As one would expect Google is making changes on how it shows search results BUT this time what is coming (already here in some regions) is far more than another algorithm update.
You might think: Oh well, it doesn’t affect me…but it does and it will. It affects you as a business owner and even just as a user.
What am I talking about? I am talking about SGE=Search Generative Experience
Quick overview of Google SGE
When appropriate, SGE will show an AI-powered snapshot to help people quickly get an overview on a topic with factors to consider and helpful information.
These snapshots serve as a jumping-off point from which people can explore a wide range of content and perspectives on the web. This style, to show search results for your query, is completely different from the “list” version we got used to seeing for years.
SGE will show you a text summary related to your search with links to resources that support the information in that summary, so people can check the information themselves and explore further.
Search Generative Experience (SGE) Show and Tell
I don’t want to bore you with a lot of information so I will show you how SGE looks when I do a search on Google compared to the “normal” search results that we are used to.
- Search shows SGE (search generative experience)
Notice the down arrows by each search result. When you click that it gives you excerpts from many articles related to that topic. - Normal search results (this is how we see most of the search results today January 2024)
Notice the down arrows by each search result. When you click that it gives you excerpts from many articles related to that topic.
We all know that Google likes to “help” us by showing more of what we are/were searching for. This will not change with the introduction of SGE.
SGE offers a personalized search experience
Understanding user preferences and past interactions tailors the search results more effectively.
Personally, most of the time I don’t like the personalized result approach, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of thinking that’s all there is and we are on the right path…well, I could go on about that but that’s not today’s topic, I just wanted you to be aware. Google doesn’t even allow you to use SGE in incognito mode (at this time).
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As you can see, users are not presented with a list of links, instead they are being presented with synthesized answers.
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So what does this new way (SGE) of Google showing information to us mean for the average website owner?
We are still learning and experimenting, at least I am, but from what I learned and seen there are a few things we have to do. We have to make sure our websites have:
- Quality, engaging and accurate content
- Address very specific questions and problems our target audience have (personalized content)
- Using AI in a smart way to help you generate ideas and present your answers
- Figuring out ways to get the website content picked up by Google’s AI. SGE is based on Google using AI to come up with answers to your query
- Build a knowledge base on your website using blog posts
What happens to SEO (search engine optimization)?
SEO will have to change to accommodate this new way of Google showing search results but in my opinion some things will stay the same. I believe that a website is safe and can weather most changes if it provides quality content, has a clearly understood navigation system, addresses the issues/problems that people are looking to get answers to.
My takeaways
With the right help from qualified and trusted marketing experts small businesses will adapt to this new way Google is showing information on its site and will not only survive but will thrive in the new world of generative AI.
Reach out to us if you have questions.
We are holding a 2 hour paid workshop once a month teaching strategies and tactics that will help small businesses get more visibility and leads on Google. This workshop will have updated information on how to use AI to be in compliance and to get the most out of it.
Register to one of our workshops here:
