Jane Leung
Sep 9, 2010

Google launches Instant search feature saving 3.5 billion seconds a day

HONG KONG – Google has released a new search feature called Google Instant that will enable search results to start popping up while the user is still typing.

Googe Instant
Googe Instant

Google Instant predicts search behaviour by suggesting and finishing keywords or phrases typed into the search box.

According to the Google Blog, the new service provides "dynamic yet relevant results, predictions of the rest of the query in gray text and scroll-throughs on predicted materials to get a wider spectrum on searches."

The new feature, which required Google to invest in new caching systems and a compatible page-rendering JavaScript to match on users’ typing speed, is said to save between two and five seconds per search, saving more than 3.5 billion seconds a day across the world.

As far as advertisers are concerned, the new real-time data search system raises questions like how could one be at the top of the search prediction while still being relevant to searchers.

Antony Yiu, iProspect’s managing director in Hong Kong and regional search director for North Asia, suggested that this could lead to a natural spike in search volume.

Yiu explains, “If you see how Google displays the instant search box, it actually pushes down the number of search results that can are shown above the fold (before you scroll down).” Search engine optimisation is therefore key to keeping marketer websites and other digital assets on the first display page.

“From a SEO perspective, it actually becomes more important for companies to get top rankings, especially for some generic terms,” he continues. Advertisers will now need to learn which keywords Google Instant will suggest and predict beforehand.

From a search engine marketing perspective, Yiu continues, “Instead of just buying 'Hong Kong Hotel Discount', the advertiser may need to opt in to buy keywords such as ‘Hong Kong Hotel’. This is because a searcher will be exposed to Google ads for 'Hong Kong Hotel' before they finish typing ‘Hong Kong Hotel Discount’."

Google Instant is now available in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Russia.

VP of search products and user experience at Google Marissa Mayer said, “Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll work to roll out Google Instant to all geographies and platforms.” Google Instant will also be made available in different languages.

Source:
Campaign Asia

Related Articles

Just Published

3 hours ago

Publicis Groupe elevates Lisa Zhang to CEO role ...

A seasoned leader and Campaign’s Greater China Agency Head of the Year in 2024, Liza Zhang, will oversee MSL and Publicis Influence in China.

14 hours ago

Polestar takes (subtle) aim at Tesla as EV wars heat up

The new OOH campaign from Forsman & Bodenfors is promoting big rebates for Tesla owners.

21 hours ago

WPP reports 2.7% revenue decline in Q1 2025

China continues to slip, recording the steepest revenue dip among WPP's top five markets.

22 hours ago

Reaping Jumbo profits: How brands see a niche in ...

How did an animated film about an orphan’s journey to find courage become Southeast Asia’s highest-grossing animation? Smart product placement and brand collaborations played a key role.