The New SEO: Why You Shouldn’t Solely Focus on Google

Most businesses treat SEO as if Google were the only search engine that matters. After all, it dominates headlines and marketing strategies. But here’s a surprising fact: Google controls only 27% of the total search market share despite handling 13 billion searches per day.

If your SEO strategy is only optimized for Google, you’re leaving a massive amount of traffic—and potential customers—on the table.

Key Takeaways:

Google isn’t the only search engine – Users search on multiple platforms, from Bing and YouTube to TikTok and Amazon.
Search behavior is changing – People look for businesses where they spend time, not just on Google.
The new SEO is ‘Search Everywhere Optimization’ – Optimize your presence across multiple platforms to increase visibility and customer acquisition.

The Shift in Search Behavior

Think about how people search today. It’s no longer just typing into Google. Instead, they use multiple platforms depending on what they’re looking for:

YouTube for how-to videos
Amazon for product searches
TikTok for recommendations and trends
Bing and DuckDuckGo for alternative search results
Apple Maps and Google Maps for local businesses

People don’t just search; they discover—and that happens across various platforms.

Why Google’s Market Share Isn’t the Full Picture

A common myth is that Google dominates search, so optimizing for Google is enough. However, recent data shows a shift in search behavior:

TikTok and YouTube are now primary search engines for Gen Z users.
Amazon captures 61% of product searches, meaning Google Shopping is no longer the top choice.
Bing has increased its market share, especially after integrating AI-powered search tools.
Voice search through Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant is changing how people find information.

The New SEO: Search Everywhere Optimization

Instead of just focusing on ranking high on Google, businesses need to adopt Search Everywhere Optimization (SEO 2.0). This means:

1. Optimizing for YouTube Search

Use keyword-rich video titles and descriptions.
Create engaging thumbnails.
Add subtitles and timestamps for better visibility.

2. Leveraging Social Media SEO

Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest use SEO-driven algorithms.
Hashtags and keyword-optimized captions increase discoverability.
Engaging content improves algorithmic reach.

3. Maximizing Local Search Presence

Google My Business is key, but so is Apple Maps and Bing Places.
Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) listings improve credibility.
Customer reviews on Yelp and Facebook impact search visibility.

4. Amazon and E-commerce SEO

If you sell products, optimize for Amazon’s search algorithm.
High-quality images, keyword-rich product descriptions, and verified reviews increase visibility.

5. Voice Search Optimization

People search differently when using voice assistants.
Focus on conversational, long-tail keywords.
Optimize for question-based searches (e.g., “Where is the best dentist near me?”).

See How Digital Marketing All Can Drive More Traffic to Your Website

Brand Voice Strategy – Let our team help you create your brand voice to attract your ideal customer.
Market Growth Opportunity Research – Discover untapped traffic sources.
Local SEO – Unlock more SEO traffic and dominate your local market.
Competitive Link Analysis – Learn what your competitors are doing.
Geo-Targeting – Find customers in your desired location.
Content Marketing – Our team creates high-converting content that ranks.
Paid Media Advertising – Effective strategies with clear ROI.
Search Box Optimization – Own a keyword in your local area and dominate search.

Book a Call Today to see how we can help your business grow.

FAQs

1. Why shouldn’t I focus only on Google for SEO?

Google is powerful but only captures 27% of search traffic. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Amazon drive significant search volume too.

2. How does YouTube SEO work?

Optimizing YouTube videos involves keyword-rich titles, descriptions, engaging thumbnails, and relevant tags.

3. What is voice search optimization?

It’s about optimizing for conversational, question-based queries, so voice assistants like Alexa and Siri can find your business easily.

4. Is TikTok really a search engine?

Yes! TikTok’s algorithm surfaces content based on search intent, making it a powerful discovery tool.

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