Lisa Forgan's Blog

Here is a quick review over some of the search engine's updates that will have impacts on where you may get impacted in the results.

Google

Back in November, Google had released their Instant Previews to improve search results and user satisfaction. At first there were problems with the previews not displaying properly. Google has fixed the issue, except for flash. Google recommends using 'previews vs. clicks' when filtering information in analytic.

Bing

Bing has successful intergration with Facbook features in its search engines. Users will have to opt-in. This allows them to see 'likes' from friends in their results. The results shown will only be of those whom you are a member of in Facebook and friends with a person.

Also, when Windows Phone 7 was released so was the Bing for Mobile app. The app is preinstalled on the Windows phone and Android users can download the app. During the launch Bing updated Maps home page with redesigned menus, more access to Map Apps and Street Views, and gave more controls.

Yahoo

In response to Google Instant, Yahoo announced testing of Rich Search Assistant. Their format provides only answers, not the results, and will focus on news, sports, TV, and other trendy topics. Yahoo’s Local interface is trying to be geared towards content versus directory. The feature is currently in beta, but it would contain community content, daily deals, news and events. Also, Yahoo’s new local search quick apps now lets you circle an area and display the top five picks in the area, using Sketch-a-search app. OpenTable app lets you choose and book a table online within the search results. You also can compare, price, distance, cuisine and rate restaurants with the Restaurant Comparison app.