Google has long been the search industry leader. Although there are other search engines that are up for competition these days, Google is still the main focus of most search engine optimization plans today. It makes sense to look at Google when you want to find out what your keywords should be.

The search engine giant has always provided a certain number of resources for site owners to use during their SEO. Smart site owners and search engine optimization experts are also aware that Google has its own objectives to promote, and so seek to back up any keyword predictions with independent research. There is one area that all site owners can use to provide reliable keyword results, however, and that is the search engine itself.

Using Google for your own ends

Site owners have always had the option of performing keyword research through simple Google searches. Often, such a simple move is overlooked, with the many keyword research tools coming into favour instead. When it comes to simple, reliable and up-to-the-minute keyword research, you really can’t beat simply typing your keyword selection straight into the search box.

As time has gone by, Google has even provided a handy extra step with its keyword prediction functions. These functions, which provide a list of popular searches based on the characters already typed, have changed the way internet users search to a certain extent. Instead of completing their inquiry, the user may choose to click on one of Google’s predictions, even if it doesn’t exactly match the search term they were typing.

What does this mean? Well, it means that it’s a good idea to pay attention to Google’s suggestions. Your target users are probably using them to search for your site. It’s a good idea to talk to your SEO company about using Google in keyword research. You can discuss this with us at SEO Consult Australia.

Google Instant and its effects on search

Google’s introduction of Google Instant this year is going to have an impact on how internet users find sites, and makes it even more important for the average company to predict what its users are looking for. Instant, which churns out results based on Google’s prediction of what the user is typing, gives sites a chance to be represented before the user completes their search term.

Obviously, you want to flash up as many times as possible when your target users are in the middle of a search. The more times your site appears, the more likely it is that a particular user will click. This may mean a broadening of your keyword list for SEO.

How keyword prediction and instant search may affect the future

All of Google’s changes can have an effect on your site, to a certain extent. The use of predictive search terms and the introduction of Instant search are both big moves. It’s important to pay attention to Google, but don’t completely pander to them. Your main attention still needs to be on your target audience, as they are guiding where Google is going.