The primary purpose of Search Engines has been to help users find information and resources more easily on the internet.

Bing’s latest enhancement to its search engine could help expand the value of search even further. It’s allowing users to get social with its search listings – welcome Bing & Ping.

Social media is rapidly changing the way we digest information, and more importantly for businesses, the way we make buying decisions. Nowadays, friend referral is one of the leading factors in people selecting a particular business or product.

Bing have recognized the importance of being able to share what you’ve found and now incorporated sharing options directly into their SERPs.

As search engines continue to expand the information and detail contained within their listings, the need to go to the listing destination prior to sharing is getting less and less important.

It’s currently in beta testing with sharing options assigned to enhanced listings such as movie times, news, restaurants etc. If you wish to get involved in the beta program, you’ll need to become a friend of Bing on Facebook – another clever social ploy!

I’m a big fan of search engines making their listings more interactive and social. Whilst sharing of listings is only a small part of the social media picture – it’s an important step!

Searchers are no longer just potential visitors or customers – if you’re search engine listing is engaging, this new Bing enhancement allows them to be your social media marketers too!