While internet users are accustomed to using search engines to find information, with Brafton reporting as many as 93 percent of Americans use portals to peruse the web, Google is hoping to pick up the pace with its newly launched Google Related toolbar.

While internet users are accustomed to using search engines to find information, with Brafton reporting as many as 93 percent of Americans use portals to peruse the web, Google is hoping to pick up the pace with its newly launched Google Related toolbar.

The feature was designed to help users learn more about the subject or topic of the web pages they read. For example, if consumers are reading news content, Google Related offers other relevant content, such as related videos. When users are on an eccomerce site, Google Related shares product reviews or company locations.

Related content is displayed within the Google Chrome toolbar at the bottom of the page, and the featured content is magnified when users hover over it. (The feature is also available for IE users.) Upon selection, a separate tab will be opened in the same browser window, enabling users to quickly view the content.

Google Related is also integrated with Google+ and the +1 button, allowing users to share content with their circles if they choose too.

The new toolbar from the search giant offers businesses a fresh opportunity to generate exposure for published content. If consumers are already viewing a company's website, Google Related could bring up helpful product and service pages. On the other hand, if prospects are on a separate, industry-related site, the toolbar may link to published content on the brand's homepage.

Since the feature is available for IE and Google Chrome users, it could boost visibility among a lot of searchers. As Brafton has reported, StatCounter data shows that Chrome now accounts for 20 percent of the browser market, and IE is still the No. 1 browser.