The Next Generation of Search

Back in May Google announced its critical first steps toward a Universal Search model that will offer users a more comprehensive way to search for and view information online.
View the Video Here.

Universal Search is the integration of multiple kinds of media such as images, blogs, videos and maps into the standard search engine results.

This means that those companies utilizing strategies like recruitment blogs, and recruitment video can expect to be found in the natural search results.

Universal Search also known as blended search is rapidly becoming the next big step in search engine evolution. Results of this effort so far have been subtle; however as Google’s Universal Search algorithm improves you will see more of a fluctuation in your current website rankings.

What Does This Means To You

Universal Search means search engine optimization can no longer exist in isolation. Those looking to leverage search engine optimization for there corporate career websites will have to now look beyond organic results and adopt a more holistic perspective.

Until now, career site optimization dealt almost exclusively with text content optimization. However with universal search, it is important that career websitesleverage other channels link: video, images, blogs and more!

How Corporate Website can Leverage Universal Search

Universal Search requires a wide-range content strategy. Manoj Jasra
gives us 3 ways to leverage this new generation of search.

• When using images in your web pages consider adding related keywords to both the name of the image (filename - ie: imagename.jpg) and the alt text
  
• When uploading videos to YouTube and Google video take full advantage of adding a full description about your video.
  
• Promote your uploaded videos on your blog or through press releases. The higher your ratings and the number of views, the more authoritative your video.
  

Universal Search is Powerful

A few months back, Cheezhead witnessed the power of universal search, when his faux super bowl video appeared on the first page of Google.

As Google’s new algorithm builds momentum, we will begin to see more Universal Search influence on search results pages. Those that expand the reach of their corporate websites will be the ones that prosper in this new era of search.