The Power of Search

Now and then we are given unexpected but gentle reminders of the significance of search. Its Friday evening at around 8pm, a friend and I decide to order a takeaway. Having decided on provider in a fairly typical fashion – raiding the ‘man draw’ until a semi-credible menu catches my eye – I proceed to place my order with a local Thai restaurant/takeaway whose name I won’t reveal.

To my bewilderment, I am told that there is a two-hour wait for delivery. Should I be able to collect, however, my order will be ready within half an hour.

I’m hungry, it’s a no-brain-er.

That said, I was confused at the apparent gulf in waiting times… During my short drive, I concluded that the only possible explanation was a severe lack of delivery drivers. I was wrong.

While I paid for my meal at the reception, at least five delivery drivers came and left. What’s more, there was not a single person eating in the restaurant. In fact, it seemed to be closed.

Even more confused.

Then out of the corner of my eye, I spot an elderly Thai lady tapping away on a laptop. On my return, a “Thai takeaway Bournemouth” search later and my suspicions are confirmed…

Top of Google search rankings, this business has clearly been through a fundamental shift in its business model. Once a struggling restaurant in a second rate location – now the entrance hall to a highly successful Google powered conveyor belt of the Thai takeaway variety.

Well-done Google. Well-done elderly Thai lady.