ahrefs is another powerful tool for keyword research and competitive analysis. It provides businesses with detailed insights into their competitors' website traffic and backlinks, as well as keyword research and analysis tools.
Make Google King
In today's digital world, treating Google as your #1 customer can make all the difference for businesses looking to succeed. With the vast majority of online experiences beginning with a search engine, it's clear that Google is where potential customers will first encounter your brand. By understanding how Google works and optimizing your website and online presence for search engines, businesses can increase their chances of being recommended by Google and attracting more potential customers.
But the benefits of focusing on Google go beyond just search engine optimization. A strong online presence and effective marketing strategy can also help businesses establish trust with potential customers and stand out in a crowded marketplace. By providing valuable content, engaging with customers on social media, and utilizing tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush, businesses can create a robust digital footprint and reach more potential customers.
So, whether you're a small business owner or a marketing professional, it's time to shift your focus to Google and make them a focus. By mastering its algorithms, leveraging its tools, and delivering value to users, you can increase your chances of success in the highly competitive world of online business.
If you need help navigating the world of SEO and optimizing your online presence for Google, reach out and our marketing experts at Craft will help!