Direct versus search engine traffic: An innovative approach to demand analysis in the property market
International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis
ISSN: 1753-8270
Article publication date: 28 September 2012
Abstract
Purpose
The application of “Google” econometrics (Geco) has evolved rapidly in recent years and can be applied in various fields of research. Based on accepted theories in existing economic literature, this paper seeks to contribute to the innovative use of research on Google search query data to provide a new innovative to property research.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, existing data from Google Insights for Search (GI4S) is extended into a new potential source of consumer sentiment data based on visits to a commonly‐used UK online real‐estate agent platform (Rightmove.co.uk). In order to contribute to knowledge about the use of Geco's black box, namely the unknown sampling population and the specific search queries influencing the variables, the GI4S series are compared to direct web navigation.
Findings
The main finding from this study is that GI4S data produce immediate real‐time results with a high level of reliability in explaining the future volume of transactions and house prices in comparison to the direct website data. Furthermore, the results reveal that the number of visits to Rightmove.co.uk is driven by GI4S data and vice versa, and indeed without a contemporaneous relationship.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the new emerging and innovative field of research involving search engine data. It also contributes to the knowledge base about the increasing use of online consumer data in economic research in property markets.
Keywords
Citation
Kaesbauer, M., Hohenstatt, R. and Reed, R. (2012), "Direct versus search engine traffic: An innovative approach to demand analysis in the property market", International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 392-413. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538271211268538
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited