Facebook should put a Bing search box on their site and kill Google!

[omnivore]

What would happen if they did that?

Would they become `the internet` as far a most folks are concerned?

Would they kill Google?

Would that be good?

Discuss

use both sides of the paper

 

[anthonylane13]

What would happen if they did that?

Would they become `the internet` as far a most folks are concerned?

Would they kill Google?

Would that be good?

Discuss

use both sides of the paper

Well I think Microsoft would pay almost any amount of money to make this happen. But plenty of people would still use the browser search box rather than one on facebook. For those who don't know the difference, bing-book would become 'the internet.'
Google would take a knock for sure, but I don't think it would be a fatal blow. Google are doing a very good job of dismantling their popularity and reputation on their own among those in the know.
Would it be good? No. However unscrupulous Google may be, Microsoft should not be allowed anywhere near the internet.

*typed on single-sided paper

 

[thetime22]

I think a little bit of competition to Google would be great. I would be all for it. But as you said that the only thing that could risk Googles dominance. HOWEVER Bing as a product just isn't up to it.. at the end of the day Google gives better/more updated results. Thats why Google is #1.

 

[Magsite]

I thought I read somewhere that face book are developing their own search engine!

 

[Jim2k]

As said above it looks like Google are doing all they can to implode at the minute. I still find it difficult to believe that people are spending that much time on Facebook that Facebook IS the internet to some, but its obviously true.

I'm sure there will be a shake up in the search engine area sometime. Maybe Altavista will come back and return to being the daddy!

 

[thetime22]

As said above it looks like Google are doing all they can to implode at the minute. I still find it difficult to believe that people are spending that much time on Facebook that Facebook IS the internet to some, but its obviously true.

I'm sure there will be a shake up in the search engine area sometime. Maybe Altavista will come back and return to being the daddy!

yeah as history suggests the search engine that gives the best results will be number 1. I dont think anyone has any loyalty to Google, if something better comes along people will switch.. Happened to Alta vista, Lycos, and Yahoo.. all former number 1's.

 

[johnpandian]

Microsoft is already playing it's cards... There were some recent reports that Microsoft had already acquired yahoo search... With this Microsoft maintains a 18 pct share in internet... I don't think people would use Facebook search anyway ... After all they are not goin to Facebook to search... Zuckerberg would be crazy if he doesthat...

 

[thetime22]

people are purely going to facebook to chat to their friends and family.. they arent going there to search for products or anything else. I mean lets be real here who thinks "hmm i need a plumber, i know i'll go on facebook and search for plumbers" it's just never going to happen.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

Yahoo & Bing are merging data one powered by the other. so yes they have grabbed market share, but Google are driving forward with an agenda and that agenda does not appear to be good for many businesses, as they are now abusing their monopoly and have had numerous anti trust writs served on them.

 

[Toni Anicic]

Facebook's search feature already shows results from Bing. Just search for something and scroll to the bottom, sometimes they appear, sometimes you have to click on the "Web Results" in the menu in the left after you do a search.

Microsoft was one of the early investors in Facebook and this is why Bing search is powering Facebook's web search.

Regarding the Yahoo! deal, yes, Bing is powering Yahoo's search now as well.

The best thing that could happen for the web is for Facebook to put Bing's search in a more visible position and push the Google out of the monopolistic position it holds right now.

 

[DotNetWebs]

..I mean lets be real here who thinks "hmm i need a plumber, i know i'll go on facebook and search for plumbers" it's just never going to happen.

I keep reading and replying to comments like this.

People ARE searching for plumbers and the like on Facebook.

It's just that instead of using a search box they are seeking 'social recommendations'.

Many smart business are starting to realise this.

Regards

Dotty

 

[DotNetWebs]

...The best thing that could happen for the web is for Facebook to put Bing's search in a more visible position and push the Google out of the monopolistic position it holds right now...

My bet is that Facebook will end up having a new search facility where the primary results will be based on 'Likes' which will be 'supplemented' with Bing results.

Regards

Dotty

 

[matth]

I keep reading and replying to comments like this.

People ARE searching for plumbers and the like on Facebook.

It's just that instead of using a search box they are seeking 'social recommendations'.

Many smart business are starting to realise this.

Regards

Dotty

I agree... If I'm looking for a service based business, and I don't already know someone, it's quite possible that I'd post on FB "Can anyone recommend a...."

I've seen it numerous times within my friends on Facebook as well, usually resulting in a link to a businesses FB page.

