Forum Moderators: Robert Charlton & goodroi
I'm not sure of the history behind that button, perhaps it was placed there because Google wanted to demonstrate they provided good results (although luck shouldn't have anything to do with it). But to me it seems a bit outdated. I'm interested in other expert opinions too:
Why do you think the button is there?
How much longer do you think Google will keep the button?
How frequently do you think it's used? / Do you ever use it?
Does the button cost Google money or does it build goodwill?
Don't think it makes them any money, it's just a small service for surfers. I never use it.
I doubt it stays on it forever.
Peronsally I never use it if I am performing a general search as I want to be able to see all results including sponsored results.
Can be useful for tapping in a company name though and going directly to it. I love to save a click whenever possible!
Does it cost Google? Well I guess if general Joe searcher uses it and gets a good result then it means she will not see the sponsored ads at all!
It always has been and perhaps it's original use has become outdated but remains a nostalgic symbol of the company and its search page.
How much longer do you think Google will keep the button?
Forever.
How frequently do you think it's used? / Do you ever use it?
Maybe more than we imagine, personally I never use it.
Does the button cost Google money or does it build goodwill?
Not sure it costs them anything, perhaps a sign of familiarity? If it was missing how quick would you notice?
Why do you think the button is there?
My guess is that at one time Google did this to demonstrate how good their search engine is...
How much longer do you think Google will keep the button?
Not sure. It does save some time...
How frequently do you think it's used? / Do you ever use it?
I only use it when I know the answer is obvious.
Does the button cost Google money or does it build goodwill?
It does cost Google money because they are missing out on sponsored results. In today's marketplace, I'm not sure it builds goodwill any longer. I suppose Google keeps it there for nostalgic reasons.
- How much longer do you think Google will keep the button?
Some years until someone realize there is no sponsored links in lucky searches.
- How frequently do you think it's used? / Do you ever use it?
I think it's rarely used. I do not use it because I do not search from the Google homepage but from the Google toolbar.
- Does the button cost Google money or does it build goodwill?
It cost a very small amount. A few sponsored links lost.
Google also had a message on their homepage about doing that for a while.
It may also relate to the "20%" play policy Google has..and the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button brings that spirit into the main interface..
You can bet that if this were affecting Google's revenues (as in suddenly 50% of all users hit this button as their first entry point into the SERPs .. and by passing the PPC)... then this button would get nuked in a heartbeat...(or is that in the blink of an eye)...
Hey..that brings up an interesting question:
How many blinks of an eye are in a heartbeat?
I think there are many heartbeats between blinks...
If you had something with that much history, would you pull it off your page? I wouldn't without a good reason.
And I doubt that they are losing much money with that button. They don't get paid for showing ads, they get paid for clicks. the people that choose "I'm feeling Lucky" aren't shopping, they are looking for a specific site or specific information.
As someone else said, most people just het enter when they finish typing in their query.
Got a call from a niche directory that sells listings for $300 - $800/year. The agent told me how successful their directory was in Google, and that without purchasing a placement, 'no one will find your site'. (This seems to be the favorite threat of directory salesmen.)
Asked if she was in front of a computer and what keywords would be targeted for our site (location, niche). She typed in the keywords and I told her to select 'I'm Feeling Lucky'. Viola! There we were.
'How much did that cost you!?'
'Just a lot of sweat equity.'
Delicious.
You can do a "I'm Feeling Lucky" search from the toolbar by pressing Shift+Enter.
Also, "I'm Feeling Lucky" does not appear on results pages. The only way to "Feel Lucky" on Google sites is from the homepage using the button (hence very low usage).
I never use it either but think that the button gives you an option; therefore adds value to the Google Search button. In addition to that, you realize that you never consider yourself lucky! ;)
Type your search term there and Google pops up the "lucky" website directly.
Goodwill?
