Google Usage Statistics and Its Impact on SEO
Understanding the reach and engagement of Google is crucial for SEO professionals and digital marketers. While Google Plus has unfortunately been shut down, Google remains a dominant force in the digital landscape. This article delves into the statistics and trends surrounding Google usage and SEO, providing valuable insights to stay ahead in the digital marketing game.
The Status of Google Plus
As of April 2019, Google Plus (Google ), once a popular social media platform, was officially shut down. This move by Google aimed to streamline its offerings and focus on its core products, including Google Search and Google Ads. However, the digital footprint of Google , though less prominent, continues to influence various aspects of online activity and digital marketing.
Google's Dominance in Search Engine Market
According to recent statistics, Google holds a significant market share in search engines. Approximately 92% of searches are conducted on Google, making it the go-to platform for almost all internet users seeking information, services, or products.
“Google dominates the search engine market with a staggering 92% of all searches conducted on its platform.”
This dominance is not only due to its search capabilities but also because of its integration with other Google products like Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube. This interconnected ecosystem makes it easier for users to navigate the internet and find relevant content, contributing to its widespread usage.
Google's Impact on SEO
With over 110 million users (though some of these are inactive, as discussed below), Google remains a critical tool for SEO professionals. Here are some key points on how Google usage impacts SEO:
Keyword Analysis and Ranking: Google's powerful search algorithms use keyword data to rank websites. Understanding and optimizing for relevant keywords is a cornerstone of SEO. Mobile Optimization: Google first introduced the mobile-first indexing strategy in 2016. Since then, mobile usage has continued to grow, with over 90% of search queries now happening on mobile devices. Ensuring a site is mobile-friendly is crucial for maintaining higher rankings. Search Console: Google Search Console is an essential tool for webmasters to monitor their site's performance in Google search results. Regular checks and use of this tool can help identify issues early and improve website visibility.Active Users and Post Engagement on Google Plus
While Google is no longer active, it had a significant impact on social media and digital marketing trends. Here are some statistics from its peak days:
Around 110 million active users: At its peak, Google had a user base of 110 million active users. This number was substantial but has since decreased due to its discontinuation. High-frequency users: Among these 110 million users, around 6 to 7 million actively posted at least 50 times during its entire existence. This indicates a significant level of engagement, even though most of these users are no longer active. Recent engagement: Approximately 3.5 million users posted 50 or more times in the past 30 days, showing that even though the platform is not active, there is still some residual engagement.Despite its decline, the data from Google highlights the importance of understanding user behavior and engagement on social media platforms. Marketers and SEO professionals can use insights from these statistics to refine their strategies and ensure continued relevance.
Conclusion
Despite the allure of newer platforms, Google's continued dominance in search and its integrated ecosystem make it a key player in digital marketing. By understanding Google usage trends and leveraging the available tools, marketers and SEO professionals can stay ahead of the curve and achieve better search engine rankings and visibility.