Highlights
- “iPhone 8” and “iPhone 8 Plus” are the highest revenue-generating search queries for Google in the specified period.
- Only 20% of Google searches have commercial intent with significant advertiser interest.
- Competitive industries like insurance and telecommunications are among the top for costly keyword bids.
The Department of Justice’s recent release of a document sheds light on the most lucrative Google search queries in the United States for the week ending September 22, 2018.
While specific revenue figures remain undisclosed, it’s clear that certain terms hold more monetary value for Google, particularly those with a direct link to consumer spending.
In this disclosed list, the allure of technology and consumer electronics is evident, with queries for “iphone 8” and “iphone 8 plus” topping the list, highlighting the continued interest in Apple’s products even a year after their release.
These were followed closely by a variety of other keywords spanning insurance, telecommunications, and entertainment services.
The insight also illuminates the fact that not all Google searches are equally profitable.
A mere one-fifth of the queries hold commercial value, attracting businesses willing to pay for visibility.
In the competitive realm of advertising, where certain industries are willing to pay a premium, keywords like “auto insurance,” “car insurance,” and “car insurance quotes” become hot commodities.
It is noted that search terms linked to direct service providers such as “AT&T,” “Hulu,” and “Uber” also made the list, despite these searches likely being navigational in intent.
Brands pre-emptively secure these keywords to prevent competitors from capitalizing on their market presence.
The release of this information offers a rare glimpse into the commercial aspects of Google’s search engine and the high stakes in keyword advertising.
The document, although partially redacted, opens a window into the strategic placements and investments companies make in online advertising, underlining the substantial role search engines play in contemporary e-commerce.
FAQs
Why are certain Google search queries more valuable than others?
Search queries are valuable based on their commercial intent, meaning the likelihood of a search leading to a purchase. Keywords like “iPhone 8” or “cheap car insurance” indicate a user’s intent to buy, making these terms more attractive to advertisers who bid for ad placement in these searches.
How does Google benefit from these high-revenue search queries?
Google profits from these searches through its advertising platform, where businesses bid to place their ads alongside specific search results. Terms with a high purchase intent command higher price, and Google earns revenue when users click on these ads.
Why would a company bid on their brand name as a search term?
Companies bid on their brand names to ensure that when users search for them, they see the official site or offer first, not a competitor’s ad. This practice helps to secure their brand’s online presence and direct traffic to their services or products.
What does the disclosure of these lucrative search queries indicate about consumer behaviour?
The disclosure indicates that consumer interests are strongly aligned with technology, insurance, and service providers. It also shows how certain events, like the release of a new iPhone, can influence search behaviours and the online advertising market.
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