Our friends over at TechEgo just launched their annual analysis of the top eCommerce platforms for 2011.  Magento continues its rise and dominance as the industries most popular platform. We’ve been building with Magento for years now and have to agree with the wisdom of the masses on this one.

I’m still surprised that osCommerce is used so much. I do NOT like that platform- it’s antiquated to say the least. It was interesting to see Zen Cart make such a nice push lately. I’ve yet to use the platform. Anyone out there used it before? Thoughts? Also, I like seeing WP e-Commerce get some traction- as I’d love to see WP become a more robust eCommerce platform.

Google is starting to show that they understand this concept, just look at the Boutiques.com site they launched a while ago.

Although it’s no Victoria’s Secret, it does surprise people when I show it to them and tell them it’s a Google created site. Rich with images, a clean design and creative use of celebrity fashion profiles makes for a really attractive website. When I first saw this, I couldn’t believe the style-repelling, algorithm-wielding eggheads (sorry Googlers, it’s a clique you’ve probably all been fighting your whole life, that I’m sure is NOT true-you get unlimited online power- allow me my comforting false notions) created something so appealing.

Well, after that surprise, it looks like Google is drunk with crazy artistic zeal. Their next improvement, although far less sexy, is still easy on the eyes.

Let’s take a look at a few of the improvements.

1. The search homepage with an slightly slimmer and sleeker navigation bar.

2. A closer look reveals hover effects on the main menu.

3. When logged in, you’ll see this drop down allowing you to sign out.

4. A nice gear image reveals the Search Settings, iGoogle link, Account Settings, Privacy Options and Web History.

When you click on the Videos or Images link in the main menu, you are returned to the same old navigation (that is sooo 2010!), but overall, nice little improvements. Let’s hope this is a trend we continue to see out of Google, and more products are made easier to use and look at with a little design TLC.

Andy Atkins-Krüger explains some of these differences and there importance to SEO experts, in a Sept. 23, 2009 article, “Do Accents Really Matter in International SEO?” . He points out that in German and French searches many words require “diatrics”, the little accent marks above or below some words. International search engines treat these words differently. Some ignore them all together, but most have to take them into account as many will actually change the meaning of the query. Also, many searchers will not use the required diatrics in their search words, creating some often missed opportunities for marketers. Many marketers will make the mistake of ignoring the diatric, or ignoring the word without the diatric, hence, missing out on placing their website in front of potential clients.

The author is now hiring employees from diverse backgrounds, or educating current employees on international search trends, so these opportunities are not missed. TK sees the same trend of international search engine marketing increasing over time, and will now consider the cultural background and linguistic ability of the next person we hire. Many of our current clients are already starting to request more international search engine optimization, and these are rather small companies. They see the potential of worldwide customers, and as a business owner, increasing my knowledge of the online searching trends will become increasingly important.