Beyond Google: Why Other Search Engines are also Important

For companies that are keen on developing a strong online presence, search engine optimisation is not optional. While ‘search engine’ is a collective term for dozens, or even hundreds of others, the first site that comes to mind is Google, with Yahoo and Bing coming as a distant second.

This now begs the question: is it important to optimise for these other sites or just stick to requesting for Google marketing services?

The easy answer would be to optimise your online channels to rank at the top of these search engines. Given the difference between these engines, however, you might encounter contradictory techniques to rank on one or the other. For most people, the solution is simple. Do whatever it takes to make Google happy.

Of course, this is not a universal solution

A fair amount of market research still needs to be done. Google may have the majority, but certain places may prefer one engine over the other. This is especially crucial for small businesses employing local SEO techniques. To optimise your website for Google when Bing is the most popular engine in your area limits you from reaping the maximum profits of this technique.

While you can concentrate your efforts on marketing strategies to rank on a specific search engine, authentic and excellent content remains the most important strategy of all. Only high quality content will keep visitors on your website, hopefully long enough to retain your services or purchase your product.

All optimisation efforts should revolve around the visitors and to make them happy. Optimising for search engines, even Google, should only be secondary to the satisfaction of your future patrons.

Successful marketing strategies always involve a well-rounded scheme. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, as they say. If you’re going to invest in SEO, invest in other methods of advertisement and PR as well.