Discover Google search generative experience and its impact on publishers. Gain insights into upcoming trends and algorithm updates, and learn how to adapt your strategies for success in the evolving search landscape.

The way we conduct online searches is undergoing a great transformation, undoubtedly for the better. Google and other search engines want to present users with quick and precise information.

As part of these efforts, Google announced an I/O event on May 10, 2023, for the revolutionary Google Search Generative AI (SGE), which has taken center stage as the future of Google’s search experience. 

With a firm commitment to enhancing user satisfaction, Google is currently in the testing phase of employing generative AI to augment SERP (Search Engine Results Page) with valuable and contextual information. And it’s clear that Google is determined to surpass expectations and elevate the realm of AI experiences.

As an additional testament to their relentless pursuit of innovation, Google recently revealed at the I/O event that they had eliminated the waitlist for Bard, gearing up to launch extensions that seamlessly integrate their own suite of applications and third-party tools in the near future. 

This move is set to unlock a whole new level of user functionality and customization. 

Before we get into the blog, let’s start with the basics and understand what is Google Search Generative Experience.

What is Google Search Generative Experience?

Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) revolutionizes the search process by partnering with the PaLM LLM AI model. Instead of merely listing search results, SGE crafts AI-generated snapshots of essential information related to your query, offering insights, suggesting next steps, and connecting you with relevant topics seamlessly.

It even remembers your initial query, eliminating the need for tedious retyping. SGE transforms searching into an interactive and efficient exploration of knowledge, making your online research a breeze.

Why is AI Being Injected into SEPRs? 

So, considering all the changes made to Bard, why introduce Search Generative Experience (SGE)? SGE is more akin to Bing Chat, offering an immersive in-search results experience that allows you to effortlessly delve deeper into additional information. 

It’s not surprising that Google is pushing to launch an AI-powered in-search feature, especially after witnessing Bing’s market share growth following the introduction of Bing Chat. 

But that’s not all! SGE will bring AI to the forefront of search rather than reserving it for those actively seeking it. With SGE, Google aims to “simplify the search process, enabling faster comprehension of topics, unveiling fresh perspectives and insights, and facilitating seamless task completion.” 

Also Read – How IoT, AI & ML Serves the Role of a Catalyst in the Ad Tech Space?

How will SERPs Change with SGE? 

When Bard emerged, it distinguished itself from Bing Chat by not relying on cited sources. Instead, Bard gathered information from various web corners, creating a unique approach. 

On the flip side, SGE was explicitly designed with search in mind. It goes the extra mile by providing links to publisher’s sites right within the answer. They even offer additional relevant sources through their nifty “toggle deeper” feature. 

SGE isn’t here to replace search altogether. Nope, not at all! In fact, if you keep scrolling, you’ll discover that good old search results are still available, ready to serve your information needs. 

Will Zero-Click Searches Rise? 

Since SGE has just made its grand entrance, we can’t say how it’ll affect user behavior. But one thing’s for sure: that coveted first search result will get a lower click-through rate than it used to. 

With this modern feature that’s practically a massive interactive snippet, it’s no wonder zero-click searches are on the rise. Well, at least what we traditionally consider a zero-click search. 

Users may dive deeper using the toggle feature or engage in a conversation with Generative AI to uncover the information they’re after rather than settling for an organic result. 

How Will Ads Come into the Mix? 

One crucial aspect to consider is how advertisements will be integrated into the search engine generative experience, if at all.

Speaking on the same, Google has said, we’ll test and evolve the ads experience as we learn more.”

This means that Google Ads aren’t going anywhere. Let’s face it; according to Statista, ads accounted for a whopping 80.2% of Google’s revenue in 2022. 

Rest assured, Google has made it clear that even with SGE, search ads will still make their presence known in those dedicated ad slots scattered across the page. 

What About Local Search Results? 

When it comes to local search, users look for trustworthy businesses that can genuinely deliver quality services. That’s where SGE will step in, taking the concept of a local pack and elevating it to a whole new level. Google recently gave us a sneak peek into what SGE can bring to the table. 

Not only will SGE provide you with comparative results for local and commercial queries, but it will also go above and beyond. We’re talking about eye-catching images, insightful reviews, and an added layer of context that goes beyond what you currently see in the local pack. 

Also Read – Increase Website Traffic: 15 Factors Affecting Website Ranking

How will SGE Affect Publishers? 

Here’s how we think SGE will affect publishers in the long run:

Context Will Matter More Than Ever 

No matter how those results appear, Google focuses on high-quality content to make the experience of users better on Google SERPs. Just recently, in late 2022, Google updated its Quality Rater Guidelines, emphasizing experience. That’s right, E-E-A-T, or experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness will still be the driving force behind top-notch content in the post-SGE search landscape. 

Structured Data 

With the rise of SGE (Structured Google Search), it becomes evident that structured data is poised to become increasingly crucial in Google SERPs. The inclusion of well-organized information holds immense potential for AI utilization. Consequently, it can significantly enhance the chances of appearing prominently in Google SERPs results.

Publishers who leverage structured data effectively can optimize their visibility and capture valuable organic traffic in the competitive landscape of Google SERPs.

Measuring Results 

While Search Generate Experience has yet to become the norm across Google SERPs, we can’t say how it will impact user behavior. However, it would be plausible to assume that there might be changes in both the results and how we track them.

At this point, it’s unclear if we’ll have the same level of measurability for results appearing in SGE as we do for featured snippets. 

Naturally, the way you measure SEO success heavily depends on the industry you operate in. As queries become increasingly specific by the day, SEO success might focus more on conversion rate optimization and lead volume rather than keyword rankings. 

New Perspectives Section Would Be Exciting For Sure 

Since its early days in the late 1990s, Google’s SERP has been all about text. Of course, you could stumble upon videos, especially from their YouTube platform, but now, thanks to generative AI, search results are leaping to “other experiences with more perspectives.” 

According to Google Search product manager Lauren Clack, when you’re looking for something that could benefit from the experiences of others, you might notice a nifty Perspectives filter right at the top of your search results. You’ll be presented exclusively with a mix of long- and short-form videos, images, and written posts shared by people on discussion boards, Q&A sites, and social media platforms. 

SEO must broaden its horizons and encompass content beyond blogs and websites. The game is expanding to include social media, groups and forums, public relations, and even word-of-mouth marketing. This is because AI-powered search engines are likely to consider all these diverse sources. 

Advice To Publishers 

We’ve been anticipating this moment. We’ve had countless discussions about how content production has become excessively commoditized, and we knew there had to be something more valuable beneath the surface, beyond the catchy headlines. 

Guess what? The future is here, and it’s high time we take a step back and contemplate the long-term value of our businesses and websites. 

Let us share the best advice we can offer you right now: prioritize diversifying your traffic. Direct communication from publishers to users will become crucial, making newsletter programs even more valuable than ever before. 

And don’t forget to keep creating content, but remember that the distribution landscape will undergo changes. So, don’t give up on crafting unique, authoritative, and intriguing content when the demand persists. 

And let’s not overlook Google’s SGE mockups, particularly the “Perspectives” section. They often guide users to expert individuals, be it through articles, videos, or personal blogs. It’s crucial to keep investing in initiatives that enhance your name and brand recognition, such as author bios, author profiles, and interviews. Additionally, you should also seize opportunities to contribute guest posts to relevant authoritative sites whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

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