More than 71 percent of smartphone owners using an Android-powered device have used Google mobile search in the last 30 days, a new study from market research firm Nielsen found.
Defining the activity as “Active Research,” Nielsen pegged the Android Market app, which allows users to search for new apps, as the most frequently used. However, the frequency with which users turn to Google’s mobile search capability demonstrates the growing value in mobile SEO.
Other popular applications include Google Maps, Gmail, Facebook and Angry Birds.
Mobile search allows Android users to find answers and websites as desktop search does. However, Android-powered handsets also use geolocation data and Google account profiles to tailor results in a user’s location. For businesses, using mobile SEO techniques enables them to target a new customer base.
Geolocation data has provided an element of controversy in recent months. However, Brafton reported last week that the tool is especially popular with younger smartphone users.
