Since the beginning of February 2017, Google has also activated the new Google Image Search in Germany. The new interface and the technology behind it were already known from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In the USA, this new, seemingly more convenient method for Google users has been available for several years.
The problem with this whole matter, in addition to legal issues for Google and possibly also for website operators, is the declining visitor numbers. Fewer visitors (traffic) means fewer visits, less dwell time (on average), and of course less revenue.
Google wants everything… and as quickly as possible – even within image search
The background of image search is quite simple. Someone who Googles should ideally not be redirected elsewhere if they are searching for something specific. Until now, Google Image Search opened the original page where the photo was placed on 2/3 of the screen on the left. Since February 2017, users are shown the image, graphic, or photo, usually in full size, without further clicking or searching. Only the small „Visit Page“ button redirects to the website.
This, of course, leads to a decline in visitors due to the new Google Image Search. It remains to be seen when and how Google will adjust this again, but for now, important visitors are simply lost. Because many users, and perhaps you too, actively use image search to reach your goal faster!?!
Concrete figures of the impact – comparing January & February 2017
January 2017
February 2017
This means a concrete decline in visitors from Google Image Search of up to 80%!
In Google Analytics, the statistics for the new Google Image Search look even more dramatic, as Martin Mißfeldt reports in his article.
We do not wish to discuss imminent warnings due to copyright infringement in this article.
UPDATE FEBRUARY 2018
Google removes the „View Image“ button from image search. Good for website operators and photographers, bad for users and SEO! Copyright notices can also be indicated more clearly.
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