During our training we spend a lot of time on the subject of online searches. Frequently delegates use Google and Google alone to conduct their enquiries. In fairness, it is a habit we all find difficult to break. The Google interface is user friendly, easy to use, the results are displayed well and most days you get a pretty picture.
But there’s much to it than that. It is really important to understand what is going on when the results of your query are displayed. Firstly, let’s not forget that Google is ‘FREE’… Let’s deal with that one first. Google is not FREE, remember that every search you put into that search bar is stored and analysed by Google, and the other search engines to be sold on to advertisers. Want proof? Take a look at Google Trends, here https://trends.google.com/trends/?geo=US
The results of what the world searches for plays a part in the manner in which results are ordered and served up to us the users. Advertising is a trillion-dollar industry, it is how search vendors make their money. You should also be aware that you can pay to promote your website so as to push it to the front of the search queue on a number of online platforms.
Then think about this for a minute. Type your search query into your chosen search engine. For many users they head straight to the top of the page, where ‘subliminally’ they see result number 1. What are we taught from an early age about the number 1? The place to be, the best, the premier result? Not the case with search engine results. They are controlled by a complex algorithm. The provider decides what is going to the front of the queue and they know that social media is important and a fertile ground for information. Search for me and the results invariably go like this, my Linked profile, other persons on Linkedin by my name, a Facebook result and a Twitter account. Out of the four only one result is of any worth at all. Even Google will tell you search engine results ‘do not equate to credibility’.
Just use one search engine and you limit the information available to you. There is so much data out there it is easy to get lost, disheartened and waste valuable time. Our training breaks this process right down, we spend time on understanding about having a plan before you begin your investigation, how to search, identify credible information, conduct analysis, keep effective records and adopt a safe and secure way of doing it.
Want to know more? Feel free to get in touch for a no obligation discussion about a bespoke or public course. We’ve helped individuals, organisations and businesses across the world get better results, save time and stay secure.
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