 

[Kingdingle22]

Cracks me upn when people say taking notice to facebook and twitter is 'critical' for business.

Load of ****. Stick to greasing the search engines. They deliver, social does not.

 

[cmcp]

Social delivers for a lot of people...

 

[saxondale]

people are purely going to facebook to chat to their friends and family.. they arent going there to search for products or anything else. I mean lets be real here who thinks "hmm i need a plumber, i know i'll go on facebook and search for plumbers" it's just never going to happen.

though there are many on here who will tell you it is happening and happening "RIGHT NOW" and sell you the ability to be found.





Snake oil if ever there was.

 

[An Oasis]

I keep reading and replying to comments like this.

People ARE searching for plumbers and the like on Facebook.

I don't take much notice of SMN but I tried a FB search for a local plumber and the results were total garbage...first time I've tried the search facilities it's like being back in the dark ages.

Whilst it says the results are powered by Bing it bare zero relation to the Bing database, if I had to guess I'd say it was sponsored listings...that said FB is on to a zero sum game if that's the best it can deliver.

 

[DotNetWebs]

Cracks me upn when people say taking notice to facebook and twitter is 'critical' for business.

Load of ****. Stick to greasing the search engines. They deliver, social does not.

though there are many on here who will tell you it is happening and happening "RIGHT NOW" and sell you the ability to be found....

...Snake oil if ever there was.

What 'cracks me up' is the hostility of these posts.

I have only given my experiences of how some businesses are benefiting from Facebook. Clearly it's not for everybody, and some others just don't seem to want to open their eyes or use a bit of lateral thinking.

I have no 'agenda' here and am certainly not trying to sell everybody anything!

I thought that this forum was about sharing knowledge and helping people :|

Regards

Dotty

 

[DotNetWebs]

...I tried a FB search for a local plumber and the results were total garbage...first time I've tried the search facilities it's like being back in the dark ages...

I haven't been talking about using the Facebook search facility I have been talking about 'social recommendations'

e.g here are 4 within a short period on Sunday:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=492004954138&id=685662651

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=491931199138&id=1557350251

http://www.facebook.com/horsham.uk/posts/491906294138

http://www.facebook.com/horsham.uk/posts/185954734766900

Most of those people in the replies above will ask Facebook for 'recommendations' before turning to Google. The Page is 'busy' enough that they will normally get a few replies almost instantly.

If you were in this town and had a 'good reputation' the chances are somebody would recommend you for the 'marquee wedding' question.

Even if nobody recommended you - you would be able to drop your link in that thread. Here is somebody with money to spend on an upmarket wedding who is INVITING suggestions for additional services!

Not only that but, on this page, providing you can come up with a genuine, tangible and exclusive offer, we will use the status update to promote your offer directly to all out members.

e.g in amongst all that chat above we posted this offer:

http://www.facebook.com/horsham.uk/posts/185795891445675

Without going into details I will just say that I had an email from the proprietor that night saying that it was great success.

I could give you hundreds more examples. If you look back through my Page you will probably find some of them.

I am just talking about one Page here but in other threads I have described how others people are making Facebook work in other sectors. I have also said how I believe how Facebook can monetize some of this themselves.

Regards

Dotty

 

[saxondale]

What 'cracks me up' is the hostility of these posts.

I have only given my experiences of how some businesses are benefiting from Facebook. Clearly it's not for everybody, and some others just don't seem to want to open their eyes or use a bit of lateral thinking.

I have no 'agenda' here and am certainly not trying to sell everybody anything!

I thought that this forum was about sharing knowledge and helping people :|

Regards

Dotty

all you have is a forum using facebook as a cheap host!

 

[DotNetWebs]

all you have is a forum using facebook as a cheap host!

That's one analogy but Facebook has totally changed the game.

Just a few examples: People are using their real names, Facebook is becoming ubiquitous - this means that people who would have never joined a forum are joining Facebook. It also means that where before you would have had many different forums they now all come under the umbrella of Facebook whose users only have one 'identity'.

These 'identities' are also portable and can be used in other websites and applications by Facebook connect.

The net result is that people are spending more or their time in this space and less in Google.

Ignore or belittle it if you want but it's a fact and some people are benefiting from it now.

All I am saying is that in some cases there are now good opportunities for businesses to promote themselves online without having to resort to PPC etc.

Regards

Dotty

 

[Esk247]

If Facebook/bing/someone were to knock Google out...where would all the SEO people on this forum go?

 

[saxondale]

That's one analogy but Facebook has totally changed the game.

