What is Vertical Search?
Vertical search, also known as specialty or topical search, describes niche or specialty search engines focusing on a single industry vertical, type of content, or specific segment of the overall search. Unlike general search engines like Google, which aim to index and search the entire Web, vertical search engines concentrate on a limited dataset, diving deeply into a distinct topic.
Examples of Vertical Search Engines
- In-platform eCommerce Product Search Engines: Amazon, eBay, Etsy
- Vacation Rental Engines: Airbnb, HomeAway
- Travel Search Engines: Skyscanner
- Employment Search Engines: Indeed, Glassdoor
- Local Search Engines: Yelp
Google’s Vertical Search Tools
Although Google is a general-purpose search engine, it features a network of vertical search tools that rely on Google’s core search functions but are filtered differently based on user requirements and restricted to specific categories. Examples include:
- Google Images
- Google Videos
- Google News
- Google Maps
- Google Books
- Google Flights
- Google Finance
Why is Vertical Search Important?
Benefits for Users
Vertical search is beneficial for users seeking niche topics and specific information because it narrows down the results. Standard horizontal search engines like Google return broad results, which can be overwhelming when users need specific or niche information. Vertical search engines provide smaller, more targeted search results that are most relevant to the query.
Benefits for Businesses
Vertical search offers businesses a less competitive path to a highly targeted audience. It allows businesses to reach different user bases, with an increased chance of that audience being near or at the "ready-to-convert" stage of the funnel. By focusing on vertical search, businesses can effectively engage with users who have a clear intent, improving conversion rates and ROI.
SEO Best Practices for Vertical Search
Optimizing for vertical search, also known as Vertical Search Optimization (VSO), involves different strategies than traditional SEO focused on ranking in Google’s universal SERPs. Here are some best practices:
1. Analyze SERP Composition
Understand the composition of search engine results pages (SERPs) for your target keywords. Analyze how results look for different queries to determine the best content format and keywords to target.
2. Optimize Content for Specific Vertical Search Engines
- Images: Use descriptive file names, alt text, and captions.
- Videos: Use proper schema markup, closed captions, engaging titles, and relevant descriptions.
- Local Listings: Ensure accurate business information, customer reviews, and relevant local content.
3. Implement Schema Markup
Use schema markup to help search engines understand your content type and format. Properly implemented structured data can improve your chances of appearing in rich results, enhancing visibility and click-through rates.
4. Monitor and Adapt
Regularly monitor your performance in vertical search engines and adapt your strategies based on insights and trends. Use analytics tools to track user engagement and conversion rates to refine your approach.
FAQs
What is the difference between vertical and horizontal search?
Vertical search focuses on a specific section of the Web, providing smaller and more targeted search results. Horizontal search covers a range of different topics and media types, displaying mixed search results.
Does Google use vertical search?
Google’s default search is horizontal, but it also incorporates vertical search functions like Maps, News, Images, Flights, and Books.
Is site search on your website considered vertical search?
Yes, on-site search functions as a vertical search engine because the search is limited to a single domain.
What is VSO?
VSO stands for Vertical Search Optimization, which involves optimizing your content for a vertical search engine. It differs from traditional SEO, which focuses on ranking in Google’s universal SERPs. The goal of VSO is to achieve higher rankings on platforms like YouTube, Amazon, eBay, and other vertical search engines.
By understanding and leveraging the principles of vertical search, you can effectively target niche audiences and enhance your online presence across various specialized platforms.
