Posted on June 23rd, 2010Google dominates the search engine industry, but in China, Baidu occupies the largest market share. Google’s search results are based on a sophisticated algorithm. Baidu’s search results are mixed up with lots of paid links and natural links. It is difficult to distinguish them. In addition, the natural ranking algorithm is not very sophisticated and many spamming and illogical results can be found. We have enumerated Baidu’s earmarks that still keep it galloping top in China :
1. User Interface In Chinese Language
Baidu’s user interface is in Chinese Language, which is one of the strapping reasons for the vogue of Baidu in China. Most web users in china are the common people who can speak or read only Chinese. Other search engines available in Chinese were rejected by the people due to their foreign(English) touch. Chinese people prefer “Baidu” owing to its Chinese origin.
2. Baidu MP3 Search
The enchanting feature of Baidu is the MP3 search which is not supported by Google. Baidu’s MP3 search is similar to Google’s image search. It searches for MP3/WMA/SWF files instead of image files. Baidu’s MP3 search is mainly used for Chinese Pop Music and the search results are amazingly accurate. Sharing MP3 copies of copyrighted material is illegal in most parts of the world. Baidu is able to provide this as the Chinese law turns a blind eye on copyright infringement.
3. Baidu news
Baidu News display links to related headlines through an automated process. Baidu is awaiting a license from the Chinese government, which will transform it into a powerful news service provider. Baidu is culturing its news department ready for this. Baidu will be the first and only Chinese search engine to receive such a license, if granted.
4. Results include more of Chinese content
Search engines like Google and yahoo display search results on a global basis. Google’s local search won’t get you all the regional search results. Here, Baidu poses as a strong rival by displaying results locally rather than on a global basis.
5. Handwriting Input on Home Page
The home page comes embedded with a Web-based Chinese handwriting input for web search, seen immediately to the right of the search box. The service, which requires no browser plug-ins, allows users to input characters using their mouse when searching the web. Baidu had previously featured the service only on its senior citizens channel.
6. Government information search
This attribute enables Chinese users to search various regulations, rules, notices and other information announced by People’s Republic of China government entities. Baidu updates the database of these entities on a daily basis.
7. Legal and patent search
Legal Search enables users to search a database that contains local and national laws and regulations, cases, legal decisions, and law dictionaries.
Patent search enables the user to know about Chinese patents and furnishes basic patent information including patent’s name, application number, filing date, issue date, inventor information and a brief description of the patent
8. Baidu encyclopedia
Baidu is a Chinese Encyclopedia tycoon as far as users and traffic are concerned. Here, the articles are written and edited by registered users and reviewed by behind-the-scenes administrators before release. Baidu is presently compiling the largest rural digital encyclopedia of china.