ComScore Changes Search Counting, Google Still On Top

ComScore is changing the way it records market share of search engine to reflect the changing ways consumers are interacting with sites.

The company had previously been counting the number of search queries to determine a search share. However, the company is now changing those methods so it can add figures from other types of search engines -- like those used on auction sites and retailers -- as well as sites like Wikipedia.

Called qSearch 2.0, the new data will expand to include search activity on the Top 50 Internet properties, as well as vertical, partner, cross-channel, and local search services.

“With the continued evolution of the search market, it has become clear there is a need to expand the way we think about search,” search solutions chief James Lamberti said. “qSearch 2.0 gives the most comprehensive and accurate view of the entire search market by including all forms of search that are being monetized currently or could be monetized in the future.”

In addition, the new methods also help it to rank better search engines that may see significant use in the rest of the world, though not in the United States. It also allows its clients to pick and choose what data they need for their specific uses -- many had complained about certain metrics not being included.

For some, the new metrics mean a boost in market share. For example, in March of this year, Google would have gained 6 additional percentage points of share. The increase is due to the wide array of search types being taken into account. Where different types of search for a single term had counted as one, they will now be counted separately.

Even with the new system, a “core search” market share report similar to the old method will still be regularly released. In that report for July, Google held a 55.2 percent share to Yahoos 23.5 percent. Microsoft trailed behind with a 12.3 percent share.