While the average search engine query is still around two words in length, Hitwise, an Experian company, has released data that shows the number of long queries (longer than four words) has grown over the past year. Searchers are using longer phrases and word strings to find more relevant content.
So why the increase in longer search strings? Here are my thoughts:
- People are realizing that search engines ‘get’ what they’re looking for and that more accurate descriptions bring more accurate results.
Searching for: books +used …
…has been replaced by…
“Communications and Interpersonal Relations” “William V. Haney” used book
And because of this, users are developing greater sophistication that goes beyond boolean searches.
- I also think this new level of sophistication comes from users not liking the results they get with broad, two-word searches. Let’s face it, the web is flooded with great, good and really crappy content. Often, the crap floats to the top. People have ralized they need to dig deeper with longer search terms to get what they want or face clicking through dozens, maybe hundreds of SERPs to find what they think they’re looking for.
What does this mean for SEO content writers and website owners? I suggest reviewing the keywords and phrases people are using to find your site and coming up with variations that you aren’t using on your web properties. Then go and research the popularity of those keywords and phrases. If you find popular ones, incorporate them into your site where appropriate…add new content pages if necessary.
If you don’t have the ability to do this, consider hiring an SEO content writer who has experience in keywords research and good results with longer search terms.
Raleigh, NC area SEO content writer Jason Pedley knows keywords. From titles and descriptions to footers and FAQ, Jason Pedley gives you content that people and search engines notice – no matter how long the search string is. Get a free SEO content quote from freelance SEO content copywriter Jason Pedley today.
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