Find out how to Use Google Autocomplete for search engine optimisation
When you type a keyword in the search box, do you know how to get a list of keyword predictions?
This is known as Google Autocomplete. The aim is to save users time. According to Google, the typing time is reduced by 25%.
There is no doubt that this feature makes our lives easier, especially when you use Google search on mobile devices.
Google Autocomplete is often overlooked by digital marketers. So if you take the time to understand it, you can stand out from your competition.
What is Google Autocomplete?
Google Autocomplete is a Google search function that provides predictions for search terms.
For example, if you type "what is the capital of" in the search bar, you will see:
As you keep typing, the predictions adjust accordingly until you see the search term you want to use.
You can then just click that option instead of typing everything out.
Google Autocomplete can save you time by completing the search query you came up with.
Where Do Google Autocomplete Keywords Come From?
Danny Sullivan, public contact person for Google Search, explains this in his blog post on Google Autocomplete:
“How do we make these predictions? We look at the actual searches on Google and show general and trending searches relevant to the characters you entered and also related to your location and previous searches. "
Do Google auto-complete predictions differ in different countries?
Google's auto-complete predictions depend on which country you are in.
For example, if you are in Vilnius, Lithuania and you type "best pizza" in the search bar, you will see:
All of these locations (except Milan) are either in Lithuania or near Poland, Latvia and Estonia.
If you change locations, Google will follow you and your autocomplete options will adjust accordingly.
Do Google auto-complete predictions differ for different languages?
Google's auto-complete predictions differ depending on the language (s) you use to enter queries into Google.
For example, if you set your default language to English, you will see English forecasts.
However, if you add other languages that you understand, for example, German and French, you will see predictions in those languages as well.
Does your search history affect Google auto-complete predictions?
If you're signed in to your Google Account, Google Autocomplete will consider your search history when showing predictions.
If you see a prediction that has a "Remove" option next to it (it shows as an "X" on the far right), you know this is a prediction based on your search history. She remembers that you searched for it. recognizes, however, that it may be a one-time search.
What are Google auto-complete guidelines?
Not all searches are considered suitable to be displayed as predictions.
These types of predictions violate the Google Autocomplete Policy:
- Violence and blood
- Sexually explicit, vulgar, or profane language, although medical and scientific terms are allowed
- Anything to do with hate speech or consenting to hate acts
- Sensitive information or terms about named people
- Dangerous predictions, that is, looking for things that could cause serious harm to people or animals
Google admits that while they do their best to remove inappropriate predictions, they don't always get them right. Hence, they provide a way to report a prediction.
How Can You Use Google Autocomplete for SEO?
Before you start analyzing Google Autocomplete Predictions for SEO, there are three things you need to do:
- Sign out of Google or use Incognito mode to make sure your search history doesn't affect the predictions received.
- Use a VPN when you are in a different location than your target audience. If you are currently in Thailand but your focus on people in the US, use a VPN to make it appear like you are in the US. You want to see predictions for where your target audience is.
- Adjust your language settings to match the language settings that the people in your target audience are using.
You can use these parameters to view the predictions that are similar to those of your target audience.
Keyword research
Google Autocomplete can be a useful keyword research tool.
This is how you can make the most of it.
Enter a keyword and see the predictions
Just enter a keyword relevant to your niche and check out the predictions. This research is a great way to discover valuable long-tail keywords. (Answer The Public is another free tool that does this for you.)
Then use an SEO tool like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs or Moz Pro to analyze those keywords and identify the ones that are worth looking for.
Go through the alphabet
What if you don't like one of the predictions you received?
Brett Farmiloe, the founder and CEO of Markitors, recommends entering your keyword and then simply going through each letter of the alphabet to see which predictions come up.
He uses the keyword "equipment financing" as an example:
You can add the letter "a" to get new predictions:
And then you can add the letter "b":
… And this is how you go through the entire alphabet.
"It's especially good when you're really stuck and really just need inspiration," says Brett.
Let Google fill in the blanks
Tom Dupuis of Online Media Masters suggests using the underscore "_" in a sentence so that Google can complete it.
He uses the keyword "Chicago _ Photographer" as an example:
"Instead of just letting Google finish the last part, this can show you a better selection of keywords depending on what type of phrase it is," explains Tom.
Experiment with the position of the underscore
Dupuis also encourages users to experiment with the underscore position to see what new Google Autocomplete predictions are shown.
For example, if you've tried "Chicago _ Photographer" before, why not try "_ Chicago Photographer"?
Try out both the singular and plural forms of the keyword
Another valuable piece of advice from Dupuis is to test both the singular and plural forms of the same keyword as this will result in different predictions for Google's auto-complete.
Look again at the predictions for the keyword "chicago _ fotograf":
Now look at the predictions for the keyword "chicago _ photographers":
As you can see, the predictions are different. So try both forms of the same keyword.
