Let the battle for the best search engine begin…

As mentioned previously, it seemed like something new was up with Google. Turns out, they’ve added another billion pages to their search. We’re happy because we’re re-gained our pre-Florida update position for a number of keywords, so all our SEO efforts were not in vain.

Meanwhile, Yahoo now uses Inktomi instead of Google - and is transitioning to its own editorial directory. MSN also currently relies on Overture/Inktomi results, but they are also in the process of building their own inclusion program as well…

According to the CNN article:

Google’s Web sites handled 35 percent of all Web searches in December, compared with 27 percent at Yahoo sites and 15 percent for Microsoft sites, according to the latest data compiled by comScore Media Metrix, a research firm. AOL and other Web sites owned by CNN’s parent company Time Warner Inc. have a 16 percent share. Those sites largely rely on Google for their search results.

Danny Sullivan just posted an article on SearchEngineWatch.com about Google’s current position and where the industry will be when Yahoo breaks from Google. Before today’s split, Google accounted for about 79% of all searches (Google + Yahoo + AOL). After the break, Google/AOL is still 51% of searches, but Yahoo+MSN+AltaVista make up 43%.

If you’re confused about which directories provide results to which search engines, SearchEngineWatch.com provides a nice (though now outdated) chart. When viewing this chart, Looksmart no longer provides MSN search results and Google no longer provides Yahoo results. As of today, Yahoo’s results are largely from Inktomi (which they own along with Overture, AltaVista, and AllTheWeb - confusing isn’t it?) though they will be transitioning to their own editorial based (ie non-paid) directory in mid-April according to an email I received from Inktomi today.

Yahoo! Search has transitioned to its own search technology and is preparing to launch a new inclusion program. As a bonus for Search Submit customers, Yahoo! Search is providing a free trial of Yahoo! traffic that will end on April 15, 2004. During and after the free trial of Yahoo! traffic, you will continue to receive your usual traffic from the rest of the Inktomi distribution network.

When the new inclusion program launches, Search Submit customers will have the option of joining the new program for ongoing participation in Yahoo! Search results.

It will be very interesting to see how things play out in this next year. I’m sure we can expect to see more turmoil ahead.

» CNN.com - Google adds 1 billion pages to search - Feb. 18, 2004

» comScore Media Metrix Search Engine Ratings - Feb. 16, 2004

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