Too many marketers spend their time trying to outsmart Google’s algorithms to get their brands in front of the right audiences. While Google is great, it’s important to remember that it’s not the end-all, be-all of search engines. In the world of search engine optimization (SEO), it’s essential to play up to all search engines’ needs, even if they’re not quite as popular as Google. In fact, a lot of people use search engines like DuckDuckGo because of the very fact that they operate quite differently compared to Google’s strategies. For instance, DuckDuckGo is a private search engine that doesn’t collect user data. Additionally, unlike Google, it doesn’t use targeted advertising or track its users across the web. These qualities make it very attractive to many people looking for a more private experience online.
If you’re trying to figure out DuckDuckGo marketing, we’ve got some tips to help you properly implement an SEO strategy on this private search engine.
What is the DuckDuckGo Search Engine, and is DuckDuckGo Safe?
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that aims at providing users with an internet browsing experience that doesn’t gobble up their personal data. Basically, the site protects users’ privacy online by hiding your DuckDuckGo search history from those who regularly take it. It comes in both a mobile browser app and a desktop extension and works just like most other search engines – sans data collection. Founded in 2008, the search engine has been around for quite a while, but, as privacy becomes more of an issue for consumers, DuckDuckGo is growing fast. In fact, in 2021, the search engine hit 100 million searches a day, and there has not been any sign of searchers slowing down.
DuckDuckGo vs. Google
DuckDuckGo is one of Google’s most formidable competitors. This is particularly true for users who value their information and don’t want to be tracked online. With that said, although privacy is undoubtedly an attractive selling point to the platform, DuckDuckGo offers users several other benefits, too, such as:
- Quality SERPs (laid out similarly to those of Google)
- Few ads (but not anything overwhelming)
- A knowledge panel
DuckDuckGo does not take the approach of other big tech companies, such as Google and Facebook. The big guys tend to make money through targeted ads based on users’ search histories and personal data. Even in incognito mode, Google still collects information. DuckDuckGo, on the other hand, blocks trackers and doesn’t store users’ browsing data.
How to Optimize for DuckDuckGo
Because DuckDuckGo is quite different from traditional search engines, like Google, you might ask, “How do I optimize for this platform?” As a marketer, it can be challenging to switch up your way of thinking and tackle a search engine that works the opposite of what you’re probably used to. Here are some tips:
1. Build a Credible Backlink Portfolio
With any search engine, including DuckDuckGo, it’s important to gain quality links that speak to the reputation of the content you’re putting out into the world.
Backlinks also help search engines understand the context of the content you’re posting, which goes well beyond the simple use of keywords. They help DuckDuckGo understand whether your content can be trusted. Therefore, you’ll want to create a strategy that focuses on earning quality backlinks as part of your digital marketing efforts.
2. Anticipate User Queries
Given the privacy emphasis of DuckDuckGo, searchers are likely to adjust how they conduct their searches. For instance, since you know DuckDuckGo may not pinpoint your exact location, you can add geo-qualifiers to your content to ensure searchers know where your goods and services are sold.
Keywords are crucial on DuckDuckGo, and you’ll need to dig deep to truly understand what your visitors want from their searches. Utilize tools, such as SpyFu and SEMRush, to garner more information about your users’ behaviors.
3. Use Hyperlocal Search Terms
When location tracking isn’t an option, you’ll have to rely on your content to provide location-specific keywords. DuckDuckGo uses a generalized method for producing local results, which are used by many of the other search engines.
When people perform “near me” searches, you want your business to show up if you’re in that area. On DuckDuckGo, it’s a little different. Here are some things you can do to boost your hyperlocal search terms:
- Use location-specific keywords
- Feature your location in some of your URLs
- Utilize location-specific metadata
- Focus on long-tail keywords
- Include your contact information on your website
4. Create High-Quality Content
As with all search engines, DuckDuckGo is looking for high-quality content that adds value to its users’ searches. The better quality content you provide, the more likely you will be featured as a top choice on the search engine results pages (SERPs).
5. Hire the SEO Experts at Zero Gravity Marketing
If you spent too long wondering, “What is DuckDuckGo used for?” you’ve probably missed out on some big opportunities to market to searchers who value their privacy. SEO on DuckDuckGo is different from other search engines, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Reach out to our team at Zero Gravity Marketing to learn how to use DuckDuckGo in ways that bolster your brand’s digital presence!
