What Is Bing and What Is It Used For? (Hint: It’s Not Just a Google Knockoff)
Let’s get real for a second. When someone says “search engine,” how many of us actually think of Bing first? (Cue the awkward silence.) Yeah, we get it—Google’s been hogging the spotlight since dial-up was cool. But here’s the thing: Bing isn’t just the underdog nobody invited to the party. It’s a legit tool with unique perks, especially if you’re into SEO, local businesses, or just saving a few bucks on ads. Oh, and if you’re in Los Angeles trying to boost your organic search game? Our team at Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency lives for this stuff. Let’s unpack why Bing deserves a second look.
What Exactly Is Bing? (Besides That Thing You Accidentally Open Sometimes)
Bing is Microsoft’s answer to Google, launched in 2009. But calling it a “Google clone” is like calling avocado toast “just bread.” Sure, it does the basics—web search, images, videos, maps—but it’s got its own flavor. Think of Bing as the search engine that tries harder. It’s integrated with Microsoft’s ecosystem (looking at you, Windows and Office fans), offers slick visual search features, and even powers other platforms like Yahoo and DuckDuckGo.
Here’s the kicker: Bing controls about 9% of the global search market. Not earth-shattering, but for niche industries or local businesses? That’s a goldmine of untapped traffic. And if you’re working with a savvy SEO company (hi, it’s us again—Sitelinx), you’ll know that dominating all search engines beats fighting for scraps on one.
Why Should We Care About Bing in 2024?
Fair question. Google’s still the big kahuna, right? True, but here’s why Bing’s worth your time:
- Less Competition, More Opportunity: Everyone’s obsessed with Google SEO. Meanwhile, Bing’s quieter corridors mean easier rankings for keywords that’d cost an arm and a leg elsewhere.
- Microsoft Loyalists Exist: Windows users, Xbox gamers, and Teams addicts often default to Bing. Ignore them, and you’re missing a chunk of your audience.
- Local SEO Love: Bing Places (their version of Google Business reviews) is way simpler to optimize. Less clutter, fewer hoops—perfect for small businesses.
Pro Tip: Pairing Bing with Google campaigns can boost visibility by up to 30%. Not too shabby for the “other” search engine.
How Do People Actually Use Bing? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just for Rewards Points)
Let’s squash the myth that Bing is only for redeeming Starbucks coupons. Here’s what it’s really used for:
1. Web Search (But Prettier)
Bing’s homepage features stunning daily images with interactive hotspots. It’s like Googling while sipping a latte at an art gallery.
2. Image and Video Search
Bing’s visual search tools let you filter by size, color, or even license type. Great for bloggers, designers, or anyone tired of Getty Images’ pricing.
3. Maps and Travel
Bing Maps isn’t just a Google Maps doppelgänger. Its 3D cities and street-side views are smoother than butter. Plus, flight price predictions? Chef’s kiss.
4. News and Shopping
Bing aggregates news from 50,000+ sources and compares prices across retailers. Ideal for research or finding that obscure vintage lamp your spouse needs.
Bing for Business: Why Local SEO Nerds Are Obsessed
If you’re running a local biz, Bing’s simplicity is a breath of fresh air. Google Business reviews are crucial, but Bing Places cuts through the noise. You can:
- Claim your listing in 5 minutes (vs. Google’s “verify by postcard” circus).
- Sync basic info from your website or WordPress backend.
- Track performance with straightforward analytics.
Case in point: One of our clients at Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency doubled their foot traffic by optimizing both Google and Bing listings. Why choose one when you can dominate both?
Bing vs. Google: The SEO Smackdown
Let’s settle this once and for all. Here’s how Bing’s SEO game stacks up:
| Factor | Bing | |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking Priority | Backlinks, mobile-first | Content quality, keywords |
| Local SEO | Reviews, citations | Simpler listing setup |
| Ads Cost | $$$ | $ (Bing Ads are cheaper, IMO) |
| Ecosystem | Android, Chrome | Windows, LinkedIn, Xbox |
Our hot take? Bing’s easier to crack if you’re new to SEO. Less algorithm witchcraft, more common sense. But hey, why not optimize for both? That’s where a killer SEO agency (like, ahem, us) comes in handy.
“But How Do I Actually Optimize for Bing?” (Glad You Asked)
Here’s the cheat code:
- Use Bing Webmaster Tools: It’s free, intuitive, and shows crawl errors Google might miss.
- Keyword Stuffing (But the Good Kind): Bing loves exact-match keywords. No need to overthink synonyms.
- Social Signals Matter: Bing weighs social media activity more than Google. Time to dust off that Twitter account.
- Technical SEO FTW: Clean URLs, fast loading times, and WordPress plugins like Yoast work wonders.
Fun story: We once revived a client’s flatlining traffic by fixing their meta tags just for Bing. Sometimes it’s the little things.
Why You Need an SEO Specialist Who Gets Bing
Let’s be honest—juggling multiple search engines isn’t most people’s idea of fun. That’s why partnering with the best SEO company (we’re biased, but facts are facts) saves time and sanity. At Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency, we geek out over:
- Local SEO strategies that work on both Google and Bing.
- Content tweaks to please Bing’s algorithm without alienating Google.
- Budget-friendly ad campaigns that don’t waste cash on overpriced clicks.
FYI, Bing Ads often convert cheaper than Google—especially for niche markets. Just saying.
4 Burning Questions About Bing (Answered Without the Fluff)
Q1: Is Bing better than Google?
A: For some things, yes! Cheaper ads, simpler local SEO, and gorgeous visuals. But it’s not a replacement—it’s a supplement.
Q2: Does Bing care about Google Business reviews?
A: Nope. Bing has its own review system (Bing Places), but consistency across platforms builds trust.
Q3: Are Bing Ads worth it?
A: If you want lower CPC and less competition? Absolutely. We’ve seen e-commerce clients slash ad spend by 40% using Bing.
Q4: Can I use WordPress plugins for Bing SEO?
A: Yep! Plugins like Rank Math or All in One SEO work seamlessly. Just tweak settings to prioritize Bing-friendly factors.
Wrapping Up: Bing Is Your Secret Weapon (No, Really)
Look, we’re not saying you should ditch Google and pledge allegiance to Bing. But ignoring it? That’s like baking a cake with only half the ingredients. Whether you’re a local shop in LA or a global brand, Bing offers tools that complement your Google strategy. And if you’re too busy to juggle both? That’s what we’re here for.
At Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency, we blend humor, hustle, and a lot of coffee to make SEO work for you—on every search engine. So why not give Bing a shot? (And if you’re still Google-obsessed, don’t worry—we won’t judge. Much.)
Ready to conquer Bing? Let’s chat. 👋
