With the roll out of Google Instant, many users have enjoyed the benefits of real-time predictive queries. A smarter, faster search engine helped fine tune searches immediately, resulting in users no longer having to rely on a search-refine-search cycle. Not only do users have access to more relevant results, they also no longer have to commit to a query. With Google Instant suggesting results, a user can refine their search immediately by looking into queries they previously hadn’t considered. Now that the first page of results is ever changing, how can your business adjust? It’s simple:  optimize your site and reap the benefits of adapting to new search trends.

Increase the value of your SEO strategy

The importance of your SEO strategy has never been greater. Google Instant not only sends more qualified traffic to your site, but can also be used as a tool to optimize your SEO strategy. While every well planned strategy already includes the following, utilizing Google Instant can help you fine tune each element to retain or increase traffic.

1. Meta Descriptions: Point users in the right direction by using Google Instant yourself!  See what Instant suggests as you search for your business, your industry, or your competitors. Use the suggested results to help you create more beneficial meta descriptions.

2. Keywords: Use Google Instant’s suggestions to target popular keywords that relate to your business. Align yourself with the most popular phrases to increase your visibility, but don’t stop there. Expand on the suggestions and target phrases that will help keep you at the top for simple and more detailed search queries. Anticipate your clients’ wants and optimize with keywords (and phrases) accordingly.

3. Focused yet Varied Content: Use Google’s suggestions! It won’t help to align yourself with results if you lack related content. Google Instant also presents a “Something Different” menu which allows users to take a look at your competitors. Make sure they’re not tempted by this by providing the content they’re looking for, and not misleading them to visit your site. Also keep a strong presence on various sites. Social networking is important in creating a relationship with your clients and can bring up multiple results when someone searches for your business name.  

 Additional tips for using Google Instant

Google is all about personalization. Keep this in mind as you use Google Instant for suggestions to apply to your business. Try performing searches while logged in to your Google account, then log out and search again. Think like a potential client! Think like someone who might not know what to search for and like someone who knows exactly what they want. Many searches relate to local content; make sure you not only search for industry related suggestions, but localize your results by including your city.

 The key to making Google Instant work for your business is to use it as a tool to adjust your SEO strategy for an ever changing search environment. While users think of Google Instant as a way to shorten their search time, you should think of it as an opportunity to attract more qualified traffic instantly and a tool to strengthen your SEO tactics.