Vertical search also known as topical search refers specialty in the search engine that allows you to search regarding a specific topic. It is an online search on a search engine that focuses on a specific industry, content type, or topic. Search engines like Google these vertical search engines limit results to a particular category, providing more targeted and relevant information.
Examples of Vertical Search Engines
- eCommerce: Amazon, eBay, Myntra
- Travel: Skyscanner, Google Flights, Airbnb
- Jobs: Indeed, Glassdoor
- Apparel: Search related to clothing
- Local Search: Google Maps
- Media & Content: Google Images, Google News, YouTube
Why Is Vertical Search Important?
- More Relevant Results: Filters out unrelated content and focuses on a single topic.
- Better User Experience: Helps users find niche-specific information faster.
- SEO & Business Benefits: Less competitive than general search, increasing visibility for businesses in targeted markets.
Vertical Search vs. Horizontal Search
- Vertical Search: Specializes in a specific category (e.g., only travel, results on).
- Horizontal Search: Searches the entire web across all topics (e.g., Google’s main search engine).
Does Google Use Vertical Search?
Yes, Google has vertical search features within its general search engine, such as:
- Google Images (image-focused search)
- Google News (news-specific search)
- Google Flights (travel search)
- Google Maps (local business search)
What Is Vertical Search Optimization (VSO)?
VSO (Vertical Search Optimization) refers to optimizing content for vertical search engines, such as YouTube, Amazon, or Yelp, to improve rankings within specialized search results.
By leveraging vertical search, businesses, and content creators can reach highly targeted audiences and improve visibility in niche search markets.