Let’s Face it, Twitter IS a Search Engine
Hear Me Out
While some might already feel this way, chances are I’m likely to stir up some debate here, so here we go….Twitter is A Search Engine. There I said it. Now before some of you look for the closest object to throw at your monitor, hear me out.
Sure, when most people typically think of search engines, we think of sites like Google, Yahoo, and MSN to name a few. These sites, by definition are search engines. So what is a good definition of a search engine? Well just head on over to the ol’ trusty WikiPedia….you only need to read the first sentence to see what I am getting at.
A Web search engine is a tool designed to search for information on the World Wide Web
Now, if you are still green to the world of Twitter, let me explain why it is in fact a search engine and why you need to use it when researching your business, business ideas, news, etc. For those new to Twitter, take a few minutes and read up on “WTH Is Twitter“.
As you know, Twitter is a micro-blogging platform where pretty much everything happens in real time. So what does this mean? You can stay on top of emerging, current, and relevant topics in real time. No longer do you have to wait a few days for someone to blog about a new site, new product, or even new news.
Why It Works
There is no denying the power of Google in terms of a search engine. The vast majority of internet users will utilize Google for searching online. Google and the other big search engines are great for looking up information such as “how to’s”, product reviews, general research, etc. Where these search engines lack is in the real time information and connection with its users. Twitter, unlike the aforementioned search engines is truly powered by the people. This allows for user to user connection in real time.
The problem with Google, Yahoo, MSN, & other old school search engines is that the information that shows up your search results is somewhat outdated. I say this in that each search engine, spiders, digests (runs through algorithms), decides what info it considers most relevant, then publishes those results within its search results. This is somewhat antiquated in that the search result listing can be days and sometimes weeks old resulting in you not truly having the most recent and relevant information. While some information you may be interested in rarely changes, current and emerging events can change each minute.
Mobility is another strength of Twitter in that users can utilize Twitter on the go. Whether you are out and about traveling and curious as to finding a good restaurant in the city you are visiting, or even find yourself in an emergency (San Diego wildfires), a simple tweet can provide and find information you are looking for without being in front of the computer.
Will Twitter Overthrow Google?
Some say that Google is to big, or to strong to be overthown by Twitter in terms of a search engine. While this statement may have some truth to it, just remember there was a time where AltaVista, Lycos, and Yahoo dominated the search engine market. Do I personally think Twitter will surpass Google as a search engine? No, not necessarily, but I do feel it is challenging Google to step up their game. Whether Google ends up buying Twitter or developing something bigger, better, more innovative than Twitter; Twitter is definitely changing up the search game.
What are your thoughts on Twitter as a search engine? Do you use it for searching? Has it changed the way you find information? How do you think it will evolve the search engine game?
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