In the world of search marketing, significant moments can shape the industry and have lasting effects on how we find information online. One such moment occurred on February 29th when “Spreading Santorum” dropped from the top results on Google. This page defined “santorum” as a byproduct of anal sex, and its removal marked a shift in how Google handles adult content.
The page may have been removed, but the related anti-Santorum blog remained, keeping the definition alive. Additionally, a page from Urban Dictionary continued to provide an explicit definition of “santorum.” Google attributed this ranking change to its improved SafeSearch algorithm, which aimed to make irrelevant adult content less likely to appear in search results.
This development was covered extensively in an article titled “Spreading Santorum Drops At Google; New Site Keeps Anal Sex Definition At Number One.” The article delved into the details of Google’s algorithm update and explored the ongoing presence of the definition on other platforms.
On the same day, Bing made waves with its “Search Wave” tool. This new feature showcased the search volume for 2016 presidential candidates, providing insights into the public’s interest in each candidate leading up to Super Tuesday primaries. This tool was a great resource for political analysts and enthusiasts alike, offering valuable data on search trends.
Another noteworthy event in search marketing history occurred in 2012 when Experian Hitwise reported that downstream traffic from msnNOW to Bing had increased by 21%. This raised questions about whether msnNOW was artificially inflating searches on Bing. The article titled “msnNOW Is Driving More Traffic To Bing, But Is It Artifically Inflating Searches?” explored this phenomenon and examined the potential implications for both platforms.
A comScore study from the same year revealed that 49% of smartphone and tablet owners were using apps to find local information. This finding highlighted the growing importance of mobile apps in search and local discovery. The study suggested that half of all local-mobile searches were happening within apps, indicating a shift in user behavior and preferences.
In acquisition news, Groupon made a significant move in 2012 by purchasing travel search site Uptake. The article titled “Groupon Buys Travel Search Site Uptake Mostly For Headcount” shed light on this acquisition and the ambitions of Uptake, which unfortunately never achieved the level of success it had hoped for.
In 2008, YouTube made an exciting announcement that it would be adding live video streaming capabilities. This update was highly anticipated by users who were eager to share real-time experiences and events through the platform. The article highlighted YouTube’s founder’s comments about the challenges they faced in implementing this feature and their commitment to doing it correctly.
Rumors also circulated in 2008 that IAC was ready to drop Ask.com’s search technology and partner with Google instead. However, Ask.com denied these rumors, stating that their Teoma technology would continue to power search engine results on their platform. This article provided insights into the competitive landscape of search engines at the time and the strategies they employed to stay relevant.
Lastly, a lighthearted segment titled “Search In Pictures: SMX Bowl, Google Jeans, Bart’s Chalk Board” showcased images depicting the daily lives of employees at various search engine companies. From what they ate to how they played and whom they met, these images provided a glimpse into the culture and personalities behind these tech giants.
These significant moments in search marketing history offer valuable insights into the evolution of the industry and its impact on how we search for information online. From algorithm updates to acquisitions and technological advancements, each event shaped the landscape of search marketing in its own unique way. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to reflect on these moments and understand their implications for the future of search.
