What is Universal Search?
Historically, search engines have featured channels for different categories of search results (news, video, local, and blogs). Recently, Google announced and began beta testing Universal Results, which combines all of these categories with the main search results.
The introduction of Universal Results is just the latest example of the ever-changing nature of the Internet, and it proves, once again, that you cant rely on one strategy alone to attract online traffic to your website. This is why we advise our clients to establish a solid SEO strategy and adjust it to new developments as they arise.
In this case, you will need to modify your SEO to account for each category included in Universal Results, because there will be fewer positions for basic websites on page 1 of the search results (up to three positions may be dedicated to local results and video will replace some of the website positions). Also, make sure you appear in the local indexes and online yellow pages, and take steps to make your site a video website(see below).
Tip: Developing an effective Internet strategy isnt as tricky as it sounds. To start, all you need are a couple of directory listings and a nice website that includes informative video and well written content. If your website contains these elements, there is no reason to try to trick the search engines. Google alters its methods as needed in order to display the best, most relevant websites.
