Rumoured "Facebook Search" secretly in development.

by Matt MacPherson

Posted: 13 years ago 38 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

I've been hearing rumours that Facebook is getting ready to take on Google in the search market. And I think Google should really be scared.

We as marketers need three big contenders duking it out. As it stands, Google has 66.1% of the search market (Sep/10/2010). Yahoo/Bing have a combined 27.9% which would leave "other" to account for 6%.

The recent Bing/Yahoo advertising merger means they now account for a third of the market. That's a healthy competitor.

If/when Facebook enters the market, I think they will take a chunk out of Google's market share. Yahoo and Bing will lose share too, but the largest percentage loss will come on Google's end. This will create a "big 3" dynamic.

Facebook is uniquely poised to take on Google (and search in general). Simply adding to their current search feature will guarentee an significant market share right off the bat. Hardly any advertising required. Secondly, they already have a potentially killer organic ranking metric, being the "like" button. The number of likes a site gets will be similar for ranking purposes as Google's link/PR algorithm. It has a lot of potential.

Anyway, I wanted to open these possibilities up for discussion and debate. Do you all think this will be a net positive for markets? Would more competition mean laxer rules by Google AdWords marketers? Laxer rules for direct response marketers in general? Will this be a positive for the end search user?

What do you see being the biggest change assuming a 20% chunk is taken out of Google?

Cheers,
Matt

#development #facebook search #rumoured #secretly

sbucciarel Banned 13 years ago

I sincerely hope that the rumors are true. Competition is good and Google has had too large a share of the pie for too long.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793637].message }}
- Intrepreneur 13 years ago
  
  Google need compeition.
  
  Just one of those things that all companies need in order to thrive.
  
  With Yahoo complaining they may not get much further then Facebook coming in is important for Google so Google won't be scared they'll be pleased about it all.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  SEO, copywriting and backlinks service UK
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797283].message }}
  
  KenThompson 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Intrepreneur
  
  Aren't you in violation of sig file rules or has there been a change?
  
  No she's not. There has been a change, for a price.
  
  There's a thread somewhere... and a new section, etc, blah...
  
  Ken
  
  [ 1 ] Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797288].message }}
dvduval 13 years ago

Yea, competition is good for the most part, though Facebook has a ways to go to get people to trust them. Google already has trust at least in terms of search results.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature
It is okay to contact me! I have been developing software since 1999, creating many popular products like phpLD.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793774].message }}
- balilong 13 years ago
  
  yay! well google might be doing something to counter act this hidden agenda of facebook. Since they cannot avoid competition lets just wait and see what will be the outcome of this one.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793798].message }}
Andrea Wilson 13 years ago

Im excited to see the game running! It'd be good to see Google having the "real" competitor.

Andrea
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature
Virility Ex|Mobile Website Design|Yeast Infection Causes|Extenze Male Enhancement
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793832].message }}
- bgmacaw 13 years ago
  
  Here's an early beta of Facebook search...
  
  YouTube - Minority Report Mall Scene
  
  My guess is that they're going to further invade privacy to do this. Not that Google is innocent of this either but I suspect there's going to be some pushback from consumers on this issue at some point.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  Product Reviews | Earn Online Cash | Free HTML Templates
  Free WordPress Themes: Boring Memo | Dateless Mini-Site | Info Magazine | 100 Twenty-Ten Niche Headers
  Discount Templates, Graphics and Scripts: Templates for Website
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793988].message }}
Ken Strong 13 years ago

It's a secret? Don't worry, we won't tell anybody.
- Thanks
Signature

The RETURN of OBI:
Learn IM From the Experts Who Are Already Doing It!

"Sammy-approved, baby!" -- Offline Brat Pack
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794396].message }}

Matt MacPherson

13 years ago

Originally Posted by LD Carter

This ironic, considering that last month I heard google was supposed to be creating a social networking site to compete with facebook. I don't know how true that is though.

That would be "Google ME" and it has already been confirmed by Google's CEO.

Matt

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794398].message }}

eiilers 13 years ago

My prediction in the next 3-5 years Google will own Facebook. If not, I don't think Facebook will be able to compete with Google on search - at least not for a long time.
- Thanks
Signature

Steve Eilers
Boost Marketing Group LLC
www.boostGR.com
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794406].message }}

redfoxseo

13 years ago

Google has not been very good lately at creating thins to compete. To be honest I think Google is feeling the squeeze and it may be time for a shift in power. I think Google has been making many mistakes in the last year with some of the products they have introduced flopping in there face such as sidewiki. I think they are rushing new products out in an act of desperation so to speak. This may be there demise in the end . They are lossing focus on what they really are and that is a search engine, Not a phone company, Not TV and not social media.

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

A great place to get Coupon Inserts

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794409].message }}

eiilers

13 years ago

Originally Posted by redfoxseo

I couldn't disagree more. Google is creating an empire of different products and services. The Android operating system is completely revolutionizing the cellular world, and other things "in the works" are excellent additions to Google's arsenal. If anything, I think they are making their search engine better and creating more loyalty by releasing enhancements - such as the recent "instant search", "blended search results", etc.

