Google Autocomplete and SEO: A Comprehensive Guide

If you want to search for something online, you’ll probably head to a search engine. If you’re like 90% of the users online, your first priority is probably Google. It’s quick, fast, and simple; all you have to do is enter some text and click on search.

However, there is one important factor many businesses overlook, and it’s hiding in plain sight. When you type your query into the search box, Google displays a list of keyword predictions under it. Those suggestions are known as Google Autocomplete and should be a major component of every SEO strategy.

It’s very easy for this feature to get overlooked when you’re planning a marketing strategy. However, the importance of Google Autocomplete is often understated. Autocomplete makes searches so much easier for users and gives businesses a competitive advantage over one another.

If you run a business, Google Autocomplete is a crucial place you should target. This guide will cover all the essentials of Google Autocomplete, how it functions, and what you can do to get a competitive edge. By the end, you will have a good understanding of how it runs, so stick around to learn all the tips and tricks of Google’s features.

When you’re searching for something on Google, it automatically recommends some predictions to you. That feature is called Google Autocomplete, and it’s incredibly beneficial for businesses since it drives a ton of traffic to their websites. 

Essentially, it serves as a guide for searchers to get to what they’re looking for. When a user is looking up something, they’ll probably type according to the predictions and pick the term that is closest to what they need.

The feature helps users save a lot of time. With Google Autocomplete, users can match to the keyword they’re looking for, eliminating the need to make multiple searches. However, this is where the opportunity lies for many businesses. If you can position your brand on popular keyword searches, there’s a high chance you’re going to see a lot of organic traffic driven to your site.

Like every other Google service, Autocomplete is run through a complex algorithm that you’ll need to master. One thing to remember is that the keywords shown on Google searches are not suggestions; they refer to them as predictions instead.

This means that Google will focus on real-time searches to predict what you may look for. For example, if a user types in the word “cal,” it may predict “California weather” since previous trends have shown that a lot of users are interested in that topic.

Additionally, every letter that is added on will enhance the predictions. For example, adding an extra letter and searching “call” may display the “Call icon.” Aside from trends, Google will consider plenty of factors when displaying predictions.

Here’s a list of some common aspects Google will consider before predicting your search.

#1 Location

Google’s search engine algorithms rely heavily on geo-specific keywords. This means that the location you are searching from has a big impact on what predictions you will see. For instance, if you search “gas station,” you’ll probably be shown suggestions such as “gas station in X city.” 

#2 Language

Another factor Google will consider is the language you’re searching in. If you’re searching in English, you won’t benefit from predictions in French. Hence, all predictions are made in the language in which the search is conducted.

#3 History

Lastly, Google will consider your search history to give you personalized solutions. For this, you will need to be logged into your Google account. Once you type in something in the search box, you may see predictions on the top with a remove option next to it. These predictions are made from your previous search history and can help you quickly navigate through searches you make frequently.

Are you aware that Google’s autocomplete feature has the potential to shape your online reputation? Here’s how it works: when you start typing a search query on Google, the autocomplete feature automatically suggests popular search terms related to your typing.

Now, imagine if one of the autocomplete suggestions associated with your name or business is negative or inaccurate. It could damage your online reputation, even if the suggestion is not true. This is because many people make snap judgments based on search engine results.

For example, if you’re a restaurant owner and one of the autocomplete suggestions for your business is “bad reviews,” potential customers may be hesitant to dine at your establishment.

On the other hand, having positive autocomplete suggestions, such as “excellent service” or “great food,” can boost your online reputation and attract more customers.

So, how can you influence what Google suggests? The best way is to create positive content about yourself or your business online. This could include creating social media accounts, publishing blog posts, or getting featured in reputable online publications.

By taking control of your online presence and influencing Google’s autocomplete suggestions, you can help shape a positive reputation and attract more customers.

Since we’ve established that Google Autocomplete is important for your business, we should now move on to how you can leverage it. Having your name pop up on a search could have a great impact on your business, and you’ll need to work on an SEO strategy to get that spot.

Similar to regular SEO strategies, cracking the codes behind Google Autocomplete works the same way. Here are some of the steps you can follow to take advantage of this feature.

#1 Keyword Research

This is one of the most important steps of any SEO strategy. Discovering the exact keywords that users are looking up can help you give your business a competitive edge. You can conduct keyword research in many ways, so let’s get into it.

Unlike typical keyword research, you’ll need to put in a little more effort to master Google Autocomplete. First, start off by typing in a keyword that fits your niche and examine the predictions shown by Google. This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to get to long-tail keywords, which can provide a greater boost than normal keywords.

The next step is simple, try adding a single letter and notice Google’s predictions. With each letter, you’ll notice different predictions you can use on your website. While this may be easy, it may bombard you with a ton of uncompetitive keywords that may take up space on your website.

Next, you can try using blanks to find keywords. For instance, type in a location and a niche in which your company operates. Then, add an underscore between the two words and note down the predictions shown to you.

Lastly, you could use online tools such as SEMrush, Google Search Console, and Soovle to make this search easier for you. Remember, you will want to integrate as many long-tail keywords to your website as you can since they’re more competitive. 

#2 Optimize Content

Now that you’ve found a list of keywords, you’ll need to use them wisely to leverage them. Remember, if the quality of content on your website isn’t good, search engines won’t rank you on the top results.

You will then have to optimize the content on your website with the keywords you’ve discovered. Search engines use crawlers to skim through your content and rank it on result pages. If you’ve used the keywords organically, these crawlers will appreciate the quality of your content and may rank you higher on search results.

#3 Improve User Experience

Lastly, this step is crucial for businesses that may face a ton of negative predictions. If you’re a business affected by this, there isn’t much you can do to get them off of Google Autocomplete. However, you can work on those areas by improving user experience.

When your customers are happy, they’ll stop searching for the negatives, and eventually, google will stop predicting those statements. This may take time, but it gives you a unique opportunity to work on your services, ensuring you don’t make the same mistakes.

Now that we’ve covered the importance of Google Autocomplete and how you can use them for your SEO strategy, this section highlights an important task you will need to take on. Since Autocomplete has a major impact on your reputation, you will need to monitor it frequently. 

Search your brand name and notice the predictions that are being displayed. If you notice negative feedback, take the necessary steps to address them. Furthermore, if you notice any inappropriate comments, you can submit a request to Google to have them reviewed.

Google Autocomplete is a great feature that helps users save time when they’re looking for something on the internet. However, it could also help you know your company’s brand reputation. While many people underestimate this feature, there are a ton of potential benefits that can give you an advantage over your competitors.

If you’re trying to make the most out of Google Autocomplete, follow the tips we’ve mentioned in the article!