Google Hiding Some Search Queries: What Does It Mean For Marketers?

Last week, Google announced that it will make Google searches "secure" for all logged-in users - meaning that anyone who is signed in to Google will automatically make encrypted SSL (secured socket layer) searches. While that might sound like a bunch of technical nonsense to many readers, the new security measures do have repercussions for online marketers, law firm websites, and anyone with an online business or webpage.

 

Here's the bad news first...

When you move from an unsecured URL (http) to a secured URL (https), the user gains security, but those with websites who are tracking traffic lose very useful information. Although Google Analytics can still show you keyword reports that include some of the information regarding these searches, this new change may mean that you will not have access to an accurate or complete list of long-tail keywords.

 

Very simply, website owners and marketers will lose part of a valuable tool: knowing how search engine users find your website and what pages on your site they visit.

 

But there's a bright side, too...

It's important to note that secure user searches will only take place if someone is logged into his or her Google account. Currently, less than one out of ten searches fall under this category.

 

In addition, you should understand that referrer blocking won't have an affect on ads - if a user clicks on one of your Google ads, you will still get the same information as before, whether or not they are logged in to their account.

 

Need more information regarding search engine optimization, online marketing, or referrer blocking? Call Foster Web Marketing today, and take control of the success of your website.