Google classifies intent in three categories, such as "do queries," "go queries," and "action intent," according to The Register. A 160-page Google manual explains to humans rating queries how they should judge an individual Web site based on its relevance, level of spam and quality. The guideline document also explain more about sites attempting to game Google, The Register explains. It turns out that Google outsources ratings to contractors employing home workers.

The confusion over direction when it comes to content marketing and search engine optimization got Andy Betts thinking about trying to clarify a few tactics for marketers who rely on older tactics to merge the two. Yes -- marketers have relied on content for years to attract searchers to sites, but the growth of social media, perception of search marketing, and changes in Google Algorithms continue to raise the value of content. As Betts writes, anyone can create content, but marketers must consider how it works across channels. He provides tips on how to view content and integrate it across …

Is 2013 the year of mobile? It could become the year of mobile as consumers switch from desktop to tablets. They will need to become more sophisticated with the ability to add apps and process information. The shift has eMarketer analysts thinking that perhaps it's time to build campaigns for mobile, making the mobile devices the first priority. The data highlights the shift and increase in Internet traffic and commerce to Web sites from mobile devices.

The tech world went into a spin Monday after a scheme to pump up stock surfaced a release from PRWeb claiming that Google had purchased the small wireless company ICOA for $400 million. Some blame search engine optimization (SEO) as the means for making the buzz catch on across news agencies as well and as fast as it did, allowing fake news to spread without confirmation. 

Larry Kim created an infographic analyzing Psy vs. Bieber and how marketers can tap into the growing acceptance of viral videos as content. He grades the videos based on three factors: social media exposure, celebrity support, and staying power. Kim considers views, likes, dislikes, comments and more.

Most retailers place their search box for on-site search at the top of each page. Graham Charlton takes us through a few suggestions on best practices for on-site search box placement. He presents several examples of placements and designs, along with the results of informal research indicating where the top 50 U.K. retailers place their search box. And while placement may seem important today, how long will it be until consumers see the box off to the side and a picture of a microphone in its place enabling voice search on sites?

Brad Miller provides insight to help marketers make the correct decision on whether or not to use branded or non-branded search engine marketing strategies. He argues for both, providing details on advantages and disadvantages on strategies from bidding on branded terms to methods for testing variations. The informative article also covers dos and don'ts that marketers can apply across the board, and methods to gain other sources for data.

Dan Zarrella describes his VOAL (value of a like) formula that calculates, well, the value of a like. He tells us that the first part of the formula uses unlikes per month and total likes to calculate a churn rate for social media followers. This allows marketers to come up with the average length of time that someone subscribes to a social network profile. He also points to a calculation tool that will help determine the outcome.

The Russian search engine Yandex has become the default engine on Windows Phone 8 powers smartphones in Turkey. The engine already supports Microsoft's phones in Russia. Yandex still trails behind Google in Turkey. The post points to numbers that suggest in June 2012, Yandex held 0.5% of the Turkish market, or 2.8 million users, but Google led with 22.9 million people and 98.5% of the search market.

An Island identified by Google Maps with coordinates that physically puts it between the eastern Australian coast and New Caledonia, French-governed, in the South Pacific doesn't exist, according to explorers from the University of Sydney. The researchers are now trying to understand why the "phantom island" has been included in the region's nautical charts, created by Australia's Hydrographic Service.