As it continues to introduce new features, Google seems destined to remain the search engine with the largest reach on the Internet. Already, the company boasts more than 3 billion indexed documents, including 2 billion Web pages.

Relying only on minimal ad placements and sparse public relations, how does Google continue to pull in more users? By keeping it simple, according to analysts.

Basic Instincts

Google has distinguished itself mainly by adhering to an uncomplicated philosophy: Users come to the site with specific purposes in mind, so the site must work to meet their goals.

"It's the one thing that we always say companies should do, which is focus on serving user goals," Forrester Research analyst Harley Manning told NewsFactor. "It seems like such a simple insight, but it's not one that has been executed by very many sites."

All of the innovation that has sprung from Google, including its addition of image search capability and its decision to market its technology to corporate clients like AT&T, revolves around a core imperative to give users what they want.

"If some company came in and bought Google, how long do you think it would be before the home page was littered with junk?" Manning asked. "Not long, I bet. The fact that they keep it simple and clean goes a long way toward making them successful."

Answer Me

One fairly recent addition to the uncluttered Web site is Google Answers, a service not even touted on the company's home page, although it is available in a public beta version.

Typical of the stealthy Google approach of building loyalty by word-of-mouth, the Answers page seems almost hidden.

The feature gives users access to more than 500 researchers who help locate hard-to-find information. The site does not disclose how each researcher is credentialed, but a form is available for those who feel they possess enough mental acuity to tackle random, difficult questions.

The price structure is quirky: The fee starts at US$2.50 per question, but if the answer is worth more to the user, he or she can offer a higher amount, presumably in exchange for a more complete reply.

And if the answer fails to satisfy the user, Google Answers provides a refund. (continued...)

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