Search Queries Are Getting Wordier
This blog entry was posted on March 17, 2009.
A new report from HitWise shows that web searchers are using more words in each search query when compared to just a year ago. Each year we see reports of longer search phrases as people look for information on Google and other search engines. This shift has steadily increased at about 3% each year.
By comparing OneStat data (April 2003) to the latest data from HitWise (Feb 2009); we can see a clear shift in search behavior. People are using fewer 1, 2 and 3 word searches. There is an increase in 4-8 word search phrases. To find what they are looking for, people are increasing to longer search phrases.
When we look at the average number of words being used in a search; this has increased from about 2.5 in 2003 to 3.1 in 2009. This trend is expected to continue.
This is important to know when selecting keyword phrases for your website. The wrong keywords will bring only lookers; the right ones bring willing buyers. Choosing the right keywords will bring targeted traffic.
Keyword Psychology
Is it better to focus on phrases of one or two words? Should you choose phrases with three to five words? It really depends on your goals. First we need to look at the psychology behind how people search.
When people use one or two words they are researching. They are trying to learn and understand a subject. In this phase they are not ready or likely to buy something. If your goal is to educate, then one or two word phrases should be your focus.
When people use three to five words or more they are in a buying mode. They will use more specific terms, frequently with manufacturers’ names or model numbers. If your goal is to sell, then your focus should be on three to five word phrases.
If You Like this posting please +1 it!
Related posts:
Filed under: Internet Marketing,SEO Strategies
This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 at 3:58 am and is filed under Internet Marketing, SEO Strategies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.No Comments
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post. | TrackBack URL
