Since its popularity boomed 3 years ago with the introduction of the iPhone, mobile search has revolutionized how we access the Internet on-the-go. Today, it’s an ever-evolving frontier in which the top three search giants are vying for the lead. And each giant has its own strategy.
Google
The default search engine for the iPhone, Google already has the lion’s share of the market. The first to add voice activated search, Google took the lead before others even heard the starting pistol and still continues growing its repertoire of mobile apps. But, while Google remains the default, iPhone 4 users now have options: Google, Yahoo or Bing.
Yahoo
App-happy Yahoo offers multiple apps across a broad spectrum of categories, including popular news, finance and shopping. This multi-faceted approach could dilute its attempts to up its position in the mobile search market. Or could it? The Yahoo News app ranks #47 in the News section of Apple’s App Store, so traction has been gained. Still, it’ll be interesting to see the effects of the supposedly upcoming Yahoo-Bing merger.
Bing
The newest of the three and therefore last out of the gate, Bing targets shopping and entertainment segments. It has redesigned its mobile browser to appear more like a mobile app. Its actual mobile app, which already ties users’ Facebook and Twitter updates back to its search, now includes visual scanning. Currently #2 in the App Store’s Reference section, this mobile app has helped Bing stay in the race if not yet take a commanding position.
Competition means Opportunity
With each search provider aggressively exploring new avenues to boost their mobile search market share, there is growing opportunity to promote these services through mobile apps and mobile-friendly landing pages. As previously discussed in SEO in the Mobile Search Space, the competition for the top results positions is fierce. Taking advantage of the competition between Google, Yahoo and Bing could make a difference in your mobile search rankings.
