Predictive Search Query Suggestions By William Slawski, SEO by the Sea (May 8)
A patent application by Google gives some insight into how Google makes search suggestions. There are several factors: mobile device or desktop computer, search history, member of a group, browsing preferences.
But even more interesting - how do search engines differ in their "predictative search suggestions"?
Google Suggest was described in an FAQ - "Our algorithms use a wide range of information to predict the queries users are most likely to want to see. For example, Google Suggest uses data about the overall popularity of various searches to help rank the refinements it offers. An example of this type of popularity information can be found in the Google Zeitgeist. Google Suggest does not base its suggestions on your personal search history"
Yahoo Search Assist - described here - but it doesn't say much, and I think the operation of Explore Concepts has changed.
Microsoft Live Search Suggestions
Ask - no information
Cuil - fills out the query, but also offers categories and topical suggestions.
Posted by Gwen at May 10, 2009 03:41 PM