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"Related Searches" is silly

related to what?

         

danny

11:52 am on Aug 7, 2003 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



On my book reviews, I have "related reviews" links. On my free software advocacy documents, I have links to related advocacy documents. On my travelogues, I have links to related travelogues. I'd love to have "related searches" links on my search results pages (but htsearch isn't that smart, unfortunately).

But what on earth does "related searches" mean on a random page? Are they searches of the site, of the entire web? Are they related to the ads above, or to the page, or to the site as a whole? I really can't see how confusing users in that way can be a good idea.

PolishGuy

12:02 pm on Aug 7, 2003 (gmt 0)




But what on earth does "related searches" mean on a random page? Are they searches of the site, of the entire web?

these searches are related to reducing the amount of money that google will pay to publishers.

can you imagine this: I have on one of my sites "related searches: free widgets" and above this is Ad for "buy widgets for just 5 cents".

so they are hurting us (publishers) and they are hurting advertisers.

bannner Ads say: buy widget
and under these Ads the related searches say "free widgets".

it is pure nonsense. it is bad and evil.
Google Guy once said that Google cares about publishers who deliver content but now it looks like Google screws publishers...

vincevincevince

12:05 pm on Aug 7, 2003 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



don't be ridiculous! it is in google's interest to up your CTR. if they use related searches and find a free widgets page, then google's not billed the adwords advertiser, and google's not made any money.

this is about adding value to increase brand name awareness and quality perception.

danny

12:06 pm on Aug 7, 2003 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



I'm less concerned (in this thread) about the effects of the links than about their poor usability. It would make much more sense to use something like "Search Google for X" - that makes it clear to users where the links will take them.

Paul in South Africa

12:15 pm on Aug 7, 2003 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



It would make much more sense to use something like "Search Google for X"

One of the most sensible comments made in all the noise about related searches. The way the related searches are presented at the moment does not really indicate to the surfer that they are going to be taken to a Google SERP.

A slightly off topic diversion although related to the title of the thread. On one of my sites I have a page about a particular golf course which is set in a conservation area. Part of the text on the page describes the fauna and flora and makes mention of the types of animals and birds that can be seen. One of the related searches kill deer.

PolishGuy

12:43 pm on Aug 7, 2003 (gmt 0)



kill deer

similar to "free widgets" in Related Search words, under AdSense banner that tries to sell widgets.