I know it's been around for a while. However, things have changed in this past week. In almost all my previous search results, checking my rankings, there were no "shopping results". But now? In almost all situations, the "Shopping results" shows up on page 1. That means? It means, a lot less space on page 1. It means more competition, especially from the big guys like Buy.com and Amazon.com. It simply crowds out page 1, and will see even less page 1 rankings. That much harder now. What's worse, is that you get a text link result, but the shopping results get a nice photo along with their link. Things to me, are looking more and more grim. I see a movement towards Google reducing any free traffic especially for anyone in ecommerce. This is very significant, whether or not you have noticed. This has just been introduced more widely. If you don't care, then you have your head stuck in the sand.
I am starting to learn Affiliate Marketing and already bad news is creeping in. I think this new shopping results effect marketers right ?
Think of it this way. If you enjoyed page 1 search results for your site, enjoy it for now. It's the reality of space. Like the front page of a newspaper. Only so much space right? So, with the infestation of "Google shopping results", along with blog, news, and video results, I think you can do the math. It seems to me, that page 1 is going to go from 10 websites to about 5. Now of course, you can make videos, blogs, shopping feeds etc to break into those other page 1 elements, but gone are the days of free or calculated traffic/search rankings.
That's what I noticed as well! It confirms the theory that Google's more interested to make mony rather than providing a user friendly experience.
Really? So the increased presence of "shopping results" is just because of the build up to Christmas? I would like to think you are correct, but can you verify this somehow? Obviously there is a push for "Google Products". I have checked this section of Google and honestly it gives me a headache. Having said that, if this isn't a temporary "invasion", then this spells significant trouble for a lot of us who want page 1 ranking websites. I do have some fear about this because it came on quickly and suddenly. It was like the beast was unleashed. So, for those not in the google product feed (which I am just learning about), you are missing or will miss out in a big way. It's like, why would your click a text link if you see an image link associated with "google shopping results". For my area, I see Sears, Amazon, Buy, Radio Shack, etc. Hmm. That seems awfully grim to me for the future hopes of actually gaining some traffic. Again, I'm going with the feeling that "free traffic" for store/eccommerce is something that is being slowly pushed away. I hope I'm wrong, and that this increase in shopping results is because of the time of year, and not because of Googles shift in page 1 results.
I would guess it is the rollout of the holiday algo we have seen every year. You know Google's big secret that we all know about and they deny.
Google's results are becoming more of a mess these day. With al the "See also" crap, ads, videos, etc. Some searches become down right confusing and annoying.
I would say cluttered would be a great description. I think the shopping season being the reason for increased "shopping results from google" would make a lot of sense. If this is a temporary type situation, then I am obviously less concerned. I still don't know a lot about this aspect of Google and I suppose I'm caught with my pants down. If it doesn't cost anything to add my sites to those listings, and we all have an equal or close to equal shot at this, then I'm fine with it. However, I see Buy, Amazon, Radio Shack, Sears, etc, which has me thinking it's another form of adwords, except now in the middle of search results. I feel like a newb, but I'm not a newb.
My clients sites are smashed all over the front page due to this.... Just in time for the season and looks like part of the caffeine update. Wish they would stay at the top instead of sometimes showing in the middle. Well worth arguing about the next update Except they are not listed in the shopping results.
Its 100% Christmas related, don't worry too much, i know what i am talking about, it will fix itself gradually after black friday! Google is Goodle , everyone needs shopping for the holidays !
What you can do is create unique title and unique keywords that differentiate yourself from other online retailers.
Thanks guys. Although I have been caught with my pants down around my ankles, I will be prepared for next year! I'm always willing to accept my newbie inside, when in fact I've been humbled. I'm very in tune with what's going on in terms of Google search result trends. Having said that, this whole product/shopping aspect is completely new to me. *pulls up pants*
Google’s third-quarter profit is its highest ever http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33333467/ns/business-earnings