2016: The focus has shifted to Social, when search results dominated the internet just a few years ago, big names were attempting to figure out the Google algorithm. Professionals today, in any field need social. A small to large business or chain may utilize social for advertising, comedians and musicians look to entertain and gain/maintain a following, and when major events such as award shows and album releases occur they aim to be trending across the boards.
Google Plus is a social media platform similar to Facebook but it never got much attention when it was launched in 2011. Many of its former employees agree that it was unsuccessful due to its inception being a clear "competitive stand-point" against Facebook. Others said it was created without the ease of the user in mind and did not move into mobile quick enough to be successful.
whats been trending so far this year? #Grammys #KanyeWest #ViewsFromThe6 #Oscars #KobeBryant #Lemonade #TLOP
Just a few examples, but this is how the focus has shifted.
"Google is experimenting with a new feature that allows marketers, media companies, politicians and other organizations publish content directly to Google and have it appear instantly in search results."
This has been a feature on google for quite some time now but they have only recently been working on perfecting it. Their ultimate aim is to avoid link searching for their users, you type your search into google and there it is. Example below: Bill Gates Net Worth Google Search
It effectively could end the need for URLs and reaffirm Googles dominance on the internet yet again in a very new way. The benefits are clear for Google, when you get your answer in this way you have no reason to leave the platform.
"Fox News has worked with Google to post content related to political debates, for example, while People.com published posts related to the Oscars in February. Earlier this week, HBO published 'news articles related to fictitious characters in its popular show 'Silicon Valley' to promote the season 3 premiere."
Apple is working on its own news platform where publishers would post directly to it without link clicks as well.