Google Earth's popularity booms

The popularity of Google Earth continues to grow, with the site entering the UK’s top 10 most searched for on the web.

Old favourites eBay, Argos and Amazon retain the top three positions, according to web monitoring company Hitwise.

Google Earth now ranks number eight, with searches for it increasing 20-fold since October 2005.

Heather Hopkins, director of research at Hitwise, said the growth of Google Earth seems to be viral - driven by people recommending the service.

She also said older people are flocking to the site:
“Google Earth also seems to appeal to an interesting and somewhat surprising demographic: Silver Surfers. Nearly one quarter (24.34 per cent) of visits to Google Earth are from those aged 55+. Google Earth attracts 70 per cent more visits from the 55+ age category than average for the internet.”

Top 10 Search Terms for the 4 weeks ending 21st January 2006

eBay
Argos
Amazon
Ask Jeeves
Currys
Eastjet
Comet
Google Earth
PC World
Ryanair

http://www.hitwise.com