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Discover 7 new features of Google search

At the end of September, Google's annual Search On took place. During this event, it was again announced what new features are coming to Google Search. And there are many, because Google isn't exactly standing still. In this article, therefore, I review Search in 2022 and share the most exciting new features. So online marketers beware, this may require an update to your strategy!

We've been seeing Google's algorithms getting smarter for some time now. Machine learning is widely used to provide more relevant research. The Google search results page is no longer just text results. We see images, Google Maps, questions answered directly, and more. Prabhakar Raghavan, senior vice president at Google, explains why results are no longer just text and words: “The way people search for information is not limited to a text box. These days, Google is going far beyond the search box to create search experiences that work more like our human minds.” Ultimately, Google wants to be able to help its users at any time of day, in any situation. In the coming months, they will introduce these new features.

1. Focus on sustainability and environmentally conscious choices...In the coming months, Google will allow users to be more aware of the choices they make and their impact on the environment.

When searching for a new car, Google will help you find an eco-friendly and efficient driving car. The search platform will even calculate the cost of gas for you by car model and type so you can make a good and smart choice and save money too!

If you plan a route through Google Maps, you now also have the option to take the greenest route.

During purchases, Google will indicate which products are second-hand.

2. Make information more accessible through research...Google strives to provide information to everyone at all times. Suppose you have a complex question and you would like to know what others would do in your situation. You then quickly find an online discussion or forum. In this way, you can quickly see different opinions and can make a choice or solve a problem. That's why google will a new feature appear in those search results called "Discussions and Forums". Here, content from popular forums and online discussions will be shared quickly and easily in search results.

In addition, Google strives to break the limits of language. In early 2023, Google will offer the ability to translate local news into English for the whole world to read. Suppose something happens in Mexico, the local news station's Spanish article will be translated so you can immediately read what is happening. Translation will be possible from French, German and Spanish to English on mobile and desktop.

3. Easy Google Shopping Experience...We all know that online shopping has become super popular in recent years. If you Google high heel shoes, you will immediately see a huge number of products from many different brands and websites. Google still wants the user to make shopping easier for the following new features:

If you search with the word “store” + what you want to buy, Google will immediately show you a kind of shopping experience. You will then see a variety of many different products and stores where you can buy the product.

In this shopping experience will also be a “buy the look” will be displayed. With this you can complete your outfit by seeing what other items match it.

Trending products will be shown at the top of the store search. Easily keep up with the latest trends.

Product images will be 3D instead of a static 2D image. You will see a dynamic 360º view of the product.

Suppose you want to buy a new bike but don't know what to look for, Google has come up with a solution: the shopping guide. This will help you step by step to make the right choice by asking questions and providing pure information and advice. This information comes from various websites.

4. Search outside the search bar (default)...Search outside of the standard search bar. Currently, you can also search Google Lens by taking a photo or screenshot. From multiple search you can combine images and words to get exactly what you are looking for. Suppose you want to buy a new bag and you see a beautiful pattern somewhere. Take a picture of the pattern. Start a new search with this image and type the word “bag”. Google will show search results for an exchange with this pattern. Super practical!

5. More Maps Experiences...Google Maps has been widely used in recent years. It now has a few more nice features with which you will (probably) consult Google Maps even more often when you are somewhere or want to go.

The Neighborhood Vibe Resource will give you all the information about the area before you go – popular restaurants, helpful tips, photos and more information from the Google community. The tip will likely be based primarily on reviews coming from Google Maps. Going on vacation to a new town or village? Then check the neighborhood.

Want to learn more about making online assessments work for you as an entrepreneur? Read some tips here.

250 photorealistic previews of top features around the world will be available. Want to see Tokyo Tower? No problem, experience it as if you were flying in a helicopter!

Live view ensures you never get lost while walking. Open Google Maps, open your camera and Google will show you where you are and where you are walking. A kind of virtual reality experience, but real!

6. About this result...Google is also aware that privacy is of great importance among users. That's why Google will also be a little more transparent with the new "

About this result.” If you search for something and an ad appears, for example, Google will soon be able to tell you why this result was shown to you. This allows users to better understand how Google search associates certain search results with them. Make sure your product feed is complete and can keep up with new shopping features. Provide enough 2D images of your product – most likely Google will make a 3D image of it.

Work not only with text, but also with images. And don't forget to label these images with alt text fields. Google may use this information for functions such as multiple search.

7. Additional Customization...In addition to providing relevant information, Google also strives to deliver a personalized experience. This applies to shopping and cooking inspiration. Personalized shopping results will be displayed where, for example, you will see your favorite brands first when you want to buy something new. If you're looking for culinary inspiration, Google will also suggest new recipes for you to try based on your tastes and interests.

Are you ready for all the new features?...When we hear all this, Google seems to play an even bigger role in our daily lives. We can already find a lot of information on Google, but it seems that it is getting more and more, and in a friendly way. For online marketers, this means that it will also influence their proposed marketing strategy.

I'll give you some tips:

Make sure your business or location can be found through Google Maps and that enough is said about it through reviews.

Your website content remains super important. Provide lots of information and advice so that Google can retrieve information from your site more often and look it up.

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