Google’s SearchWiki is available to you when you are logged into your Google account and perform a search. The main functionality appears as a couple of boxes beside search results and these buttons allow you to move / remove listings. At the moment this activity affects the results in YOUR ACCOUNT ONLY, but may some day affect results across the board if enough people provide consistent feedback. I included SearchWiki in my presentation as an example of the ways that Google is exploring the idea of using user feedback to improve their search results.

As for the local advertising, it’s not a hot topic here at SES Toronto. They are talking about it a little bit in terms of universal search but the focus is more on videos, images, and news as well as other topics like Twitter.

Well written post, I have a couple questions for you:

1. SearchWiki – Google wants your vote and they are paying attention to how people are using the SearchWiki rating mechanism. Can you elaborate on (1) what SearchWiki is (2) more on how Google will evaluate SearchWiki and what effects that will have for website owners & search engine rankings?

2. local advertising. I saw Freshbok’s owner say “Getting Authoritative Online Mentions” is key online. I am sure he was referring to brand awareness but also possible local advertising. Instead of links Google Local looks at “references” of your business. Do you know if the conference will have more on Local Advertising?

Jeff