Bing vs. Google: Which is Better?

When we talk about search, we are usually talking about Google. All the think pieces, tutorials, and strategies revolve around keeping up with the constant algorithm changes that the search giant inflicts on its unsuspecting followers.

Yet many of us seem to forget that there are multiple other search engines in the game, including one that is a major competitor: Bing.

In the battle of Bing vs. Google: Which is better? Here are a few pros and cons to help you consider whether to add Bing to your search strategy:

Search Quality

Many users report that the quality of results they get with search is as good or better with Bing.

The reason, some suspect, is that Google has refined its algorithm to the point that is more cerebral than practical. The search giant has become so focused on figuring out what users are really looking for that it sometimes overlooks what they are actually asking for.

Bing often returns the results that users actually need for basic information. It has also proven better at returning older results that often get buried by those gaming the system in Google.

If you’re a marketer, that means that you likely have a better chance of reaching your customers in Bing, where the search results will often be better aligned with what the user needs.

Video Search

Bing has acquired a reputation for delivering better search results for video.

Though Google has prioritized video in search, it still filters the results heavily. In particular, it filters out anything that could be seen as adult content, even if it’s not x-rated. Bing, on the other hand, shows far more videos in its search results, helping you to find more of the content you want.

The good news for marketers is that they can reach more people with their videos on Bing. Creating more video and more variety in the types of video can help you reach far more of your audience.

Autocomplete

When you start searching on Google, it will populate the bar with some suggestions.

For example, if you type in “why do I,” you will get suggestions like “why do I pee so much” and “why do I owe taxes.”

Google and Bing both provide these autocomplete suggestions. However, Google only provides four suggestions, while Bing provides eight.

This is an important feature for marketers because it potentially helps audiences find more of their content. For example, if the user is searching for a product, the autocomplete can suggest more related products, some of which you may sell.

Extra Features

Both Bing and Google offer a host of extra features to enhance search or get more out of the engines, but Bing was surprisingly first on some of these features.

For example, Bing introduced the infinite scroll for image search results before Google did, allowing users to browse images more easily. Bing also included filter options front and center, while Google made users drill down to find these filters.

Bing also introduced a search rewards program before Google, allowing users to get credits for their activity on the site.

The fact that Bing has introduced some features before Google doesn’t necessarily make it better, but it certainly shows that it is a serious competitor in the search field. As a marketer, you need to have a strategy for both search engines if you want to reach the most customers.

Paid Search

Many first-time site owners and marketers find out right away that Bing gives them better opportunities to advertise their site for less money.

You can target the same keywords on Bing and Google and pay less for those ads on Bing. You’ll also face less competition than you would on Google. That means that yours ads will perform better, which will result in a much higher ROI than you would get with Google.

If you are just starting out, Bing is the perfect option for getting more exposure for your site. Even if you have been at it for awhile, Bing is a great option for getting more exposure while also keeping your budget low.

Even once you look at all the pros and cons of what each search engine offers, there is really no “winner” between Bing and Google. Both offer great advantages for your site. However, it is important that you recognize that Google is not the only game in town and that Bing actually has a lot to offer your site.

When you are putting together your marketing strategy, it is important that you consider how to improve your SEO on Bing, as well. Mostly, your strategy will be the same as it is with Google, but you will need to make some tweaks to stand out on the site. You’ll also do well to start a PPC campaign on Bing.

Site Search vs. Google Search: Why In-Site Search Is the Only Choice

Site search vs. Google search – which is better?

Many website owners feel that these are the same. They may include Google’s on-site search solution, without realizing there are big differences between the two. Those differences can impact the user experience. And they can have a big impact on user engagement, user retention, and the bottom line.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between in-site search solutions and Google’s on-site search box.

Site Search vs. Google Search

According to the marketing research firm Econsultancy, up to 30% of site visitors will use the site search box. That means that 30% of your visitors could be demonstrating purchase intent. As we’ll see below, this information has big implications for the user experience and the bottom line.

But is there a real difference when it comes to site search vs. Google search?

There is.

Google search operates just like the search engine does when adding the “sitename” operator to a query. Therefore, Google’s in-site search will use the same algorithm and dataset when delivering results.

There are several problems with this:

  • Website owners have no control over the search algorithm.
  • The search algorithm itself may change, which can impact the results that users receive.
  • Website owners can’t prioritize content, products, pages, and so forth.

Although Google’s on-site search tool works, it doesn’t offer the same benefits as an in-site search solution:

  • In-site search tools give you control over the search algorithm.
  • You can prioritize whatever content you wish in the results.
  • Since you can customize the search experience, analytics are even more powerful and can have an even bigger impact on your bottom line.

In-site search can even be monetized. Site search solutions such as SiteFuel and SearchFuel, both offered by CodeFuel, allow website owners to earn revenue with every search.

The first solution, SiteFuel, delivers results inside a visually appealing search grid. Revenue comes from recommended content and ads, which add more value to the user since they are tailored to search queries.

The in-site search solution SearchFuel works similarly, with a traditional search experience. Website owners can easily embed the box into their website, then earn a search revenue share with every query.

Why Site Search Is So Important

Today, in-site searches are becoming more common than ever. In fact, the larger the site, the bigger the role that site search plays in the user experience. Many times, in-site search is itself a go-to navigation tool.

In large websites, the search box is the first go-to navigation method people use to find what they’re looking for. On ecommerce sites, for instance, many customers would rather type in a specific product than delve through countless menus.

Other sites also make heavy use of search boxes:

  • Knowledge bases
  • Support websites
  • Wikis
  • Content-rich websites and blogs
  • Media outlets

The more content you have – whether it comes in the form of products or articles – the more you need an in-site search solution that works.

Here are the major benefits you get when you implement the right in-site search solution:

  • In-site searches indicate search intent. This allows ecommerce sites to find out what products are popular and which aren’t.
  • Searchers are buyers. A study from Econsultancy suggested that visitors who use search can be as much as 50% more likely to buy than those who don’t…all the more reason to have a custom on-site search tool.
  • Search data offers insight into customer needs. The right data will tell you what customers want from your business and your website. With this information in hand, you can turn around and offer it to them.
  • Searches tell you about site usability. Search is critical to your site. But if users are searching at the expense of other navigation tools, you may need to make some changes to your information architecture.
  • The search algorithm and search results can be optimized. When you can promote your own content, products, or services, you can influence customers. This is ideal for any website owner or business.
  • The right search solution increases engagement and retention. The right search tool improves the user experience – the wrong one can increase bounce rates. The longer that users stay on your site to view content, the more they are engaged and the greater the chance they have of becoming long-term customers.
  • A better user experience means a better profit margin. Ultimately, search solutions will have a direct impact on your bottom line. The better the search tool, the better the impact on the user experience and the profit margin.

Every search optimization tool is different. Some are geared towards analytics and some are designed to put money in your pocket.

Regardless of which search tool you choose, it’s important to recognize the benefits of site search vs. Google search. From increased user engagement to increased profit margins, site search offers many benefits that you just can’t get from Google’s tool.