In today’s dynamic digital landscape, businesses in the Philippines face a profound shift in consumer behavior: people are spending more time online. Recent statistics indicate that 77% of Filipinos dedicate about 10 hours and 27 minutes daily to their online activities, surpassing the global average of six hours and 35 minutes in 2022.
As marketers or business executives, you understand the significance of an effective online presence in reaching your target audience. This is where search engines come into play, serving as the gateway to information on the web.
Effectively utilizing these search engines in the Philippines can significantly enhance your brand’s online visibility and audience reach, fostering success in today’s competitive digital market. Read on as we explore the most popular search engines in the Philippines, evaluate their features and performance, and discover practical tips to harness their potential for your specific needs.
Top 8 Search Engines in the Philippines
The online realm is teeming with numerous search engines offering unique features and advantages. For businesses wanting to navigate this vast virtual landscape, it’s essential to understand the widely used search engines in the Philippines. Here are eight of the top 10 search engines in the Philippines as of August 2023.
1. Google
Google reigns as the undisputed top search engine in the Philippines, commanding an overwhelming 94.40% market share. Filipinos see this search engine as one of the most accurate and reliable, and its user-friendly interface and captivating features like Google Doodles and Voice Search further enhance its appeal.
Google’s unparalleled ability to deliver specific and relevant search results solidifies its position as the go-to Filipino search engine, making it a vital channel to reach and engage with the local audience. If you want your site to get the top Google searches, you should adjust your search engine marketing strategies to best cater to a specific audience that primarily uses the same platform.
2. Bing
Bing is a compelling alternative to the search giant Google in the Philippines. It offers a distinct user experience for anyone surfing the net, with its visually appealing daily wallpapers and video backgrounds that showcase various aspects of nature, culture, and history.
Microsoft-owned browsers like Microsoft Edge, Microsoft desktop search bar, and gadgets like Lumia phones tend to use Bing as the default search engine, giving Bing an edge over Google in terms of integration and compatibility with Microsoft products and services. As more people use these devices and platforms, Bing usage in the Philippines is also expected to grow.
Bing’s emphasis on visual search sets it apart, catering to those who prefer a more immersive search journey. Although Google dominates the market, Bing is steadily gaining popularity among Philippine users (3.65% market share), making it a noteworthy platform to consider in your marketing strategies.
3. Yahoo!
Yahoo! holds a long-standing history and nostalgic value in the early days of the internet, which is why it remains one of the top search engines in the Philippines.
It was once a popular search engine in the country when it offered various features, such as news aggregation, email, and messenger. However, its market share has declined significantly over the years as Google became the dominant player in the search engine market.
In January 2023, Yahoo’s market share in the Philippines was only 1.05%, compared to Google’s over 95%. One of the factors that contributed to this decline was the closure of Yahoo Philippines in 2015, which provided local news and content for Filipino users. Since then, Yahoo has been losing its relevance and nostalgic value in the Philippine internet landscape.
4. YouTube
YouTube has become more than just a video-sharing platform. Today, it functions as a search engine for information and entertainment. With an estimated 61 million Filipinos visiting YouTube monthly, it has become the top choice for viewers, creators, and marketers alike.
As of April 2023, the top 100 YouTubers in the Philippines by subscribers have a total of about 500 million subscribers. Media outlets like ABS-CBN Entertainment and GMA Network are among the top channels in the country, with 44.5 million and 32.4 million subscribers, respectively.
YouTube is now the third most visited website in the Philippines, next to Google and Facebook. However, this was not always the case. Between 2020 and 2019, the amount of content that channels in the Philippines uploaded to YouTube increased by more than four times. Moreover, from April 2020 to April 2021, the time people spent watching YouTube videos rose by over 25%.
YouTube is a different search engine from other platforms, with its algorithm providing personalized recommendations based on the user’s watch history and preferences. It also enables users to interact with the creators and other viewers through comments, likes, and subscriptions, making YouTube a more engaging and dynamic search engine for Filipinos who want to learn, be entertained, and connect with others.
However, the platform faces drawbacks such as concerns over misinformation, copyright issues, and content moderation challenges, necessitating a balanced approach to utilizing its potential while being mindful of its limitations.
