Microsoft Yahoo Union Could Already Be Affecting SEO

08/10/2009

Nobody really knew what to expect when Microsoft launched Bing, but many in the SEO business could foresee that it was potentially the beginning of something very different in the search engine optimization business. Now that Microsoft and Yahoo have officially teamed up, it can be assumed that these ripples will continue to grow. Could this new merger actually stand a chance against Google? Tim Armstrong of Google has stated in a recent interview that the company will continue to focus on business as usual instead of investing too much time investigating what the competition is up to.

It is apparent that these new developments have those in the SEO business much more interested than the average Internet user who probably pays little attention to such things. After all, the introduction of Bing did little to affect the way that most people use the Internet, and it certainly didn’t change any of their browsing habits. Although this new search engine did offer a new way to categorize the results, it did not really offer any technological breakthroughs that would have the average member of the public excited.

The latest deal between Microsoft and Yahoo includes two important pieces of information that could affect Search Engine Optimization companies. First of all, Bing will be the only search engine allowed to be used on any of Yahoo’s sites for a full ten years. Second, Microsoft will be given access to all of Yahoo’s personal SEO technology and will be able to incorporate it into any of their current platforms if they so choose.

A few things can be concluded from this information:

• SEO companies would do well to research how to best optimize for Bing as it does offer results that are significantly different from traditional engines. It is assumed that Yahoo will begin to adopt a similar way of providing results.
• It is still not evident whether or not Yahoo’s local search will be part of the deal, so this will be something to keep an eye on as this could affect business within the United States.
• It is likely that Yahoo site explorer may also be scrapped in light of these recent developments, which could also mean that SEO experts will face new challenges.
•MSN AdCenter may now see an increase in use, at least in the United States

Where Google may actually begin to see a threat from this new Microsoft/Yahoo union is in the realm of PPC advertising. Any investment in PPC is a waste if it is not used to promote a well built site, not only in appearance but in usability.

For more insight visit Search Engine Optimization