How does Google build their list of search suggestions?

[Adam5000]

On Google, I've noticed when I begin to key in search words, before I finish, a list of possibilities appears below the search box. And my question is, how does Google know which words or terms to put on the list?

[wheel]

speculation only, but maybe from other searches people do, or related terms on pages and links?

in any event, its one of the best sources of terms to write articles on :).

[tedster]

There's lots of information on the Google Suggest pages in the Google Labs website, where it was first developed and introduced. For example:

Our algorithms use a wide range of information to predict the queries users are most likely to want to see. For example, Google Suggest uses data about the overall popularity of various searches to help rank the refinements it offers. An example of this type of popularity information can be found in the Google Zeitgeist. Google Suggest does not base its suggestions on your personal search history...

We try not to suggest queries that could be offending to a large audience of users... If you are aware of queries that should not be suggested, please let us know.

[labs.google.com...]

I'm sure it's more than just query frequency. For example, a lot of emphasis probably goes the most common query revisions, especially those following searches one word terms. That's not exactly the same as just using the most popular searches.

[skweb]

Plus they change over time. If you get John Doe for John now do not be surprised that Google starts suggesting John Smith because not many people picked John Doe.

[Adam5000]

That all sounds right wheel, tedster, and skweb. I figured it was more than just the number of times a search word had been entered. Thanks for your help and happy computing.

And now back to building my website. I've got a coming soon page up now, and have set an opening date for March 1, 2009. I hope I get it done in time. Whew.