Google has a 90% market share for search in Australia with NineMSN and Yahoo the bulk of the remainder. Google is so entrenched as the local search engine of choice it will be difficult to change and any change will be slow and gradual after the initial curiosity wears off. Microsoft claim their engine is different with a focus on Local search, Travel and shopping, some of the features want be released initially released in Australia for several months.

See how Microsoft describe Bing

But Bing could mean a change in SEO strategy for local companies chasing the last ounce from their online efforts. This will be better understood following the launch of the new search engine this week, naturally most businesses will be racing to see how they rank on the keyword phrases they optimise for.

In addition Pay Per Click marketers may be able to purchase search engine advertising clicks at a cheaper rate on the new search engine and profit from the initial curiosity of the Bing service.

The big question that remains unanswered is how Microsoft and Yahoo fit together, if at all. With Yahoo’s new Global CEO announcing that Yahoo is not a search company, does this open the doors for a greater tie up with Microsoft. Only Time will Tell.