In addition Google, as a public company, is incredibly smart by not putting all their eggs in one basket. This is something that "one-product-wonders" like Facebook, and others, simply cannot compete against. Typically those are the times of sites/services that Google ends up buying out (ie. Youtube).

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Steve Eilers
Boost Marketing Group LLC
www.boostGR.com

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794428].message }}

jgsketch 13 years ago

I agree that Facebook could be a contender in the search market. I believe they have the funding to make this happen and the right people working for them.

Just curious, have you seen any other articles about this? How did you come about this rumor?
- Thanks
Signature
Web Design and Internet Marketing
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794478].message }}

IM Ash

13 years ago

Originally Posted by redfoxseo

Diversification is one way to expand one's business, but focusing on one's core competencies should take precedence.

The same could be said for Facebook!

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794524].message }}

Brock Poling 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Eleva8

Diversification is one way to expand one's business, but focusing on one's core competencies should take precedence.

The same could be said for Facebook!

It is my understanding that many/most of these projects come from the 20% (of time) engineers are allowed to invest in their own pet projects. This is where gmail came from as well as some of google's other killer apps.

So while not all projects succeed they have bred a culture of innovation, and in the long haul I think that is a good thing.

As to them getting into social networking... we'll see... they have certainly tried (and failed) several times before. Not to say they CAN'T win, but the cost to users in rebuilding friends lists, converting data etc., from FB to another platform is so high that it is going to take something very special to unseat Facebook right now.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795753].message }}

sbucciarel

Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by bgmacaw

My guess is that they're going to further invade privacy to do this. Not that Google is innocent of this either but I suspect there's going to be some pushback from consumers on this issue at some point.

Google is under investigation all over the world for it's "inadvertent" mining of private WiFi data collected by their Street View cars.

Originally Posted by LD Carter

This ironic, considering that last month I heard google was supposed to be creating a social networking site to compete with facebook. I don't know how true that is though.

They are ... Google Me. My guess is it'll be as successful as many of their other attempts at new programs ...

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794417].message }}

bgmacaw 13 years ago

Originally Posted by sbucciarel

Google is under investigation all over the world for it's "inadvertent" mining of private WiFi data collected by their Street View cars.

All 50 states AG offices, the Canadian government, the British government and many other European countries, well, just about everybody except by the FTC who dropped the investigation after Google bigwigs hosted a $1.8 million fundraiser dinner for the DNC.
- Thanks
Signature
Product Reviews | Earn Online Cash | Free HTML Templates
Free WordPress Themes: Boring Memo | Dateless Mini-Site | Info Magazine | 100 Twenty-Ten Niche Headers
Discount Templates, Graphics and Scripts: Templates for Website
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795487].message }}

InfinetADs 13 years ago

Hopefully the rumors are true...i have been hearing a lot of talk about that too! Its true more competition for them is a + for us!!!
- Thanks
Signature
InfinetADs

www.InfinetADs.com

The Affiliate Network With Infinet Possibilities!
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794465].message }}
LetsGoViral 13 years ago

I've something to share with you guys:
Openbook - Connect and share whether you want to or not

A bit related.
- Thanks
Signature
Time of thinking is over.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794542].message }}

Matt MacPherson

13 years ago

Originally Posted by LD Carter

Money talks?
You do know that facebook is worth almost 20 Billion Dollars, right? If it really came to it, I'm pretty sure they could raise more capital to invest in this.

I think it's actually Mark Zuckerburg that's worth 20 billion. Facebook as a whole is worth a lot more. I could be wrong but that's what I was led to believe.

Cheers,
Matt

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795415].message }}

jeskola 13 years ago

Not sureabout this one.

The Google SN is confirmed and due to drop soon called Google Me.

The most interesting rumour flying around is Apple buying a huge chunk or indeed outright Facebook. Zuckerberg had dinner with jobs the other week under the guise of talking about Ping integration... Though there's speculation about what was really talked about. Apple has enough cash lying around SPARE to buy it outright. It would make sense, seeing as they have kept unusually quiet in the S/N field so far.

jobs zuckerberg dinner - Google Search
- Thanks
Signature

Don't look to MAKE money - look to HELP people and you will make all the money you can ever want.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795494].message }}

jeskola 13 years ago

Just saw this

Facebook to Hold Mobile Event Next Week

Is the phone rumour true? Maybe a facebook mobile OS??
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

Don't look to MAKE money - look to HELP people and you will make all the money you can ever want.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795526].message }}
- Matt MacPherson 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by jeskola
  
  Just saw this
  
  Facebook to Hold Mobile Event Next Week
  
  Is the phone rumour true? Maybe a facebook mobile OS??
  
