In October, both Google and Microsoft announced their intention to integrate real-time Twitter searches into Google.com and Bing.com’s search results. The agreements clearly benefit all parties; both search engines are able to leverage real-time results, and Twitter achieves a new, indisputable level of legitimacy. And just this week, an article in BusinessWeek confirmed that Twitter’s deals with Google and Microsoft have landed them in the black for 2009. What does this mean for Google, Microsoft, and Twitter—and more importantly, what does it mean to your organization?
Google & Microsoft confirm Twitter’s relevancy
Massive amounts of data surge through Twitter’s network every second— data that is hyperlocal, real-time, uncensored and, for the most part, uninterrupted. Incorporating this data into Google and Bing, which combined, have about 80 percent share of the search market, gives Twitter exceptional exposure and unparalleled real estate in search results.
It’s clear that Google and Microsoft understand the value of incorporating hyperlocal, real-time data in search. Marissa Mayer, Google’s Vice President of Search Products and User Experience, wrote on Google’s blog:
“The next time you search for something that can be aided by a real-time observation, say, snow conditions at your favorite ski resort, you’ll find tweets from other users who are there and sharing the latest and greatest information.”
Twitter is an incredibly valuable source of information for businesses, as consumers tweet their views, experiences, and opinions about products and services. With this data integrated into search results, viewers will get a snapshot of the buzz surrounding your business—positive or negative—within their first page of results on Google.com. If your business has remained skeptical of Twitter and its potential impact as a communications platform, Microsoft and Google have made it very hard for you to continue to deny its relevancy.
Twitter will continue to innovate, and so should you
Twitter added several excellent features this year, and they’re continuing to seek innovative ways to support users and achieve improved functionality—especially for businesses. If you haven’t yet made yourself familiar with the platform, the lingo, and how it works, you need to start now. Although it’s possible to find resources online to help you get started, they cannot compare to a hands-on, live demo of the service. Our team is incredibly familiar with this platform, among others, and we would love to share our knowledge with you.
How do you think Twitter will continue to monetize their platform? How will the integration of real-time information into search engines affect your business?
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