Google's Autocomplete is one innovative feature of their search experience that has brought about a shift in the way people search. For those unfamiliar, Autocomplete brings web searchers closer to their desired queries by suggesting terms (to complete the search phrase) as the user types in the query. The suggested endings appear in a drop-down menu below the cursor, and are generated based on objective measures including the popularity of past searched terms.
The feature is significant for several reasons, but maybe most importantly, for the branding and reputation management consequences of both positive and negative persistent searches. Companies can experience both the positive and negative scenarios and usually partner with SEO companies to engage in reputation management to resolve the issue. In other cases, some of them in international markets, companies sued Google for allowing their platform to perpetuate negative sentiment towards their brand, several of them winning.
An excellent post sent my way via fellow WebiMax writer Anthny Pensabene details the "Romanians Are Smart" campaign that was launched in response to the negative search suggestions that were appearing in the Google Autocomplete search for "Romanians areā¦" - When this was realized in November, ROM, a Romanian brand, launched the campaign and a site by the same name and motivated Romanians to search specified positive terms. Within a month, the positive terms were being suggested by Google Autocomplete. This case presents a model for other brands, be them country or company, and how they can resolve similar cases.
In similar circumstances, brands can:
If you have any questions about this case, please reach out to me directly at rbuddenhagen@webimax.com or @ryanwbudd or if you'd link more information on how internet marking can move your company forward.