  My vote is no. It just doesn't seem like a "fit".
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795574].message }}
scott33 13 years ago

I think alexa is a bit biased towards google, because facebook should be just about to top number one.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795584].message }}
Derek S 13 years ago

It's a phone OS not search. They built it on top of android and will be revealed this Wednesday at a "mobile event".
- Thanks
Signature

--- Work Smart... Not Hard ---
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795631].message }}
GarrieWilson 13 years ago

Google ME will bomb like WAV and everything else social they have tried.

FB search wont be the goto search engine unless they create a simple site thats not on FB. They already have web search built-in to the site. I think it's google powered.

-g
- Thanks
Signature

Screw You, NameCheap!
$1 Off NameSilo Domain Coupons:
SAVEABUCKDOMAINS & DOLLARDOMAINSAVINGS
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795751].message }}
jimmack 13 years ago

The term Google is a verb in addition to a search engine. I can't see a Facebook search engine competing. Bill Gates is the richest man on the planet, although he no longer runs Microsoft...Bing sucks and very few use it.
- Thanks
Signature

Getting back in the internet world after a brief absence. Gonna re stake my claim!
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2796086].message }}
ShaunAllen 13 years ago

Zuckenberg is worth 6.9 billion. Hard to believe that he is worth more than Steve Jobs. Then again, Steve would be worth more than even the Google guys if he would've been able to stay with the company since the beginning. He'd definitely have a lot more shares in the company.

Net worth of Facebook co-founder soars ahead of Apple, Google CEOs', Forbes says - SFGate
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2796253].message }}
- AndrewCavanagh 13 years ago
  
  Interesting topic.
  
  When you talk about the biggest search engines most people miss out a couple that are pretty important.
  
  The reason they miss these out is because they're not seen as search engines yet their search volume is incredibly high.
  
  The first is YouTube which I believe gets more seach queries than Yahoo making it the world's second largest "search engine".
  
  Since YouTube is owned by google this does give them a bit of an advantage.
  
  The second is ebay.
  
  The search volume is not so high but the dollar value of searches is astronomical compared to regular search engines because people on ebay are searching for products to buy.
  
  I believe Twitter also gets 19 billion searches a month which would beat yahoo's searches as well.
  
  So there are two sides to this.
  
  The first is that if a site like facebook with its 500 million members decides to add a search function it should do fairly well.
  
  The second is that it probably won't be as big a threat to google as you might think.
  
  There are already other major players in the market who aren't figured into those search engine figures.
  
  Kindest regards,
  Andrew Cavanagh
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  Old School Copy Like This Is BACK & Converting Like Crazy!
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797002].message }}
KenThompson 13 years ago

I don't think FB will hurt G much any time soon in search. Both of
them are in gray areas with regard to privacy issues. And that's just
what we know about. I have a hard time believing we know all they're
doing.

But when you look at the models, G is in a much stronger position
with search. Sure FB is hot but it's a glorified water cooler. Yes, they
have ad revenue so they have cash. Money can buy talent, but I
don't think they have the brains that G has at the top; the kind of
brains for global dominating search.

FB can become passe if something else comes along that is more
novel and the global herd decides they like it more.

Google's model seems more grounded with longevity than FB. But,
that's just my impression about it all. Plus I look at the circumstances
under which FB was formed, and I'd like to say more but won't. Doing
what seems to have been done doesn't necessarily make that person
capable of doing anything well.

Ken
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797261].message }}
garyv 13 years ago

Facebook definitely has the best chance at taking a slice of Google's search pie. For one, they have the largest database of personal information on the planet. There's no way google could out do them on personal preference searches.

Also, when it comes down to it, the only reason most of the other search engines have failed to compete w/ Google, is because they didn't have any viable source of income or advertisers that could compete w/ adwords/adsense. However, Facebook already has a huge source of advertisers that is making them money hand over fist. And that will just cause Facebook's search engine to explode w/ revenue for them. I think that if anyone has a chance against google, it's facebook for sure.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797341].message }}
Davioli 13 years ago

While it would be great to have a competitor to Google I don't see it happening from facebook.

Google uses 200 ranking factors to determine search results. You can't make a complex search engine in such a short time. When you mention "likes" .. it is just one metric available to Facebook to return results from... Google has more than 200!
- Thanks
Signature
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797627].message }}
jacksonlin 13 years ago

I agree with the guy that mentioned Google owns Youtube.

You have to count their searches together.

They are dominating the English speaking search market.

Facebook is not even close.
- Thanks
Signature
Want a 13 Part FREE Internet Marketing Course - Taught By A PREMIER CLICKBANK SUPPER AFFILIATE? Did I mention taught through VIDEOS?
Yup, I'm not hyping things up for you. Click here to check it out!
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797868].message }}

Rumoured "Facebook Search" secretly in development.

Trending Topics

Google Ads, landing pages, and Clickbank links

Carry out better target audience research

YouTube gets shopping display tools and affiliate partnership updates

A Very Strange Internet Problem

Membership area with multiple income streams