What Would Happen if Google Shut Down? Would TSHTF?

Here’s the story:

I remember back when I was in middle school, my dad would sometimes come home from work and talk about how he “Googled” something. I had no idea what he meant, so I looked up “Googol” in the dictionary (from the bookshelf in my room) and found that my Dad was doing something related to “The number 1 followed by 100 zeros.” I still didn’t know what he meant. This was before Google really became what we know Google to be today.

Today, Google is a part of each and every one our lives, and it’s something that we definitely take for granted. The power of being able to get traffic to our websites and businesses through keywords; the power to target customers with the use of Adwords; the power to make money via Adsense on our own websites and eHow. It’s truly amazing, but it’s truly scary too. I was thinking…what would happen if Google just dissapeared?

If Google disappeared, so many businesses and families would be affected, including my own. It’s crazy to think about, but it’s true. Google has the power to change lives. For example, if someone on Google’s end decided to not include my websites in their search engine anymore, I’d be screwed. On the other hand, if they decided to put all of my websites as the top ranking for all keywords in the world – I’d be filthy rich.

I know Google is more than likely going to be around for the rest of my life in one way, shape or form (like a wave?), but am I being ridiculous when I ask you if doing online business for a living is too risky? Is it crazy to rely so heavily on just one entity like this? We all know it’s good to diversify, but while doing online business, can we really be diversified?

I’m not doubting whether or not I should continue online business and relying on Google – because I will. They are a tool that has revolutionized the way we live. I love Google, and I hope they continue to love me back.

This was just a random post during a break while I’m writing my new eBook. It’s about 90% finished – I just have a few more pages and then I’m going to make it look pretty

Anyone have any thoughts about this post? I’ve love to hear what you think.

Coming up soon, my May Monthly Income Report…

Posted on : June 1st, 2009

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11 Comments (Click Here to Leave a Comment Below)

Reply Ted on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:05 am

I can remember when altavista was the dominant search engine, and google didn’t exist. I was still making money back then and I probably will in a future where google isn’t as dominant.

Reply Glen Allsopp on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:07 am

I feel stupid for taking so long to work out what TSHTF was haha.

If Google shut down (which they won’t, at least not for another few years) I think a lot of my income would take a nose dive but I would still be able to support myself through online ventures.

Reply DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com on June 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 am

Google is important, but let’s not forget that there were search engines before and there will be search engines after.

The mighty do fall– just ask IBM about Microsoft . . . or talk to the new Government Motors (GM).

Reply Blogging Banks on June 2nd, 2009 at 7:59 am

Well, your only choice is to use the extra online income that you are generating and buy some “offline” assets such as Certificates of Deposit and dividend stocks, in order to be able to generate some passive income ven in 30-40 years.

Reply Steve @ Start-Up on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 am

As long as the internet exists, there will be search engines. I bet you don’t even get all of your traffic from google. If google fails, someone else will pick up the slack. I’m waiting for an actual competitor to Adsense. It’s amazing how much of a monopoly google has become.

Reply Web Career Girl on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:03 am

I sometimes have the same thoughts pop into my head. It is crazy to think of it. But I guess it’s because so many people rely on them that Google are as amazingly successful as they are!

Reply The Happy Rock on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Would things really change that much search engine wise? I mean sure there would be major fallout, but everyone would be on similar footing. The sites with the most links and the most talked about will still get the most traffic although maybe less traffic for a while. I think Google does a pretty good job deciding which sites are relevant and worthy of receiving traffic and those underlying ‘credentials’ won’t change. Other search engines would fill in the slack and all will be well, expect for all the “I miss Google whining”.

Plus with a behemoth like Google gone it will probably reinvigorate a lot of small startup innovation which would be a huge plus.

Reply AntonfrederiC on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:18 pm

I feel like the only risky thing about the medium is not being ready / not forcasting what is next. i.e. – What, if anything is going to be the “new google” and how can I be the first to take advantage of its new googleness. (heh, seriously though).

Miss you P!

Reply SperryWater on June 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm

Pat – You bring up a good point. While Google is unlikely to completely dissappear it may someday lose its dominance in the search market. Then what? With the roll out of Bing may be the end is closer than you think. Has anyone starting looking at how Bing is going to change SEO? I’ve seen a bunch of articles comparing Bing vs Google (see example below) but I am not sure what they mean in terms of SEO. I guess time will tell!

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/02/search-smackdown-bing-vs-google/

Reply Sarah H. on June 4th, 2009 at 9:52 am
It’s a scary thought indeed how many businesses rely on Google (including my family’s too). Interesting post.
Reply City Streets Board on September 13th, 2009 at 11:03 am
As long as the internet exists, there will be search engines.