What does Universal Search Mean?

Well, it means that when you search on Google you will now see things such as videos, news, products and images in the search results.

Why is this important?

Understanding Universal Search is VERY important, because you can now show up in search results for keyword phrases in a variety of ways and you no longer only have to depend on your web site to help you.

SEO & SEM are not just about your web site. With today’s Internet you need to know how to optimize web sites, videos, images, blogs, products/shopping carts and much more. When you use all of the resources you have to increase your business’ visibility you have a much better chance of obtaining more clients/customers.

What Businesses Need to Do

All businesses, consultants, non-profit organizations etc. need to take advantage of universal search to advertise their business/organization and to make more money. Check out an article at Single Grain about Video Search Optimization. Use video and increase your visibility.

I wrote about a little experiment I did about adding a news story to this blog (oh and over 300 more people have visited the Hogan story since I discussed the experiment). Optimize your images; name them appropriately. Research products you sell and see how they are doing in the SERPs. What can you do to mimic the success of others selling your products?

Keep all of these things in mind and do not forget optimizing for local search.

Here are some great articles about universal search:

Universal and Blended Vertical Search

How to Capitalize on Google Universal Search

Google Revamps Search Results Landscape with Universal Search

Melissa- SEOAware.com