Google Suggest Severs Long Tail
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Last week, Google added the Google Suggest feature to its main page. This might sound like a small change but I predict it will have a big effect on the traffic that you get from Google.
If you don’t know what “Google Suggest” is, skip to the end of this article for a short description.
So why do I predict Google Suggest will sever the ‘Long Tail?’
Because…
People are lazy, we want the easy way out. Why do you think the first 10 spots on Google’s search page are coveted? Because it means less for work us. The search is “over” we can click a link and “trust” that Google has done the heavy lifting and presented us with the best answer.
Yeah… Right! For those of us in the “know,” those of us who practice online marketing, we know this is bogus but a reality none-the-less. Perception is reality. If people think the top 10 are the ten best, who am I to argue?
But What About Suggest?
When you type something into Google’s search box (on the main page) Google Suggest … well, it suggests. You don’t have to think. Google is “shortlisting” phrases it thinks you might actually want. One less moment of personal effort required in finding that special doo-hickey online.
Nail the Tail
If that doesn’t “nail the tail” I don’t know what will. Long-tail keywords typically consist of 4 to 6 words. These long-tail keywords are usually very focused and typically lead to better conversions because people who enter long-tail keywords know what they’re looking for. Because Google mainly suggests keywords that consist of up to 3 keywords, I predict this act alone will impact the long tail.
Spoon Feeding
I also predict that ’spoon feeding’ the seeker with limited options will “endorse through implication” that the options available are limited and some people might think the options offered in Google’s suggest box are the only possible keyword combinations available. Sounds goofy to me, but people are funny like that. Others might rely on Google’s suggested keywords out of convenience.
On the Other Hand…
Some people argue that Google Suggest might show some people it’s possible to refine search queries. They argue people might use Google’s suggested keywords and further refine the queries with their own words. The argument hinges on the premise that people who never thought about their search terms now might (suddenly?) start to do so.
Sorry, but I’m not buying it. At least not today… Don’t misunderstand me, to quote Al Pacino in ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ - “I’m a fan of Man!” and I’m betting man is going to do what man always does 
That’s why I see Google Suggest Severing The Long Tail.
Don’t agree? Share your comments below.
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Here’s the description of Google Suggest.
Google Suggest adds suggestions to your search query while you type it. For example, if you type “Chicago” in Google’s search box, then Google will suggest “Chicago Tribune”, “Chicago Cubs”, “Chicago Airport” and a variety of other keywords.
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