Performics has revealed how the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting how Australians use search engines.
According to the data, there have been five categories that had a significant uptake between March 4 and March 17.
These were COVID19-related product search terms, self-isolation search terms, media consumption search terms, stay-at-home search terms and shopping related search terms.
For COVID19-related product terms, the top results were home equipment (+166 per cent), office chairs (+53 per cent), hand sanitiser (+148 per cent), disposable gloves (+114 per cent) and face masks (+ five per cent).
Performics points out that sharp increases can present challenges for retailers, who might be running low on stock.
“Meeting this intent can be hard, as getting deliveries in time can be a challenge, or the product is just not available,” Performics said.
“So we need to think about the right experience that we can create in these times. As an example, if you are out of stock of hand sanitiser, you could create a landing page saying that you are currently out of stock, but that washing your hands is a great way to stay hygienic.”
In terms of how self-isolation is impacting search terms, it appears fitness is at the top of the list.
Workout routines (+92 per cent), home gyms (+81 per cent), tips on how to work from home (+99 per cent) and what to do when bored at home (+172 per cent) all featured on the list.
Performics explained how this is an opportunity for the gyms that have been forced to shut their doors.
“With consumers’ intent to stay well and healthy, delivering an experience that provides health club members, for example, with the right content so they can eat well and stay fit while at home, will be critical for people. Hence, we see a clear opportunity for brands to be consumer-first in their approach to our new way of living,” the company said.
