Feedback for: Search, That Was Mighty Sociable
Readers Write in About:
Search, That Was Mighty Sociable by Mike Grehan
Great article on this leading-edge subject! The effect of improved social search is going to be resounding.
Garry Jenkin
I believe search is going to continue to become more organized and systematic as it continues to become more effective and reliable. All topics (and keywords for that matter) have close association to other topics (and keywords). The associations between various pieces of information (like keyword-focused Web pages) create a collective body of knowledge on given topics. For example, let's say a well-established information architecture on a given topic specifies 200 pages that interrelate to appropriately address the body of knowledge required to be authoritative. The challenge: defining "authoritative" is a subjective process. As algorithms become further advanced, they will likely be able to add objectivity to this process.
That said, a tremendous opportunity exists for search marketers to facilitate the process through intelligent development and association of content on given topics. Those who do this job well will successfully create authoritative bodies of knowledge across given topics, which is an accomplishment worthy of earning relevance. Search engines will benefit from an ability to send users to sites that are likely to meet their needs, and consumers will benefit from consuming information that was intentionally architected and organized to achieve topical authority. The end result will be an organization that effectively associates the various pieces of information necessary to address a body of knowledge. Since the process was intentionally architected; cross linking and navigation will benefit by capitalizing on an architecture of information that functions almost as a decision tree. Recognizing all elements in the tree and their hierarchical organization will help users and search engines recognize and benefit from topical authority. The opportunity for search marketers is making this process identifiable by both users and search engines.
Gabe Vehovsky
