MJS Blog

Longer Search Queries Decrease With More Keywords

Michael Swartz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:40:12 +0000

I thought this was a very interesting statistic.

While performing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) services we’re told to not forget the long tail of the search. (I.E. The length of the keyword search). A lot of people don’t just search with one word.

Well it turns out the majority of us search using only one word and the percentages of clicks decrease as we add more keywords to our search.

Still Focus on The Long Tail Search

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t focus on the long tail search. You should. The long tail search is usually beneficial for creating conversions because people are using more descriptive and specific terms in their search.

Percentage of U.S. clicks by number of keywords
Subject	July 2009	August 2009	Month-over-month percent change
One word	23.51%	24.21%	3%
Two words	23.54%	23.71%	1%
Three words	21%	20.74%	-1%
Four words	14.02%	13.78%	-2%
Five words	8.10%	7.90%	-2%
Six words	4.35%	4.23%	-3%
Seven words	2.34%	2.27%	-3%
Eight or more words	3.22%	3.16%	-2%
Note: Data is based on four-week rolling periods (ending Aug. 1, 2009, and June 27, 2009) from the Hitwise sample of 10 million U.S. Internet users.
Source: Experian Hitwise

Happy Halloween

Michael Swartz — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:03:36 +0000

Be careful out there.

Don't get too crazy

Happy Halloween everyone!

Switch Between Open Windows the Apple Way

Michael Swartz — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:09:13 +0000

My graphic designer uses a Mac (I use a PC) and while he was switching between windows I noticed how simple it was. One click the windows tiled all over the desktop. I was told it’s called Expose for the Mac.

Windows has something similar, but nothing in comparison. It’s me using the Alt+Tab buttons. The Windows Flip in Vista is pointless.

Switcher for Vista

Searching around the internet, I found Switcher for Vista. It works great, just like Mac’s Expose. You can also setup unlimited number of shortcuts. The most important shortcut for me was launching the program. I could use a keyboard shortcut, but I wanted to use the scroll wheel button to tile the windows.

How to Use the Mouse Scroll Wheel Button to Launch Windows Switcher

In Switcher settings, go to Shortcuts link
Click the ‘Change’ button next to Mouse Shortcut
Select the shortcut in the left window
Use these settings:
Close and you’re done

Warning: You must click outside of any window otherwise the window will close.

Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”!