Using online buzz and turning it into more relevant site search results

[mandy]

A news photo showing Britney Spears in an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini might cause a sudden spike in demand for just that kind of swimsuit. There are automated ways Internet retailers can keep track of that online buzz and turn it into more relevant site search results...

There is software available that can tie data feeds from Internet tracking companies like Nielsen/NetRatings into a retailer’s site search system, so that the system would automatically boost results of items that relate to topics that are generating a lot of interest among Internet users, Aldrich says.

She likens it to hardware stores putting up signs advertising fans and air conditioners on the first hot day of summer, except that the process is automated and based on data collected from millions of Internet users, and not on the store owner noticing that it’s hot outside...

full article: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=22440