Just a few examples: People are using their real names, Facebook is becoming ubiquitous - this means that people who would have never joined a forum are joining Facebook. It also means that where before you would have had many different forums they now all come under the umbrella of Facebook whose users only have one 'identity'.

These 'identities' are also portable and can be used in other websites and applications by Facebook connect.

The net result is that people are spending more or their time in this space and less in Google.

Ignore or belittle it if you want but it's a fact and some people are benefiting from it now.

All I am saying is that in some cases there are now good opportunities for businesses to promote themselves online without having to resort to PPC etc.

Regards

Dotty

who is ignoring it? I`m currently making life hell for a local chap claiming regulatory approval that he hasn't got ....... oh yeah, thats another thing wrong with facebook - no peer reviews.

 

[Esk247]

That's one analogy but Facebook has totally changed the game.

Just a few examples: People are using their real names, Facebook is becoming ubiquitous - this means that people who would have never joined a forum are joining Facebook. It also means that where before you would have had many different forums they now all come under the umbrella of Facebook whose users only have one 'identity'.

These 'identities' are also portable and can be used in other websites and applications by Facebook connect.

The net result is that people are spending more or their time in this space and less in Google.

Ignore or belittle it if you want but it's a fact and some people are benefiting from it now.

All I am saying is that in some cases there are now good opportunities for businesses to promote themselves online without having to resort to PPC etc.

Regards

Dotty

I understand your argument but you are an avid Facebooker remember. I am not, i can't stand the flaming thing. I can't find what i'm looking for, i have people adding me as 'friends' i dont know them, i dont care about Daves warts or Tinas baby bump.

The missus is a full on Facebooker, hardcore, she's got it on her Blackberry. I don't see her for days..but guess what she's doing on there..not looking for products or services...she's snooping on her friends!

 

[DotNetWebs]

.....but guess what she's doing on there..not looking for products or services...she's snooping on her friends!

In all these threads all I have tried to say is that for SOME people Facebook is the first port of call for SOME queries.

I only came into this one in response to:

"..I mean lets be real here who thinks "hmm i need a plumber, i know i'll go on facebook and search for plumbers" it's just never going to happen."

Clearly NEVER is incorrect.

But I agree discussing warts and snooping on people is probably the prime activity for many/most intereactions!

Regards

Dotty

 

[saxondale]

In all these threads all I have tried to say is that for SOME people Facebook is the first port of call for SOME queries.

I only came into this one in response to:

"..I mean lets be real here who thinks "hmm i need a plumber, i know i'll go on facebook and search for plumbers" it's just never going to happen."

Clearly NEVER is incorrect.

But I agree discussing warts and snooping on people is probably the prime activity for many/most intereactions!

Regards

Dotty

there not searching though, they are just asking friends who they recommend just the same as it`s always been.

I`ve just posted "do we know an accountant" for the same reason

 

[DotNetWebs]

there not searching though, they are just asking friends who they recommend just the same as it`s always been....

But that's EXACTLY the point!!!!

3 years ago Mrs J wakes up an her boiler is not working, goes straight to Google and searches for a boiler engineer.

Today she can got to Facebook and know she can ask her friends for recommendations and get an answer back in minutes because it's almost real time.

The point is a recommendation from a friend (even if it's only a tenuous one) is normally worth more to her than a [highly ranked] SERP

Business can earn 'reputation' by promoting themselves to these groups (although they of course also have to provide good service etc.)

As you say it's like a forum but on a global scale!

Regards

Dotty

 

Cracks me upn when people say taking notice to facebook and twitter is 'critical' for business.

Load of ****. Stick to greasing the search engines. They deliver, social does not.

Well as they seem to have the largest user base on Earth only a fool would dismiss them.

I mean people come on UKBF asking whats the best computer,hosting or other services.

So tell me whats the difference between UKBF and Facebook in many respects.?

Earl

 

[saxondale]

But that's EXACTLY the point!!!!

3 years ago Mrs J wakes up an her boiler is not working, goes straight to Google and searches for a boiler engineer.

Today she can got to Facebook and know she can ask her friends for recommendations and get an answer back in minutes because it's almost real time.

The point is a recommendation from a friend (even if it's only a tenuous one) is normally worth more to her than a [highly ranked] SERP

Business can earn 'reputation' by promoting themselves to these groups (although they of course also have to provide good service etc.)

As you say it's like a forum but on a global scale!

Regards

Dotty

except 3 years ago Mrs Jones didn`t "go on google" she texted her friend to see who she used last time.



so no-one is searching via facebook.

