Related Searches in Google

[mattmainpath]

Hello,

We're helping a client remove/minimize some negative information about their brand in Google's search results.

Just curious about your take on if the related searches that appear at the bottom of Google search results can in any way be influenced or if it is more a combination of so many factors that any one person or organization wouldn't be able to change very easily?

I've heard the related results could be influenced if enough queries generated overtake the "negative" queries done initially but I feel like that is venturing into black hat land a bit.

thanks

-Mike

[rikano]

Hello,

Yes google uses many signals to identify the related searches for a query, but the most important factor is user behaviour on google searches. When many users type "x" and then are not satisfied with resutls they browsed, than they type "Y". Google will identify "y" as a related search for "X".

So influence related searches for G, you have 2 solutions:

1. Push/guide users to search for Y query after X.

2. Code a script that can do some manipulation (grey hat stuff, i did it 2 times for some clientd of mine ).

If you have further questions, get back to me.

Thanks

[RobertFisher]

Mike,

Google states it uses a variety of signals to gather these related terms. So, using some type of manipulation of the data to change a negative likely won't work. I can only imagine a situation wherein someone gets a bunch of negative press, is picked up by XYZ list, ConsumerAffairs,etc. and then all the others who supposedly offer a service around bad companies/products show up at the bottom.

My suggestion would be to go the way of getting good press unless it is a branded product/service that has been tubed and needs to be resurrected. If so, you could change the name, etc. and work on making it the best there is. That will require total buy-in from the company you are working with. If they are not sincere in the efforts to do this it will be a waste of time. You could also have the company do a mea culpa, admit to errors, etc. and make that the beginning of the change.

Having dealt with this before, it is not easy. It is also not something we would handle on the cheap as there are too many pitfalls for the agency.

Hope this helps you out,