Google smartphone (Photo : Reuters)
Google has raced past a critical milestone highlighting that smartphones are hot. In 10 countries more Google searches are now done from mobile devices than queries from PCs.
The search engine king said Tuesday that in several major countries there are now more searches from smartphones and tablets than from desktops and laptops. Those nations include the U.S. and Japan, according to Ad Week.
Jerry Dischler, a Google Vice President, says that purchasing is now done in "micro-moments." So it is important for marketers to be present at those precise times.
It is not surprising that search engine users' habits have changed since Google's founding 17 years ago. However, it stresses the need for Google to adjust to the skyrocketing use of mobile devices, according to Fortune.
Google launched algorithm tweaks for smartphone searches done on "mobile-friendly" websites with cell phone ads. These are websites with big text and layouts that are large enough to not require zooming in or horizontal scrolling, and allow for simple tapping on links.
Google also launched new ads that are developed for searches on mobile devices. Advertising is Google's most important business, so unattractive ads could cost the company big bucks.
The new ads' formats only appear for limited types of searches, including cars, cameras, and mortgages. They provide more information about such products, and are ideal for the tiny screens of smartphones.
For example, Google provides 360-degree photos for searches about cars. It also gives details about the vehicles, such as their fuel efficiencies.
Google's shift to mobile-friendly Web searches has allowed customized apps to become the main source of information. For example, HotelTonight's app can search for hotel rooms, and Yelp's app can find restaurants.
Google hopes that it will remain a top source for smartphone shoppers. It plans for its new mobile ads to include thousands of advertisers in over 10 nations, by the end of 2015.
