Introduction to Google Carousel

What is Google Carousel?

Google has transformed into a knowledge search engine from an information search engine. The knowledge graph search feature – Google Carousel enables users to glance through more relevant URLs related to their queries; the horizontal array of images appear on the top of SERP (Search Engine Result Page) for users to reach the most relevant link in the minimum time. After selecting the relevant link, the feature turns up with the biography of selected link & many other relevant results to choose from. Go through the screenshots to understand Google Carousel better.

Screenshot I:

Screenshot II:

Launch Details
Google Carousel is launched on June17, 2013 in US with English as base language. Google will gradually cover other nations after studying different cultures, consumer behaviors & languages thoroughly. Google does not want to create confusion among users’ minds with irrelevant results; it aims at “to the point results”. Over the globe, we have many similar words that have different meanings, for example: in German “gift” means “poison” whereas in India it is referred as a “present”, in India people prefer to use the word “biscuit” instead of “cookies” that is common in US and there are many such examples to quote here. Google Carousel is to refine the search results in the best optimal way.

Scope of Google Carousel
The Knowledge Graph Search is an intelligent feature that would affect the rank of websites and users’ behaviour, drastically. Local businesses will have to walk extra miles to get on the top as it demands for branded search results. The horizontal sequence of images constitutes mainly brands, which means optimizers need to optimize set of keywords along with the brand name & that too naturally. Google Carousel has Google+ in its algorithm that forces webmasters to create an impressive Google+ profile for client’s business in order to appear in horizontal images list. Image is very-very important to improve ranking for Google Carousel; it is recommended having clear & good resolution image for Google+. More a business is active on Google+, the more are the chances to appear on the top panel of SERP.

Advantages of Google Carousel

• More User-Friendly
• Local Results get better place before paid results
• Image makes it more interesting, as users are more inclined to click the most impressive ones.

Disadvantages of Google Caurosel

• Less Space for Organic Results
• Long Pathway to Reach Website
• More Dependence on Google+

Comparison – Organic Results | Paid Results | Local Search Results

The sequence of SERP is local search results (LSR) – paid search results (PSR)– organic search results (OSR). From the biggest desktop screen to smallest mobile screen, LSRs & PSRs take maximum space leaving little place for organic results to adjust. What would be the strategy of webmasters to become visible on Google? Would it be more preferable to optimize for Google Carousel? Such questions need vigorous brain-storming sessions to find optimal answers.

Tips to optimize website for Google Carousel?

• Optimize website to create better UX (user experience).
• III, V and VIII positions of Carousel Results are the ones which are clicked most often by users.
• Image is the most important thing to get users click; make it interesting.
• Google+ Profile is the key to online success. Complete profile with
  • Phone Number
  • Geographic Address
  • Fresh Content
  • More Followers
  • Quality Business Description
  • Quality Images for Profile & Business Categories
• Reviews are compulsory to prove the worth of products/services.
• Follow brand strategy to win brand driven knowledge graph search.
• Multiply conversions by appearing in Carousel results as well as organic results.
• Submit website on authoritative online directories like yelp, zagat, etc.

Get set ready to successfully go on Google Carousel! If you have more points to share with us, please feel free to do so here.