Is Google the Last Search on Earth?

Is Google the Last Search Engine?

Google is a little bit like the Mona Lisa. Always watching you no matter where you go, but when you look back, she has all the answers. It has become an extension of our mind and is accessible with your smartphone, car, and maybe even your watch— but there’s still nothing like deep searching Google on a desktop. But is it the last search engine ever? Even as the search market share has leveled, about 64 percent of U.S. web surfers use Google as their primary search engine.

If your still asking Google to answer every search query, it’s time to consider a different approach to web browsing. Here are five reasons to start using search engines other than Google for your queries.

1) Google Tracks You

Google would say that tracking of your every move makes location-based better and makes the advertisements you see more pertinent. Others might argue that your online activities should be kept private to just you. Google utilizes location services to keep tabs on where you are at all times – in case you decide you need a pizza right now. Google doesn’t think “Oops I did it again,” but rather “There’s a Domino’s around the corner.” Think about it, what was your last search? No doubt Google knows.

If you’re looking to evade Google’s sophisticated tracking technology, you can search Google in a private browser tab, turn off search tracking, or consider a Google alternative like DuckDuckGo, which prides itself on the fact that it does not collect personal information from its users.

2) Run more technical queries

As clever as Google’s search algorithm is, it doesn’t quite have the intuitive AI that can predict every search.

Google can do a bit of math itself of course, but the relevant results from Wolfram Alpha are undeniable. It covers fractions, probabilities, and other advanced calculations in much more depth. It can even tell you the most popular words in famous works of literature or the current location of the ISS (how do they predict that anyway?)

3) Search the deep web

If you’re navigating the deep web, then privacy and security should be of the highest importance to you. To ensure that companies like Google aren’t tracking your whereabouts, you can use an arsenal of better private search engines including the aforementioned DuckDuckGo or Grams. Google is the last search engine to use for any deep web exploring.

Most of the deep (or dark) web is beyond the reach of Google and indeed your regular web browser, which is why you need some specialist tools for the job.

4) Get better video results

It’s pretty common knowledge that Google loses every battle in the video realm. Bing beats Google on interface and quality of results every time. In Bing, matching videos are laid out thumbnail-style, and you can hover over them to see instant previews.

You get filters that are more easily accessible too, without having to go straight to YouTube. Video length, date, resolution, and source can all be specified from the drop-down menus at the top of the page. Google Video’s UI hasn’t changed in 5 years. And though YouTube has been a great resource, it doesn’t cover a huge volume of video on the web, so we need an alternative to keep searches relevant.

5) Make money searching

Speaking of Bing, if you’re in the US, you can make use of Microsoft Rewards (formerly Bing Rewards), which gives you credits for searching the web, trying out new features, and following up on select special offers. This is no joke.

The credit you earn can be used at retailers like Amazon or online at Hulu or Skype. Not bad for running a few online searches every day.

Google still carries the torch as the workhorse for online searches, but with the increased need for search specialization, it may be increasing late to the airport. At some point, it’ll miss the plane. If that happens, it won’t be the last search for very long.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ben Lindberg, CR is a partner in Lion Tree Group, a digital marketing agency in Madison, WI. His expertise is in multi-platform brand messaging with a focus on inspiring homeowners. As an industry insider, he has walked the walk and developed a winning business campaign strategy from experience with one of Wisconsin’s largest remodeling companies. His agency specializes in digital design and branding updates. He regularly blogs at his company’s blog: The Bark and Roar.