Google is prompting user response to its organic search query results via a small “Was this link useful?” question in the Google web listings.
Peter Da Vanzo at V7N found this today when searching at Google (yes, the man is known for his love of Gin & Tonics):
And no, this is not from AdWords, but from the main Google search results. Have you seen these before? Think Google is up to something?
I’m reminded of the Google SearchMash initiative and their use of social media or public interaction to query feedback on Google results. Wonder if this is a preview of more things to come from Google.
No, Loren’s not talking about that.
The potential for sabotage is always there in such efforts, but here’s an idea:
If Google kept something like this ‘random’ – that is, you would get it only in 1 out of 100 searches you make, and then only based on your search profile (that is, only on those topics which your search profile shows you search a lot on), then they can, realistically, use this technique to improve results.
I’m sure this would impact your personal search history as well as that link’s rankings in the global scheme of things, and more likely than not rankings won’t change overnight, but it does show that Google’s moving towards a model of algorithmic self-improvement, which is pretty cool (and has a great chance of being effective as well).
Sanderson, yes I was referring to the small question prompt in the result as featured in the post image.
The “Dissatisfied? Help us improve†link hs been around a while and is also a very useful way to send feedback to the Google team.
Seems that the ‘in result’ prompt is a bit easier and more instant.
Yes, I’ve noticed it as well. The first time it happened, my boss was in the office, and all I could think to say was, “Boss, I definitely need some time off. I’m pretty sure Google is talking back at me.”
Needless to say, SOMEBODY is getting a FOUR DAY WEEKEND this week!
This is old stuff actually.
Barry – very true
Note: Peter said he only saw it when he clicked on the link and returned to the search results page. I suspect Google are using it to test some assumptions about user behavior. More here:
http://blog.sli-systems.com/2006/11/was_this_link_useful.html
What will be interesting to see is if Google uses this data to actually do something with over all organic results. While bots can check certain parameters, they cannot, in my opinion, determine whether a site will be truely useful to a visitor or not.
Though whats interesting in itself are search querries. Lots of people will first put in very generic terms for what they are looking for, and when not finding relevant results will use longer phrases – so if results generated are not up to the mark, its not just the algorithm that needs tweaking.
I did my research too before posting it and most of the old stuff I found was on Adwords and not on organic results. Is it really that old in Organic?
It is interesting? This will have an strong effect on the landing page rating that is incorporated in the new ad words algorithm.
What kinda help Google will get out of it? I have seen it long time back but didn’t bother about that.
It ain’t useful because not many will click on them which means results will not be comprehensive.