Search data 'offers insight into important consumer issues'

Category: Search

September 18th 08, 08:33

Analysing online search data can provide valuable information on the most important issues facing consumers today, an expert has said.

Speaking to Reuters, Hitwise's Bill Tancer explained that the popularity of certain searches can offer an insight into the problems that are on the minds of people around the world.

He gave the example of a spike in searches linked to tropical storms after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005.

Mr Tancer said: "Before Hurricane Katrina rarely would you see a search on tropical storms, but the devastation from Katrina has made us as a society much more sensitive to tropical storms."

He also noted that his own analysis of search data has revealed that social networking websites are now more popular than adult entertainment sites, explaining that people now spend so much time on social networks that they are neglecting previously popular online destinations.

Recent comScore research suggested that social networking website visits soared by a quarter between June 2007 and 2008.

This news story was brought to you by Bluhalo, a leading UK digital agency.

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