1/ Some thoughts on Google Search
I was listening to ILtB's episode with Sridhar who played instrumental role in Google's Search success, and is now building Neeva, a subscription based private search product.
As a $GOOG shareholder, I was curious and here's my notes.
I was listening to ILtB's episode with Sridhar who played instrumental role in Google's Search success, and is now building Neeva, a subscription based private search product.
As a $GOOG shareholder, I was curious and here's my notes.
2/ In 1Q'21 earnings call, Philipp Schindler explained drivers of search:
I. Number of queries
II. Percentage of queries that have commercial potential
III. Click-through rates
IV. Cost Per Click (CPC)
Sridhar condensed it further: volume of clicks multiplied by CPC
I. Number of queries
II. Percentage of queries that have commercial potential
III. Click-through rates
IV. Cost Per Click (CPC)
Sridhar condensed it further: volume of clicks multiplied by CPC
3/ "It turns out that persuading people to query more is next to impossible. All of us have a certain propensity to use search, and it varies from person to person." 
4/ As internet and smartphone penetration increase, number of queries will continue to increase but query per individual has a ceiling that's very difficult to break.
5/ So if search volume peaks per user, you need to increase the ad loads to make more money.
Insane that by changing a gradient of color, Google can make a billion more.
Insane that by changing a gradient of color, Google can make a billion more.
6/ "...if there is a new platform, there's a reason why a company like a Google or a Facebook very anxiously invests in areas like AR, like VR, likewise, because all of these potentially represent new queries"
7/ Google could make more money faster, but they played the long game. Some may say it's much easier to play the long game when you have a cash printing machine, but it's a choice nonetheless.
8/ As said earlier, Neeva is a subscription-based alternative to Google search.
How much does it cost? As per its website, if you sign up now, the first 3-months is free, and as early user, it'll cost $4.95/month. So that tells me the eventual price is likely to be higher.
How much does it cost? As per its website, if you sign up now, the first 3-months is free, and as early user, it'll cost $4.95/month. So that tells me the eventual price is likely to be higher.
9/ This was a great question by Patrick, and I'm not sure I find the answer convincing.
10/ I guess the more important and even basic question is whether there is any product in history that was "free" worldwide but later mass consumers were convinced to pay for the product.
End/ $5-10/month is expensive for the vast majority when there is "free" alternative.
While not concerned as $GOOG shareholder, it was a good episode to understand search better and get acquainted with potential vector of failure for search.
Link: joincolossus.com/episodes/84033…
While not concerned as $GOOG shareholder, it was a good episode to understand search better and get acquainted with potential vector of failure for search.
Link: joincolossus.com/episodes/84033…
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