 

[DotNetWebs]

...So tell me whats the difference between UKBF and Facebook in many respects.?...

Earl you have got it in one.

e.g I was looking for a VOIP provider. I couldn't help notice the number of people on here who recommended Voiphone. CJD is an active member with a good reputation so I didn't bother looking any further.

The result I am also now a happy Voiphone customer and am happy to add my voice to those singing their praises.

In other words I got my answer here and had no need to waste time Googling.

What's the diffference between what I have described above and what I am seeing on Facebook on anincreasing large scale - not a lot.

Regards

Dotty

 

[Esk247]

Well as they seem to have the largest user base on Earth only a fool would dismiss them.

I mean people come on UKBF asking whats the best computer,hosting or other services.

So tell me whats the difference between UKBF and Facebook in many respects.?

Earl

Very little. They are both a discussion/social based platform.

The only difficulty comes when trying to use these platforms for business. UKBF is business focussed, Facebook is not.

I do see Facebook working, Pauls Boutique for instance, they're getting a good following on Facebook, lots of Like clicks and they are communicating with customers directly through that platform. Someone asks if they will have a certain jacket back in stock next week, they reply with yep, check on Monday and we should have them back in.

It kind of works but again, i'm yet to be convinced by any platform when it comes to business. Social and business don't seem to be linked. Facebookers are chatting, they'll trip up on a business when chatting but they're not actively looking for a business.

Google, they're searching for a business but they're getting confronted by spam or non-results (blank pages, missing 404 errors etc)

 

[saxondale]

Earl you have got it in one.

e.g I was looking for a VOIP provider. I couldn't help notice the number of people on here who recommended Voiphone. CJD is an active member with a good reputation so I didn't bother looking any further.

The result I am also now a happy Voiphone customer and am happy to add my voice to those singing their praises.

In other words I got my answer here and had no need to waste time Googling.

What's the diffference between what I have described above and what I am seeing on Facebook on anincreasing large scale - not a lot.

Regards

Dotty

you didn`t search!

 

[An Oasis]

I haven't been talking about using the Facebook search facility I have been talking about 'social recommendations'...

I'd no idea there was a recommendations button, I think I must have been banned from that button because it doesn't ever seem to have existed for me...so it's obviously not high on FB's list of criteria.

 

[Esk247]

I'd no idea there was a recommendations button, I think I must have been banned from that button because it doesn't ever seem to have existed for me...so it's obviously not high on FB's list of criteria.

It's the lesser spotted Recommend button. It has been seen, among the bushes and trees but it is a shy creature.

Think it has been replaced by the Like button.

 

[DotNetWebs]

except 3 years ago Mrs Jones didn`t "go on google" she texted her friend to see who she used last time...

OK let's rephrase that to "she's need a service and off the top of her head can't think of any of her friends that have used that service before"

What's she going to do? Text every one of her friends in turn and hope that they can help her? Or would she perhaps turn to Google.

Whereas today she has the chance to put this question to thousands of people (knowing that she will probably get a recommendation within minutes) Of course she may well Google the answer she gets back for more information but business will not have been dependant on a good keyword-ranking to have been found.

Regards

Dotty

 

[DotNetWebs]

you didn`t search!

Exactly I didn't need to because CJD has cleverly promoted his company to his target audience.

Regards

Dotty

 

[MASSEY]

What 'cracks me up' is the hostility of these posts.

I have only given my experiences of how some businesses are benefiting from Facebook. Clearly it's not for everybody, and some others just don't seem to want to open their eyes or use a bit of lateral thinking.

I have no 'agenda' here and am certainly not trying to sell everybody anything!

I thought that this forum was about sharing knowledge and helping people :|

Regards

Dotty

You view them as hostile because you are a huge FB fan

BTW i dont think likes will be the next big thing. It would be spam central.

 

[DotNetWebs]

You view them as hostile because you are a huge FB fan ...

No I view them as hostile because people are using phrase like '****' and 'snake oil' in response to my posts.

I repeat am not trying to 'sell' anything here. I am just trying to give the benefits of my experience in how I have seen Facebook help SOME businesses.

Believe it or not some people have thanked me for it and are benefiting to.

Facebook is not for everybody, I have never said it was. There is still a major case for a strong Google presence. People can make their own mind up which is the best platform to focus on for THEIR business.

Regards

Dotty

 

[An Oasis]

...the Like button.

OFFS tell me are kidding?

 

[Esk247]

OFFS tell me are kidding?

I'm kidding.

psst does that make you feel any better?