Some 79% of all keywords return search results that integrate at least one Google Universal Search (AKA blended search) element—the additional snippet of media and information that accompanies traditional results—according to a recent report from Searchmetrics.
The report was based on data from a large set of keyword searches conducted on Google US search throughout 2014. Searchmetrics has been conducting similar analyses of Universal Search since 2009.
Some 55% of search results for the keywords tested included video integration; 40%, images; 16%, shopping product listing ads (PLAs); 13%, news stories; and 7%, maps.
Below, additional key findings from the report.
Shopping PLAs
Shopping ads were the clear winner in Universal Search last year: The share of PLA integrations more than doubled, from 7.5% in January 2014 to 16% in December 2014.
Since the introduction of Google Shopping results in early 2013, the frequency of the element has increased tenfold.
Video
Some 80% of all video Universal Search integrations in 2014 delivered a YouTube video.
About the research: The report was based on data from Google US search results collected throughout 2014.
