Remember the days when you thought Internet Explorer was the only thing you could use to get on t’internet? Mozilla’s Firefox was the 1st browser to seriously challenge the monopoly. In more recent times a browser from Google (a monopoly in its own speciality – search) has launched another worthy browser – Chrome.
Enter Chrome
It was launched in the Olympic year of 2008 and from a comic strip oddly enough. Its main selling point was both speed & simplicity. It was launched with a powerful JavaScript engine (v8) which could deal with complex websites much better (a website entitled Chrome Experiments showcases what it can do).
Integrating Search
As expected Google wanted to integrate Chrome tightly with search (as this is their primary service and is where they make their vast profits from!). The address bar acts as both an address bar and a search box which becomes second nature after a while.
Add-ons
The one thing that Firefox had above the other browsers was a huge directory of plug-ins which were easy (and addictive?) to install. These plug-ins integrated social networking, tools to help work flow, aid web development and so on. Speaking from an SEO perspective I know how useful they are in my job. In the last couple of months Chrome launched ‘extensions’ which aims to fill the plug-in void. Whilst there is some way to go to reach Firefox’s plug-in directory and community it is a good step forward.
Browsers on the Catwalk
Style is just as important as substance. One thing that I really like about Chrome is the fact you can completely redesign your browser. Bored of the same old greys? Simply apply a cool designer theme. It makes opening the same thing every single day a little more inspiring.
Brand Awareness
It’s got both style and substance… but how is Google getting it out there? You may have noticed the self promotion across Google’s own sites (including YouTube) and online display ads across other sites. You may have also seen something that Google doesn’t do too often – offline advertising. It’s been seen on billboards, newspapers and even on the tube. Has this had an effect on brand awareness? Well, yes. Internet searches for Google Chrome have almost doubled and overtook those of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
UK Internet searches for Google Chrome following advertising campaign
However they have some way to go to reach the level of brand awareness that Firefox has achieved.
UK Internet searches for web browsers Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer 8
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Considering that Google’s online image has always been rather cool and witty, their offline offering for Chrome leaves me cold. Very dry and functional press ads, very dry and functional 48 sheets. “Dont be evil”? Don’t be boring, more like.