Vertical search

Vertical search refers to a type of search engine that focuses on a specific category or niche, such as images, videos, news, or shopping. Unlike general search engines like Google, which display a wide range of results, vertical search engines deliver results tailored to a particular topic or format.

Examples of vertical search engines include Google Images for pictures, YouTube for videos, and Amazon for shopping. These platforms allow users to search within a specific context, making it easier to find relevant results.

Vertical search is important for SEO because it provides opportunities to rank in specialized search areas. For example, optimizing your product pages can help you rank higher on Amazon, while adding keywords to your videos can boost visibility on YouTube.

To succeed in vertical search, your content must match the intent of users within that niche. For instance, for Google Images, include descriptive file names and alt text for images. For YouTube, use engaging titles, descriptions, and tags.

Businesses often use vertical search to target users more effectively. Someone searching on a shopping platform likely has a purchase intent, making these searches valuable for conversions.