While Google still holds more than 80% of the market share, ignoring search engines such as Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo can make you lose out on relevant traffic. So don’t limit yourself to Google’s algorithm as you plan your SEO strategy. To grow, diversify your search marketing efforts. One way to do that is by making sure that you rank on all the top search engines relevant to your audience. Let's discuss the benefits of ranking on other search engines besides Google and what kind of strategy you need to do that.

What are the alternative search engines to consider for your business?

When it comes to search engines, most people think of Google. However, there are other alternative search engines that are just as important to consider, especially for businesses. Here are a few to keep in mind:

1. Bing: Bing is the second-largest search engine in the world, accounting for around 7.27% of all search engine traffic. Bing is the default search engine for Microsoft’s Edge browser, as well as for Yahoo. It has a different algorithm than Google, so take note and optimize your website accordingly.

2. Yahoo: Yahoo may have lost some of its market share to Google and Bing, but it is still a popular search engine. It also has its own algorithm.

3. DuckDuckGo: DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that is gaining in popularity. It does not track users or collect their data, making it an appealing option for people who value their privacy. Consider optimizing your website for DuckDuckGo to reach this particular audience.

4. Baidu: Baidu is the leading search engine in China, so businesses looking to tap into the Chinese market could optimize their websites for this platform. This search engine also has its own algorithm, so, again, it is important to understand how it works in order to rank well.

These alternative search engines may not have the same market share as Google, but they are still important to consider for businesses. By optimizing your website for these platforms, you can increase your visibility and reach a wider audience.

The benefits of ranking on alternative search engines

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of optimizing for these search engines.

First, Bing is one of the most popular alternative search engines, especially for those who use Microsoft products. Bing currently holds about 11% of the market share in the US and has a loyal user base. Ranking well on Bing could mean reaching an entirely new audience.

Despite being overshadowed by Google in recent years, Yahoo still has a significant user base and can be an effective platform to target specific audiences.

DuckDuckGo is an alternative search engine that prioritizes privacy and has seen significant growth in recent years. Ranking well on DuckDuckGo could show your customers that you prioritize their privacy as well.

Overall, ranking on alternative search engines can have several benefits for businesses. It can increase your visibility and reach to audiences that you may have missed through Google. Additionally, competition may be lower on alternative search engines, making it easier to rank for certain keywords.

Also consider that ranking on alternative search engines can diversify your traffic sources, making you less dependent on Google's constantly changing algorithm. This can be especially important during times when Google updates may negatively impact your rankings.

Ignoring alternative search engines could mean missing out on potential customers and limiting your online presence. Businesses should aim to rank well on multiple search engines to maximize their reach and potential.

How to rank on alternative search engines

These alternative options still have a sizable user base and can offer valuable opportunities for your business. Here are three tips to help you rank on these alternative search engines:

1. Focus on quality content

As with any search engine, quality content is paramount. Make sure your website has fresh, relevant content that's optimized with keywords that are relevant to your industry. The better your content, the more likely it is to be indexed and ranked highly on alternative search engines.

2. Optimize your metadata

Meta tags are pieces of HTML code that provide information about a web page. Be sure to optimize your page titles, descriptions, and other meta tags with relevant keywords to help improve your search engine rankings. This will make it easier for search engines to understand the content on your website and match it with relevant search queries.

 

3. Engage with social media

Social media engagement can be a powerful tool for boosting your search engine rankings. By creating and sharing content on social media platforms, you can increase the visibility of your business and attract more visitors to your website. This increased traffic can, in turn, improve your search engine rankings on alternative search engines like Bing and Yahoo.

There's more than just Google out there

While Google dominates the search engine market, there are plenty of other alternative search engines that businesses should consider. By diversifying your SEO strategy to include alternative search engines such as Bing, Yahoo and DuckDuckGo, businesses can increase their visibility to potential customers and improve their overall online presence.

Ignoring these alternative search engines could mean missing out on potential traffic and revenue. Not everyone uses Google as their primary search engine, and that means a significant number of potential customers could be searching for products or services like yours on alternative search engines.

When planning your SEO strategy and marketing plans, don't forget about alternative search engines. It's a small effort that can yield significant results for your business.