Can We See the Future?

Humans have long been fascinated by the idea of being able to predict future events. Throughout the ages, emperors, kings, queens, and those considered to possess superior intellect, knowledge and wisdom, have often held “sorcerers” in the highest regard. Further, sorcerers, who were believed to hold the keys to forward insight, were often deemed more valuable than magicians and those who were limited to casting spells. Today, companies employ a host of forward insight specialists in the form of analysts, actuarial professionals and other industry experts whose primary focus is to predict outcomes.

Acquiring knowledge in advance can provide a competitive edge of sorts. However, translating that knowledge and information into an action plan is the real key to unlock the benefits of advanced knowledge. Enter Google Domestic Trends!

In a similar way that McDonald's “Super-Size It” campaign was scrutinized by the now celebrated movie, “Super- Size It,” Google’s new super-sized 2011 menu redesign has become the focus of many pundits and techies alike. John Sutter of CNN refers to the new Google menu as “Taco-Bell meets KFC.”  However, MatterMax Media believes the redesign to be more more like, Taco-Bell meets a holiday feast, and sweat equity may become the most affordable way (it’s currently free) to predict future trends.

Google’s redesign compares to a regular web site navigation menu in that a navigation drop down menu appears when you land on the Google Home Page. This new menu is a representation of the user, and provides input options for presenting uniquely personal information, should you choose to take advantage of all of the redesigned features.

Google Got it Right:

In recent years, Google has been developing its social media identity in light of Facebook’s world domination of the social media arena. As a result, Google+ (G+) is now re-defining the social media user experience after years of tweaking new evolutionary design concepts. G+’s new concept is still based on the existing social media precept, i.e., your willingness to connect with others.

The social media game changer begins with G+ features. These features introduce “circles,” which allow you to share based on types of relationships; such as friends, family and co-workers; or “hangouts,” which are online face-to-face conversations via video, for up to 10 people; including, “mobile,” which allows an abundance of multimedia sharing and real time shopping venues. Google refers to these multi-sharing options as, “real life sharing, rethought for the web.” “Rethought for the Web” is a momentous concept and should be taken very seriously. All digital content has the built-in functionality to be accessed anywhere and everywhere simultaneously, allowing Google and anyone else to harness the collective social experience and therefore, predict trends.

Enter the Game Changer, +1:

You now have the ability to “share when it matters” via the new G+ “+1” feature. This potential critical game changer challenges Facebook, Twitter and other social networks, because the +1 allows you maximized shared management capability among your various social networks. How many times have you recoiled upon discovering inappropriate entries on your Facebook or Twitter timelines? Would the ability to share with just one click interest you? G+’s +1 allows you to manage what and with whom you share.   According to Google, +1’s are everywhere! The increased value of spotting trends is now a reality.  MatterMax Media contends that caution should be applied, in that all searches may not be worthy of sharing. Nonetheless, we do recognize the value in real-time trend spotting.

G+ Pages provide a similar functionality to Facebook Pages, in that G+ pages allow you to globally connect with businesses and brands. G+ Pages also provide consumers a place to hangout with their local business communities, while simultaneously providing a resource for businesses to gain insight from the conversations taking place.

The “more” button on the home page navigation menu opens a host of additional services that may be of interest to most people. Click the “even more” button and you will see all Google has to offer.

Social Behavior:

Social Behavior is the foundation for Everything Google. Google describes its menu of products [products it serves and captures] as being based on social behavior. This menu includes: the web, mobile, media, geo, home & office, social, specialized search, and innovation. More importantly, G+ asks the open-end question “What do you love?” We typed in “wisdom” and were led to this page! As a result, Google+ may be the best trend spotter scientists and behaviorists have ever experienced, captured and/or shared.

Trend Spotting:

Google has begun tabulating trends, despite the fact that you may have to dig a bit to find them. As an example, click the “more” button under the drop down navigation and then select/click “Finance.” You will notice a graph or chart on the Finance, “Google Domestic Trends” page.

In this instance, “Google Domestic Trends” is tracking Google search traffic throughout definitive economic sectors. Variations in the search volume of a particular sector on google.com may provide unique economic awareness. Google also provides the ability to access individual trend indexes by clicking on the left-hand navigation. These indexes are currently calculated and limited to US search traffic only.  MatterMax Media believes it is just a matter of time before Google tracks the entire globe.  In addition, anyone can download the spreadsheets displayed. Having this type of information at your fingertips gives you the ability to spot trends.

The Great Equalizer:

In the not-so-distant past, trends such as FedEx shipments, weather patterns, and certain manufacturing orders could only be tracked offline by professionals and then sold as data trends. These results are often used as predictors of behavior, or the probability of upcoming events. In the past, not only was this information offered at a cost, but often times you would have to wait for the news media to publish or make reference to it.  Now, Google search allows anyone to track domestic trends based on new Google's new search capability.

MatterMax Media cautions that Google Search tracking results may require skilled interpretation.   Further, you must always vet the data to ensure that the data is trustworthy.

Google claims it has taken numerous steps to make certain that its searches are organic and not gamed by spammers. However, all things considered, it is a good idea to measure twice, and cut once. In other words, try and obtain a second opinion, check your sources and figures twice before making a final decision. Google Domestic Trends can be useful for consumers and businesses, alike.

While not a “sorcerer” in the human sense, Google’s Domestic Trends do provide a heretofore, unmatched technological wizardry, currently not found in the magic of today’s web world.

See you next week at Today’s Marketing Blog, where we will present the second installment of “Google +” series, “Part 2- The Setup.”

MatterMax Media is a full service integrated marketing agency located in Stone Mountain, Georgia.  MatterMax Media provides strategy, technology, marketing and training for individuals, businesses and government.  Today’s Marketing Blog focuses on Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Web Matters.  When you require assistance with your website creation, branding/marketing strategy, feel free to contact us.