Google recently announced the latest version of its search engine, called “Caffeine” (a Googler friend recently told me of how they name software versions creative names, “Cupcake” is the code name for a new Android version).

For all of the buzz about Bing, Microsoft’s new search engine slowed its marketshare gains in August, growing only 0.23% from July to an August search market share of 9.65% (according to this release by StatCounter.com). Google gained 0.29% to a total share of 77.83%. Clearly, Google will remain the dominant force in search for a long time to come. Stay focused on growing your rankings on Google while keeping a casual eye on Bing and Yahoo with their new search partnership.

The primary differences between the current search engine and Google Caffeine? Speed and real-time search results, according to Andy Beal's Marketing Pilgrim article. Now that a< href="http://search.twitter.com">Twitter Search is becoming known for delivering real-time results about conversations happening right now, Google's new results will begin prioritizing current results as well. The search giant has thrown more horses behind your search, too, with search results now coming to you up to twice as fast, according to speed tests.

Here’s what to do about Google Caffeine:

• Compare your old rankings with your new ones using this comparison site ( http://www.comparecaffeine.com/search-com.php).
• Read what the experts have to say about making sure your rankings stay high:
• 6 Things to Expect if Google Decaf Gets a “Caffeine” Boost
• Google Caffeine: A Detailed Test of the New Google
• Google Caffeine FAQ: Your Questions Answered
• Work with your SEO vendor to be sure your sites are up to date. Even if you don’t engage them on a full project, consider hiring them for an hour to review changes you’ve made and allow them to communicate their consolidated knowledge on the topic (they read this stuff all day and use it in the field).
• If you’re already a KeyLimeTie client, or if you don’t yet work with a dedicated SEO team, give us a call and ask about staying optimized for Caffeine.

Extra Credit: If you wish, you can also help Google test the new search engine by following the steps in Google’s own blog post.