SnapHawk Blog

Google has rolled out a new preview function for organic search results which allows users to view a portion of the landing page without actually visiting the website; they simply need to click the magnifying glass icon next to the search link.  The preview tool highlights text related to the user’s search input, making it easier for a user to quickly compare search results and decide which page looks most useful. The new feature will undoubtedly affect website traffic, but whether for better or worse is a matter of debate.

Internet users in pursuit of the latest breaking news or their favorite TV shows are rarely distracted by small advertisements on the side of the screen.  They are focused on their final web destination, and it is difficult to tempt them to stray from that path for more than a few moments.

That is why start-up Adkeeper has created software that allows users to store ads they find interesting and view them at a more convenient time.

Internet experts have long tailored search results to individuals based on previous user data.  Google’s newest search feature one-ups that technology by attempting to predict what a user wants before he even finishes his query; in essence, Google Instant attempts to read his mind.

Google Instant constantly searches as the user types his query, providing results even before he finishes a word.  Clicking “search” and pressing enter are no longer necessary with this time-saving tech tool.

For businesses struggling to generate a buzz without much money in the marketing budget, Foursquare might be the answer.  It’s low-cost and low-effort, but it gets the name out there through a very credible source – best friends.

Foursquare is a mobile phone application which allows consumers to tell their friends where they most like to eat, shop, hang out, and just generally live their lives.  They “check in” to their favorite spots, and the application notifies their friends via social media including Facebook and Twitter.

Americans have long feared excessive government interference in personal matters, as is evidenced by the cultural phenomenon created by the Big Brother character portrayed in George Orwell’s 1984.  Paranoia has died down since the book’s World War II era publication, despite the fact that technology makes it easier than ever for anyone – not just the government – to keep a watchful eye on personal activities.

For years, tracing cookies have tracked the way users browse websites and have used that data to tailor content and advertisements to individual interests.  And now the mobile marketplace is opening new doors for companies looking to appeal directly to an individual customer.

Location-based advertising, LBA, traces a consumer’s location through his cell phone.  The company may then send an advertisement, via text message or mobile web, to the consumer based on his proximity to the business location.