If you're like most people, you probably use Google as your go-to search engine. After all, it's the most popular search engine in the world, with over 90% of global market share. But did you know that there are other search engines out there? And they can offer a unique set of advantages for both users and businesses.
In this post, we'll explore why alternative search engines matter and how you can rank on them. We'll also highlight some real-life brand examples to show you how it's done. So buckle up and get ready to learn!
Why Alternative Search Engines Matter
Google is undoubtedly the king of search engines. But that doesn't mean it's the only game in town. In fact, there are several alternative search engines that cater to specific audiences and offer unique features.
For example, if you're looking for privacy-focused search engines, there's DuckDuckGo and StartPage. Both of these search engines don't track your online activity, which can be a significant advantage for people who are concerned about their privacy.
Another alternative search engine worth mentioning is Ecosia. Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue. So every time you use Ecosia, you're helping the environment. Pretty cool, huh?
Apart from their unique features, alternative search engines can also offer an opportunity for businesses to reach a specific audience that may not be as active on mainstream search engines like Google. For example, if you're targeting a niche market, you might find that your ideal customers are more likely to use alternative search engines that cater to that market.
How to Rank on Alternative Search Engines
Now that we've established why alternative search engines matter, let's talk about how to rank on them. The good news is that the principles of search engine optimization (SEO) still apply, regardless of which search engine you're targeting. However, there are a few nuances to keep in mind.
Understand the search engine's algorithm
Just like Google, alternative search engines use algorithms to determine which pages to show in their search results. It's important to understand how the algorithm works so you can optimize your content accordingly.
For example, DuckDuckGo prioritizes content that has high-quality backlinks and social media shares. So if you're looking to rank on DuckDuckGo, you should focus on building high-quality backlinks and promoting your content on social media.
On the other hand, Ecosia prioritizes content that is environmentally friendly. So if you're targeting this audience, you should focus on creating content that aligns with environmental values.
Focus on long-tail keywords
Long-tail keywords are phrases that are more specific and less competitive than broad keywords. They can be an effective way to rank on alternative search engines, especially if you're targeting a niche audience.
For example, let's say you're a vegan food blogger. Instead of trying to rank for the broad keyword "vegan recipes," you might try to rank for long-tail keywords like "vegan gluten-free desserts" or "vegan meal prep ideas."
By focusing on long-tail keywords, you'll have a better chance of ranking on alternative search engines that cater to specific niches.
Optimize your content for featured snippets
Featured snippets are the boxes that appear at the top of search results, highlighting the most relevant information to a user's query. They're especially important on alternative search engines because they take up a significant portion of the screen real estate.
To optimize your content for featured snippets, make sure your content is structured in a way that answers specific questions. Use headings and bullet points to break up your content and make it easy to read. And don't forget to include relevant images, videos, and other multimedia elements that enhance the user experience.
Use schema markup
Schema markup is a type of structured data that helps search engines understand the content on your website. By adding schema markup to your pages, you can improve your chances of appearing in rich snippets and other search engine features.
For example, if you're a local business, you can use schema markup to provide information about your business hours, location, and phone number. This can help you appear in local search results on alternative search engines like Bing.
Create high-quality, authoritative content
At the end of the day, the most important factor in ranking on any search engine is creating high-quality, authoritative content. This means writing content that is well-researched, well-written, and provides value to the user.
One way to create authoritative content is to cite reliable sources and studies. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of a plant-based diet, you might cite studies from reputable sources like the American Heart Association or the World Health Organization.
Now that we've covered the basics of ranking on alternative search engines, let's look at some real-life brand examples.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track your online activity. To rank on DuckDuckGo, you should focus on building high-quality backlinks and promoting your content on social media.
One brand that does this well is ProtonMail, a secure email service that prioritizes user privacy. ProtonMail has a high domain authority and a large following on social media, which helps them rank well on DuckDuckGo.
Ecosia
Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue. To rank on Ecosia, you should focus on creating content that aligns with environmental values.
One brand that does this well is Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company that is committed to sustainability. Patagonia has a dedicated page on their website that highlights their environmental initiatives, which helps them rank well on Ecosia.
Bing
Bing is Microsoft's search engine, which has a smaller market share than Google but still attracts a significant number of users. To rank on Bing, you should focus on creating high-quality, authoritative content and using schema markup to improve your visibility in local search results.
One brand that does this well is REI, an outdoor retailer that has a strong presence in local communities. REI uses schema markup to provide information about their store locations and hours, which helps them appear in local search results on Bing.
While Google may be the most popular search engine, alternative search engines can offer unique advantages for both users and businesses. By understanding the nuances of each search engine's algorithm and optimizing your content accordingly, you can improve your chances of ranking on these platforms.
So don't be afraid to explore the world of alternative search engines. Who knows, you might just find your next favorite search engine.