Cuil Runnings

Last week a new competitor entered into the scene to take on Google for the title as world’s greatest search engine running (actually created by former Google employees). Cuil (pronounced “cool”) brings your standard query to the next level, by not only running a search for a particular text but analyzes the surrounding content to formulate a more relevant result. The search engine stretches out across more web pages (apparently three times as many as Google and ten times as many as Microsoft). You’ll also find that your results won’t necessarily be the most popular sites visited so as to bring forth sites that may not be as frequently visited but happen to be more relevant to your search. Lastly, the program offers a new sense of privacy by not keeping record of the history of your searches.

Why is understanding how these large search engines work important to your e-business? Maximizing your presence on the search engine results page (SERP) allows for greater opportunities to attract potential customers, generates brand awareness, and ultimately leads to increased sales. Cuil shakes up the way we traditional view our SERPs by organizing them into columns with summary text and a picture. It also categorizes and offers suggested searches.

Search Engine Optimizers will need to take note of this new way of organic searching, and adjust accordingly. Understanding the mechanics behind the algorithms can be complex, but increasing your ranking means understanding how the SERP is both generated and formatted. Increasing ranking can include filling your webpage with significant content, images, and having a unique overall presentation. If your site isn’t currently highly ranked by the existing search engines, there could be a real opportunity with Cuil to place your site on the forefront if your site is presented correctly.

So far there are certainly kinks to be worked out with the running of this new search engine (site actually crashed the first day of its launch due to significant volume), but if it is able to deliver on what it has promised to offer, the site has a great deal of potential.

Let us know what you think about Cuil and if you think it has a chance at taking on Google!

Understanding SERPs – Thinking-Outside-the-Box

~Dreamscape Marketing Team

Marketing During Difficult Economic Times??

We are reminded everyday of the dreary state of our economy and when it comes to managing our business, first instinct may be to issue cutbacks in marketing. But it is important to remember that there are always opportunities in even the worst of market conditions and perhaps more so than ever, it is critical to remain a presence to your customers.

To generally explain the sentiment of the average consumer during such a distressed period, is that they are seeking reliability, loyalty, and a sense of strong family values from their brands. For this reason, advertising this very message is key in reminding your uncertain customers of your commitment to continue to serve their needs.

Keep in mind that your competitors may be issuing these very cutbacks. By remaining available to your customers, there is a real opportunity here to increase market share. Additionally, customers are out there looking for the best possible deal, so consider offering price promotions or discounts. From more of an operational standpoint, a re-evaluation of your low performing offerings may also be needed. Can any of your products be re-packaged? Is it possible to improve your means of distribution?

Think about an emphasis on direct marketing to further drive sales. Due to the fact we all are feeling the pressure of this economy, and this includes the media segment, you may also be able to come across some great paid advertising deals. Press releases and community involvement are a great way to reach out to potential customers, and the best part of it is that its free publicity. Again, the idea is that you want to continue to be available to your target market.

The Internet is a rather quick and inexpensive way to market your business. E-commerce sales continue to be on the rise despite the state of the economy and more individuals turn to the web to find answers, so there is a great opportunity to cast a wide net. However, with the number of sites available on the web, it is essential that you differentiate your site by making sure it is of the utmost quality and displays the highest level of credibility. A unique and user-friendly site will help better suit the needs of your existing customers and certainly draw in new customers.

Marketing your way through a difficult economy will prove to be valuable over the long run. This is mainly a result of your newly developed competitive advantage, and more importantly, demonstration of commitment to your customers.

Marketing through difficult times – Thinking Outside-the-Box
~Dreamscape Marketing Team