Online reputation management
This tool is also useful for researching results related to your branding terms, e.g. B. Company, management or product names. Google Autocomplete can pose a serious threat to your public image if the predictions using your branded terms show an unflattering search term
What can you do when you find yourself in this situation?
You have several options:
Address the problem
If the unflattering prediction relates to something true, fix the problem.
The solution does not immediately resolve the auto-complete problem. However, if the problem is resolved, over time, users will forget about it and stop looking for it. Eventually, if the volume for that search term decreases, it will be removed from the prediction list.
Work on your brand image
If the prediction is an actual incident, you can help people forget what happened faster by giving them something positive to focus on.
For example, you can present loyal customers on your website, give promotional gifts or organize an event.
Even direct contact with your customers on various social media platforms can go a long way in creating a positive brand image.
Other ways to use Google Autocorrect Research
Google Autocorrect is a simple tool, but it can be very powerful. From doing keyword research to maintaining your reputation, these suggestions can accelerate your digital marketing efforts.
Aside from finding popular keywords, there are a few other areas where Google's SEO suggestions can be helpful.
Discover keywords for local SEO
Google Autocomplete can also provide suggestions for local SEO searches that you may not have considered.
For example, suppose you wanted to review a coffee shop website in Denver – would you only target "Coffeeshop Denver"? Or do people use neighborhoods, streets, or even zip codes?
Google Autocomplete shows you which terms to search for when searching for a Denver coffee shop:
What can we learn from this example?
Denver Tech Center is a business and commercial center in the southeastern part of Denver, Colorado. It is a popular destination for business people. So if you shop in this area, you'll want to add the Denver Tech Center to your list of top terms.
Denver Airport appears on the list. If the store is nearby, you'll want to target that term as well.
Google autocomplete shows several major landmarks (including the airport). So, you should research whether your store is near popular places like a museum or mall.
There are also entries for Denver, NC, and Denver, PA, which means that involving the state is probably a good idea.
It's easy to assume you know who is being searched for. However, it is worth a few seconds to review what inspiration Google auto-complete could offer.
Build a user-friendly ecommerce website
E-commerce is big business – more than 2 billion people shop online every year, according to Oberlo. Despite many online buyers, there is also fierce competition to attract buyers to your website.
Using autocomplete to find keywords for the target is just one way we can use this feature to create a better ecommerce store and easy to use website.
For example, let's say your e-commerce sells shoes, clothes, and accessories. Their goal is to make it as easy as possible to find what they want and make a purchase.
Google Autocomplete can help by:
- Show which categories are most popular: For example, if you search for "women's shoes" on Google, the search engine will also suggest "women's shoes near me", "women's shoes on sale", and "women's size 12 shoes". That means people often search for shoes that are for sale and by size. So, these are categories that you want to include on your website.
- Discover popular brands: A search for "women's tennis shoes" will tell you which brands users search for the most, including Adidas and Nike. These are brands that your audience is likely to buy.
- Get ideas for your FAQ page: A search for "Are women's shoes …" brings up a list of frequently asked questions including "Are women's shoe sizes the same as men's?" and "are women's shoes narrower?" These are questions that people ask. Providing these answers can help drive more traffic to your ecommerce website.
User experiences can affect search rankings. Therefore, creating a user-friendly website should be a top priority.
Get inspiration for content topics
Google Autocomplete offers searches that are performed regularly. Targeting any of these terms or phrases will increase traffic. (At least it will, if your content is good!)
Here are some suggestions for getting inspiration from content:
- Who, what, where, how, why: Use your primary keyword with question words before or after (whichever makes more sense). See what Google suggests – you might find the inspiration you need to write your next great piece of content.
- Use action verbs: This can provide a creative perspective for your next blog post or e-book. A search for "content marketing is …" brings up a list of quirky title ideas, including "content marketing is like a first date". Other ideas for action verbs are: are, will, show, be, build and replace.
- "Keyword and …": Looking for related topics? Search your primary key term with "and" to see what terms searchers are looking for. For example, if you search for "content marketing and …", Google suggests social media, lead generation, storytelling, and sales.
Content marketing is an important part of search engine optimization. So, looking for topics that users are looking for can improve the ranking for certain pages and a website.
Conclusion
Google Autocomplete isn't just a nice user feature that lets you complete a search term without entering it.
You can also use it to discover valuable long-tail keywords that you wouldn't have thought of yourself.
Of course, it can also ruin your life if an unflattering prediction appears next to your or your company's name. It is advisable to keep an eye on the indication in Google Autocomplete so that you can fix a problem immediately.
Just don't make a bad situation worse by using black hat techniques. It is not worth.
How do you use Google Autocomplete for SEO?