Have you ever searched for something online and ended up with hundreds of websites to wade through, and the results at the top of page 1 are not necessarily what you were looking for?
Well, Google is trying to make things a bit easier with something called Search Generative Experience, or SGE for short. We previously wrote a post about Google SGE but as it’s getting quite a buzz across the SEO industry we wanted to explore it further.
What is Google SGE?
SGE stands for Search Generative Experience and is a way in which Google is transforming the Search experience with generative AI.
In simple terms, it’s a set of updates introduced by Google using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the search experience for users. These changes encompass various aspects, including content quality, user experience, and technical performance of websites.
You will notice over the coming months that the Google search results will change somewhat and the results will be organised in a slightly different way to help them get more from a single search.
What are the benefits of Google SGE?
SGE uses clever AI technology to give you a quick and clear summary of your search right there on the search results page helping you find the key answers you are seeking without always having to click through to one or more websites.
Using AI merged with Google Search means that users will be able to ask new kinds of questions that are more complex and descriptive, and the answers should also continue to become more accurate too. This should result in:
- Easier access to information: SGE will provide summaries of search results directly on the search results page. This can save users time by giving them a quick overview of the information available without having to click through multiple websites.
- Understanding complex topics: With the help of AI, SGE can potentially answer more complex or descriptive search queries. This could be helpful for users who are trying to understand a new topic or get a broader perspective on an issue.
However, Google SGE is still under development, and the exact benefits for users will continue to evolve and change over time.
When was SGE introduced?
Google introduced SGE to its search algorithms as an experiment in May 2023. Since then, it has been continuously refined to provide users with more accurate and relevant search results, and is gradually being rolled out across the world.
At present only a small subset of people in the UK will see SGE formatted search results, but this should gradually increase throughout 2024.
How does Google SGE affect your website SEO?
SGE does not directly impact ranking but focuses on user experience which can indirectly influence your website ranking. Websites that align with the SGE guidelines and provide a positive user experience are more likely to rank higher. On the other hand, websites that fail to meet these standards may see a drop in their search rankings
While SGE might seem like it could take people away from your website, it’s not necessarily all bad news, and by being prepared for it you can actually use it to improve your SEO and visibility on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP).
- SGE focuses on simple questions and summaries. It’s unlikely to replace in-depth searches where users need a lot of information or to research a topic in detail.
- Google still shows traditional search results. Your website can still appear on the page, even with SGE summaries, it just may appear in a different position or further down the results page.
There are still ways to make sure your website doesn’t get lost in the mix:
- High-quality content is key. Google loves informative, well-written content that answers searchers’ questions clearly, remember E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness).
- Focus on long-tail keywords. These are more specific searches that SGE might not summarise easily.
- Keep your website user-friendly. Make sure your website is easy to navigate and find the information people need quickly.
What Changes Should You Make?
To ensure that your website doesn’t suffer any negative the effects of Google SGE, here are some key areas to focus on:
- Quality Content: Ensure that your website offers valuable and relevant content to users. This includes using proper grammar, providing accurate information, and avoiding keyword stuffing.
- User Experience: Make sure your website is easy to navigate and loads quickly on both desktop and mobile devices. Pay attention to factors like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and intuitive design.
- Technical SEO: Keep your website technically sound by fixing broken links, optimising meta tags, and using descriptive alt text for images. Ensure that your website follows SEO best practices to improve its visibility in search results.
- Regular Updates: Stay updated with Google’s algorithm changes and adapt your SEO strategy accordingly. Regularly audit your website for any issues and make necessary improvements to maintain its search visibility.
Need help with your website SEO?
Don’t panic about SGE! By focusing on high-quality content and user experience, you can ensure your website remains visible even in this evolving search landscape. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), done well, remains a key strategy for businesses trying to improve their online visibility and drive organic traffic to their websites.
If you’re unsure how to optimise your website for SEO contact Wiser IT today on 07941 783434 or fill in the contact form as we can help your website stay ahead of the curve.