Clutter

Don’t get me wrong – I’m a big advocate of both Google and Twitter, I just think that Google are going down a path that they shouldn’t be right now. In the old days, people preferred Google over other search engines because of its nice clean interface – the homepage looked pretty, with the search box and the two simple buttons. And the results were displayed in a nice clean way – just 10 results.

But recently, I’ve started to think that Google have lost their way a little. In the great battle to keep ahead of Bing, it seems like they’re rushing through products, with no clear focus on what they’re trying to achieve. The SERPs are changing more frequently than I think they have at any point in the past. I’d like to consider myself a Google power user – like most SEOs, I’ve got a good grip of how the SERPs work, and what different features do, but recently, even I’ve started finding it all a little bit confusing. Let’s look at a few examples of what I’m talking about:

Additional Indented Results / More Results From…

I really don’t like the additional indented result here.  And it’s kinda confusing having two different “More results from…” options.  Why does one have a plus box, and one not?

Obtrusive Blended Search

This isn’t the best example out there, but Google really seem to have turned up the dial on blended search results.  I’ve seen queries where the SERP contains 2 rows of images, followed by 2 rows of 2 videos, and I’m not even looking for videos or images.

Different Types of Indented Results

This set of results is kind of like the first set of results,  apart from these results have dates next to them.  Why is that?

Star Wars

This used to be one of my favourite blended search examples.  A good solid SERP, with a few pictures, maybe a few videos .  Now it’s bloody crazy!

So What’s This Got To Do With Twitter?

I think my point is, is that Google have come a long way since the simple SERP layout days, and have in the main done a good job of integrating vertical search products.  The problem is, is that it feels like they’ve taken it a step too far recently.  The SERPs are all looking a bit full-on, and I’m concerned about  what will happen  when they integrate Twitter conversations  into the main SERPs (if that’s the way they’re heading).  Twitter contains a lot of random noise, and when combined with an already noisy SERP, this could damage the one thing that Google has always been good at – delivering, clean relevant SERPs.

Image via @SparkyLeigh

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After 5 years of working at iCrossing (previously Spannerworks), I’ve finally decided to take the extremely difficult decision to move on.  Today is my final day as Head of Natural Search and as an employee of iCrossing.  The last 5 years have probably been some of the best of my life, and all I have are good things to say about iCrossing and Spannerworks.

I started iCrossing after a bad start to my career.  After graduating from Sussex Uni with a degree in Maths and Artificial Intelligence I decided to move home to parents, where I got a job working as a software developer.  I very quickly realised that neither the job, nor the culture of the company I was working for was a good fit – something that I’ve subsequently come to realise is one of the most important things when choosing a company to work for.

I decided that I wanted to move back down to Brighton, and a friend of a friend (and another Sussex AI grad) was then working for a company called Spannerworks, doing something called Search Engine Optimisation.  At the time, my knowledge of the internet was limited, but the then Head of Search, Nilhan Jayasinghe saw something in me and decided to take a punt on me.  As it turned out, I actually found SEO very interesting, and a real match to the analytical skillset that I developed during my academic career.

Since I’ve been here the company have given me some fantastic opportunities and challenges.  In 2007 I got the opportunity to visit SES San Jose, where the obvious highlight was attending the Google Dance at the Googleplex.  In the same year I summited  Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of colleagues to raise money for Amani Children’s home in Tanzania.

That’s me looking the wrong way on the back row, second from left.  The chance to travel, and work with colleagues in the US has been great, and I’ve learned a lot from the SEO team over there.  More recently, my role as Head of Natural Search has allowed me to push myself even further, speaking at both SMX London and SES London in 2009.  This achievement in itself speaks volumes in terms of how I’ve been encouraged to grow at iCrossing – 5 years ago I don’t think anyone would ever expect me to be doing that!

However, 5 years is a long time to do anything, and unfortunately I’ve reached a point where I’ve got a desire to spread my wings, and experience life on the other side of the fence.  That’s right – it’s time to move inhouse!  In October, I’ll join Review Centre as Head of Search and Social Media.  For me this job title is significant – search is no longer what it used to be.  You need to take a joined up approach that encompasses both disciplines, and I’m looking forward to getting more involved in the social side of things.

Before I join Review Centre in October I’ve a few things that I need to do – one of which is racing Tuk-Tuk’s around Sri Lanka to raise money for a children’s home.  I’ll be accompanied by a good friend of mine, David Coats.  If you’re feeling generous and want to sponsor us, you can do so over here.  Hopefully we’ll be tweeting our adventures from here.  Before I hit Sri Lanka I’ve got a short trip to India – a country I’ve always been fascinated with, so I’m really looking forward to that.  I look forward to seeing you all on the other side

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http://searchga.me/

Comment here if you know what the answers are, or Tweet #searchgame

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The main reason why I think Twitter is starting to go ballistic is because I’m starting to see more and more mentions of it within the main stream media. I like to spend a good few hours over the weekend catching up with the news with my favourite paper, and I think I read three separate stories within the same newspaper talking about how Twitter was being used. The favourite story I read was about two hip hop DJs, Semtex and Wale, who took their beef out on each other via Twitter after Semtex interviewed Wale for BBC Radio 1.  You know your social micro-blogging tool has hit the mainstream when you’ve got guys settling scores via it.

Then you’ve also got the celebrity endorsement, coming in the form of Twitter-God Stephen Fry, who’s recently eclipsed the 100,000 follower mark.  Last night he got stuck in a lift following a speech somewhere, and felt compelled to share that photo with everyone.  This morning he thanked all the Tweeters by saying “thank you to all those who kept the Blitz spirit alive”.  In fact, he Tweets every minutiae of his existence that it’s amazing he gets anything done.

If this widespread coverage keeps going, I’ll soon be conversing with my mum and dad via Twitter!  While still on the topic of social media, I just wanted to throw out a couple of other interesting links.  The first is this map of words used via Twitter during the Super Bowl, which demonstrates an interesting use of Twitter.  I think I picked that up via Tim Aldiss, so thanks for that Tim!  The second is a happy 5th birthday to Facebook – for all the Twitter-doubters out there, just think where we’d be without Facebook now, eh?

UPDATE

Anyone interested in Twitter can see my Jonathan Stewart Twitter feed here

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