When it comes to search engine optimization, there are two main types of searches: branded and non-branded. Both types of searches have their own challenges and advantages, and it’s important for a business to understand these distinctions in order to be successful in their online presence and search engine ranking. In this article, we’ll explore what the differences are between branded and non-branded search, how to make the most of your SEO efforts with actionable insights, and why it’s so important to know the difference when creating your digital marketing strategy.

What is Branded vs. Non-Branded Search?

Branded search queries are those that include the brand or business name in the query. For example, if a user types in “Amazon” or “Amazon Prime“, the search engine will display results related to the brand. This type of search query often yields more specific results compared to non-branded search queries, as the user is clearly looking for a specific website.

Non-branded search queries, on the other hand, do not include the brand name within the query. Instead, they rely on keywords related to the product or service that the business is offering. For example, if a user searches for “online shopping” or “discounts on electronics”, they are looking for a more general search result that is related to the product or service they’re interested in. This type of query often yields a lot of different results, but most of them will be related to the user’s needs and interests.

Why is Branded vs Non-Branded Search Important?

Branded and non-branded search both have their own advantages when it comes to search engine optimization.

For branded searches, the advantage is that the search engine knows what website the user is looking for and provides more specific results. This can help improve the visibility of the website in search engine results, as it’s easier for users to find the exact website they’re looking for.

Non-branded searches, on the other hand, can help businesses reach a wider audience. By utilizing keywords related to the product or service, businesses are able to increase their visibility among users who are looking for products or services similar to what they offer. This can also lead to more conversions, as users who find a website through non-branded search are often more interested in what the business has to offer and thus more likely to convert into customers.

Actionable Insights to Utilize Branded vs. Non-Branded Search

If your business is looking to optimize their search engine presence, it’s important to have an understanding of both branded and non-branded search. Here are a few actionable insights to help you get started:

1) Monitor your branded search volume: Monitoring your branded search volume should be a priority. This will give you an understanding of how well your website is performing in search engine results and where you can focus your efforts to increase performance.

2) Utilize long-tail keywords for non-branded search: Utilizing long-tail keywords will help you target users who are looking for more specific products or services, as long-tail keywords are often more specific than short tail ones.

3) Track your competitors’ activity: Tracking your competitors’ branded and non-branded search activity will give you an idea of the strategies they’re utilizing and how you can improve your own search engine results.

4) Optimize your landing pages: Optimizing your landing pages can help improve your website’s visibility in search engine results and improve user experience. This includes having succinct titles and descriptions, optimized images, and relevant and engaging content.

Conclusion

Branded vs non-branded search is an important aspect of search engine optimization for businesses. Knowing the differences between the two, understanding and utilizing actionable insights to make the most of SEO, and tracking your competitors’ activity are all necessary steps in order to have a successful online presence. With the right steps and effort, you can ensure that your website and business stands out from the competition and is easily visible to your target audience.