Yesterday (Sep 9th 2010) Google announced a new instant search enhancement that in effect shows results as you type. Google states that they are pushing the limits of their technology to help users get better and faster search results.
The new instant search feature is bound to have a massive impact on affiliates, although it is too early to say how search traffic will be affected. I do feel that predicted key phrases shown in the actual query input box as you type could very well push users away from 1 or 2 word key phrases, to more detailed long tail key phrases.
One example is that if a users types “pokerstars” then bonus code appears in the input box. Could this push users to more details and specific search queries? Time will tell!
I’m going to lock myself away for a good few days to analyse my sites referring key phrases.
Google Instant Search Demo
