Web Page Rankings Lose Rank

Published by Kristin | Filed under SEM / E-marketing, Search Engines

Nielsen/NetRatings announced that they’ll be changing they way they track visitor stats. Currently, advertisers and sites rely heavily on the number of pages viewed by a visitor to determine site traffic and success. However, with the growing popularity of online videos and the use of Ajax software, the quantity of pages viewed has become less relevant. It’s the quality- or time spent on a particular site that will determine site traffic.

What does this mean for rankings guru Google? It looks like Google may have to take a backseat to some of its compadres. According to Scott Ross, director of product marketing at Nielsen, Google ranked fifth because its search engine is focused on giving visitors quick answers and links.

Is this a sign that things are starting to slow down & faster doesn’t always mean better? That (quality) time spent does count for something?

Online social communities are leading the way we interact with each other, both personally & professionally. Genuine engagements can’t be forced or rushed. It’ll be interesting to see how this new rating system attempts to adapt to the changes in online activity.