Google's Query Interpretation May Shift Over Time As Searcher Intents Change

Sep 29, 2021 - 7:21 am 0 by
Filed Under Google

Google Intent Maze

John Shehata, the global VP at Conde Nast, asked a super interesting question about how Google Search adapts to how searcher intents change over time. In short, it seems Google is smart enough to understand queries different over time as searcher intent changes over time.

John Shehata asked on Twitter "when does Google consider a phrase a valid query and not something else? Let me explain: searching for "News SEO" always generates "SEO News" for the majority of SERP results. Is it demand, content supply, etc?"

John Mueller of Google responded first saying "I don't know." And then he offered a theory, saying "I imagine the intent shifts automatically over time. Like [christmas trees] can mean "information about trees" in July, and "where to buy" in December, "how to get rid of" in January, and "christmas tree news" if they run out, again."

John Mueller seems to say that Google will "automatically" shift how it understands query intent over time, as seasons or events change.

Bill Slawski added "just like a search for Hanukkah before the event is probably one looking for gifts or celebration, and one taking place afterward is more likely for the history of the event. Timing can make a big difference."

This makes sense but it would be super cool to know how Google handled this, wouldn't it. I guess this is the type of question that cannot be fully answered on Twitter.

Here are those tweets:

Forum discussion at Twitter.

Note: This was pre-written and scheduled to be posted today, I am currently offline for Simchat Torah.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Follow

Search Video Recaps

 
Google Core Update Rumbling, Manual Actions FAQs, Core Web Vitals Updates, AI, Bing, Ads & More - YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Google Updates

Google Urges Patience As The March 2024 Core Update Continues To Rollout

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:51 am
Google

Official: Google Replaces Perspective Filter With Forums Filter

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:41 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profiles Now Offers Additional Review After Appeal Is Denied

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:31 am
Google Maps

EU Searchers Complaining About Google Maps Features Changes Related To DMA

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:21 am
Google

Google Showing Fewer Sitelinks Within Search

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:11 am
Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 15, 2024

Mar 15, 2024 - 4:00 pm
Previous Story: Google: Sitemap Location In Robot.txt Inconsequential