Introduction
When people talk about search engines, Google is the first name that comes to mind—but it’s not the only player in the game.
Meet Bing, the second-largest search engine owned by Microsoft.
✅ Bing powers over 6% of global searches and is the default search engine on Windows devices.
✅ It powers Yahoo Search and Microsoft’s AI-driven Copilot.
✅ Bing SEO is less competitive than Google, making it a great option for businesses.
But how does Bing compare to Google, and should you optimize for Bing SEO?
Let’s find out! 🚀
1. What is Bing Search Engine?
Bing is Microsoft’s search engine, launched in 2009 as a competitor to Google.
It provides search results for websites, images, videos, news, and shopping, just like Google, but with some unique features.
Key Features of Bing Search Engine:
✔ AI-Powered Bing Chat – An AI chatbot integrated into search.
✔ Microsoft Rewards – Users earn points for searching with Bing.
✔ Better Video Search – Full-screen video previews & autoplay.
✔ Image-Based Search – Reverse image search using Bing Visual Search.
✔ Deep Integration with Microsoft Products – Works with Windows, Edge, and Office.
Example:
If you search for “best Italian restaurants in New York” on Bing, you’ll see local listings, reviews, and AI-powered suggestions.
2. Bing vs. Google: Key Differences
| Feature | Bing | |
|---|---|---|
| Market Share | ~6% globally, ~30% in the U.S. | ~92% globally |
| Default Browser | Microsoft Edge, Windows devices | Chrome, Android devices |
| AI Integration | Bing AI Chat, Copilot | Google Bard, Search Generative Experience |
| Ranking Factors | Prioritizes exact match keywords & backlinks | Focuses on content relevance, E-E-A-T |
| Multimedia Search | Better for images & video previews | Stronger overall search experience |
| Paid Advertising | Microsoft Ads (cheaper CPC) | Google Ads (more competitive) |
Pro Tip:
If you’re in eCommerce or local SEO, Bing Ads cost less than Google Ads but still reach millions of users.
3. Why Optimize for Bing SEO?
Most businesses focus on Google SEO, but Bing optimization offers unique benefits:
✅ Lower Competition
✔ Fewer businesses optimize for Bing, meaning it’s easier to rank.
✅ More Organic Traffic
✔ Bing powers Yahoo Search and DuckDuckGo, reaching more users.
✅ Higher Click-Through Rates (CTR)
✔ Bing searchers click more on organic results, while Google users are more likely to click ads.
✅ Cheaper Ads on Microsoft Advertising
✔ Bing Ads often have lower CPC (cost-per-click) than Google Ads.
Example:
A real estate agent targeting Bing SEO for “best homes in Los Angeles” can rank faster and pay less for ads compared to Google.
4. How to Rank on Bing (Bing SEO Best Practices)
Ranking on Bing requires a slightly different SEO strategy than Google.
✅ 1. Use Exact Match Keywords
- Bing prefers exact-match keywords in titles, URLs, and content.
- Unlike Google, Bing still relies on meta keywords for ranking signals.
Example:
Google might rank a post for “best travel destinations” even if the exact phrase isn’t used, but Bing prefers seeing the exact match in headlines.
✅ 2. Build High-Quality Backlinks
- Bing places more weight on backlinks than Google does.
- Focus on quality over quantity—Bing rewards links from .edu, .gov, and established domains.
Example:
A tech blog that gets featured on Forbes or TechCrunch will rank higher on Bing.
✅ 3. Optimize for Image & Video Search
- Bing prioritizes multimedia search, making high-quality images & videos important.
- Add alt text and descriptive file names to rank in Bing Image Search.
Example:
A fashion brand optimizing high-resolution images will see better rankings on Bing.
✅ 4. Improve Website Speed & Mobile Experience
- Bing favors fast-loading websites with clean navigation.
- Use Bing Webmaster Tools to check page speed and errors.
Pro Tip:
Bing rewards websites that work well on Microsoft Edge.
✅ 5. List Your Business on Bing Places
- Bing Places is Bing’s version of Google My Business.
- Helps local businesses rank in Bing Maps & local search.
Example:
A dentist in New York listing their business on Bing Places will appear higher in local Bing search results.
5. How to Advertise on Bing (Microsoft Advertising)
Bing’s ad platform is called Microsoft Advertising (formerly Bing Ads).
✅ Why Use Bing Ads?
✔ Cheaper cost-per-click (CPC) than Google Ads.
✔ Less competition, meaning higher ad placements for lower bids.
✔ Reaches older, high-income users (Bing’s audience is 35+).
6. FAQs About Bing Search Engine
1. Is Bing better than Google?
Bing is not better, but it offers advantages like cheaper ads, better image search, and less competition for SEO.
2. How much market share does Bing have?
Bing holds about 6% of global searches but over 30% in the U.S..
3. Is it worth doing SEO for Bing?
Yes! Bing SEO is easier and less competitive, making it a great strategy for businesses.
4. Is Bing Chat AI better than Google Bard?
Bing AI integrates ChatGPT, while Google Bard focuses on real-time AI-generated search results.
5. How do I submit my website to Bing?
Use Bing Webmaster Tools to submit your sitemap & monitor rankings.
Conclusion
Bing is a powerful alternative to Google, offering unique advantages for SEO & paid ads.
🔹 Bing SEO is easier & less competitive than Google.
🔹 Microsoft Ads cost less than Google Ads.
🔹 Optimizing for Bing can drive extra traffic from Yahoo & DuckDuckGo.
🚀 Want to expand your search engine reach? Start optimizing for Bing today! 🚀