5. Ecosia
Ecosia, the search engine that plants trees, is on a mission to impact the environment positively. With each user searching through the webpage or free browser extension, Ecosia utilizes its search profits to plant trees in various regions worldwide.
So far, the company has funded an impressive 179+ million trees to date. In 2021, Ecosia finally started planting trees in the Philippines, initiating a tree-planting mission in Aklan. With every search made, they planted trees, transforming once-barren landscapes into lush forests. Users worldwide joined the effort, illustrating the power of a simple search in creating a greener future for the Philippines.
Despite holding 0.17% of the search engine market share in the Philippines, Ecosia’s commitment to sustainability also has drawbacks. While the platform contributes to reforestation efforts, its limitations include a small market share, occasional search relevance issues, data privacy concerns, reliance on Bing, and even language limitations.
6. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo has emerged as a prominent search engine in the Philippines, ranking 5th overall. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to user privacy, this search engine ensures that they protect user data and that searches remain anonymous.
With the growing concerns surrounding online privacy, DuckDuckGo has garnered popularity among privacy-conscious users who seek a more secure browsing experience.
7. Baidu
Baidu is another search engine resembling Google, with a white background, blue links, and green URLs. Looking at it on a global scale, it’s China’s largest search engine, as it holds over 40% of the country’s search market.
It presents a viable option for Philippine businesses seeking to appeal to the Asian market. Nevertheless, Baidu has censorship policies, blocking specific images and pro-democracy websites.
One of the factors that may contribute to Baidu’s local market share is the increasing number of Chinese nationals in the Philippines. According to the Bureau of Immigration, more than 130,000 foreign nationals participated in the annual report for 2021, and Chinese nationals topped the list. Many of these nationals may prefer using Baidu as their search engine for convenience and familiarity.
8. Naver
Another international search engine Filipino brands could look into, especially those interested in riding the Hallyu wave, is Naver. Looking at the figures, Naver commands nearly 34% of the search engine market in South Korea. However, its market share in the Philippines was only 0.01% as of January 2023, which Google dominated in the same period.
Despite that, Naver remains a good option for Filipino brands interested in the Korean market or culture, as it provides access to Korean content and trends. For example, Naver is the main source of information and entertainment for Hallyu fans interested in Korean pop culture, such as music, drama, and variety shows.
According to a global status report released by the Korea Foundation, the Philippines recorded the biggest growth rate in the number of Hallyu clubs and members in Southeast Asia, with around 996,000 Filipino hallyu fans. These fans may use Naver to search for their favorite Korean celebrities, watch their videos, read their webtoons, and join their online communities.
Tips on How to Effectively Use Search Engines in the Philippines
While search engines share the same purpose, a few tips can help you maximize their advantages to make their features work for your business.
Use specific keywords that describe what you are looking for
Using precise keywords improves search accuracy by providing more relevant results. Use keyword research tools, autocomplete suggestions, and related searches to find optimal keywords that match your search intent. For example, search for Best hiking trails in Rizal instead of just outdoor activities if you’re looking for popular hiking spots in this province.
Select and utilize a search engine according to your specific searches
Choose search engines tailored to your needs, like image search, news search, or academic research. Utilize specialized search engines to access relevant content and improve search efficiency.
Add quotation marks to search for exact phrases or words
Enclose your search query in quotation marks to find exact matches for phrases or specific words. Doing so refines search results, ensuring the terms appear together and enhancing relevancy. For example, search for “healthy smoothie recipes” for precise results.
Include + and – signs to include or exclude words from your search
Using “+” before a word ensures it appears in the search results, while “-” excludes it. This strategic use of operators refines searches, excluding irrelevant content and focusing on relevant information. For instance, “Digital marketing +tips -social media” for strategies beyond social media.
Utilize advanced search filters
Leverage a search engine’s advanced search options to specify date ranges, locations, file types, and more. These filters help narrow results, helping you find the most recent, localized, or specific content.
Refine your search with related keywords
Broaden your search scope by including synonyms or related terms to expand search possibilities, leading to diverse yet relevant information beyond the exact search terms. Try using synonyms like “job” or “employment” to find career opportunities to get more hits.
Master Search Engines for Success
Harnessing the full potential of search engines is paramount to succeed in the online realm. These top search engines in the Philippines have their unique strengths and limitations. As a business, understanding the value and role of each empowers you to make informed decisions and reach your target audience effectively.
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