If you follow the search marketing or business news, you probably know by now that Google has released "Chrome", their open source web browser. From a search marketing standpoint, this is a key contribution to Googles personalized search efforts, and just as notable, monetization efforts. Google has done a wonderful job of mining data from all the free applications they provide like Google Maps, I-Google and Google Analytics. The search data these applications return to Google helps them deliver more relevant personalized search results and more personalized ads... ads that convert better meaning a higher CTR for the advertiser and more money for Google.

The Missing Link

Despite Googles' efforts, some data inevitably falls through the gaps, and Chrome will help fill those gaps by providing a platform that has the potential to be more readily customizable by the users. The open source nature of Chrome means the Internet community will be developing applications to enhance the value of the web browser increasing its value. Additionally, Google will now be able to gather competitive intelligence from competitors such as Yahoo and MSN if the Chrome web browser is used with one of these search engines, augmenting the competitive intelligence they already receive from companies like Hitwise.

What Does This Mean to You?

On the surface, Chrome will be yet another web browser that you will need to ensure your website is compatible with. Hopefully you are testing your website compatibility with popular web browsers such as Firefox, Safari, Opera, IE6, IE7 and now, IE8 prior to launch.

Beneath the surface, how Chrome can benefit companies' search marketing efforts is yet to be seen. One promising feature is Chromes advertised ability to load web pages faster than its competitors, a plus for those of you with heavy or graphic rich websites.