A Month in Search November

Written By Holly - Digital Marketing Manager at Verve

Google Maps has become more ‘social’ with the Local Guides follow feature

The Google Local Guides program has over 120 million members globally and although they are mostly invisible, they are an essential part of Google Maps. They provide valuable reviews as well as images and additional content. They also answer critical questions about local businesses and local places making it a fantastic experience for all users.

The Guides are now about to become more visible. Users of Google Maps will be able to follow local guides to see their reviews etc. But this will only be rolled out to a limited number of cities initially. ‘Top Local Guides’ (which will be chosen on their activity level) will be found under a ‘For You’ tab at the bottom of the Google Maps app. 

This is exciting stuff as previously Google have failed at creating a social platform and this could be the next big thing for the search giant.

Top Tips for Being a Smart Searcher 

Daniel Russell, a Senior Research Scientist, Google Search Team has recently written an article on how to be a smarter searcher. With search having been around for over 20 years and there are billions of queries every day. But how can you ensure that you are getting the right and best answer to your searches?

Here are Daniel Russell’s top tips.

1. Do more than one search
2. Check source credibility
3. Don’t include the answer within your search query
4. Start the search broad, then start to narrow it down
5. Mix and match the phrases you use
6. Explore beyond the web

If you want to know more about the above then follow the link to read Daniel’s article.

Google’s New Audio News Update

Google has seen an opportunity to start focusing more on audio news. Google has stated that they will start listening to what is being said within an audio file, analyse it and pull together what may be of interest to a certain user. Your News Update is an exciting, and smarter way to listen to the latest news, all hosted by the Google Assistant! Why not give it a try by updating your settings!