Google search has advanced past the acquainted blue hyperlinks in search engine results pages (SERPs). In the video below, we’re discussing the need to reshape our search engine optimization (SEO) approach. SERP features and new search experiences are changing how users interact with search, which has major implications for any business aiming to drive traffic through Google.
For years, search engine optimisation professionals centered on rating larger throughout the blue hyperlinks, however Google’s evolution has launched numerous SERP options. This shift has modified our method to search engine optimisation and the way customers interact with search engines like google. AI overviews, product listings, service provider particulars, and different wealthy options now occupy worthwhile SERP area. To remain seen, we should rethink what it means and even what it means to rank.
The Affect of SERP Adjustments on Natural Search Visitors
Google’s ongoing adjustments imply we should adapt. Many websites are seeing main drops in site visitors, and conventional rank trackers aren’t as useful—being in place 1 or 2 in natural listings should place you beneath the fold. At the moment, we have to optimize for a extra immersive search expertise, beginning with consumer intent.
We should perceive why individuals search moderately than focusing solely on rank or visibility by means of conventional metrics. The objective is to unravel customers’ issues by structuring our website and content material to satisfy them of their search journey. This consists of structured data, content formatting, and language focused on the user’s end goals, aiming not only for blue links but also AI overviews, featured snippets, and people-also-ask sections.
Understanding User Intent
Let’s explore different search intents and query types and learn to identify what users aim to accomplish. We’ll also examine the SERP features in play and strategies to position your businesses for better visibility.
Informational Intent
For informational intent, users want quick answers or resources, often shown through AI overviews, featured snippets, Reddit threads, or video content. Consider the search query: “What are internal and external links?”
At the top, there’s an AI overview with expandable information and citations, which gives users a quick answer. Below the AI overview, the first blue link appears, positioned between the AI overview, People Also Ask, and a Knowledge Graph panel with additional details. This structure provides the answers many users need without clicking on any site. So, users may not even need to click on these sites.
They’re getting their answer relatively quickly. The first organic listing is just above the fold. The second is way below the fold. But the blue link will not get as much traffic as it used to because you must scroll down. Today, search rankings on the first page don’t provide the same kind of traffic from a query like this because Google provides the answers upfront.
If people want to dig deeper, they may begin to browse the sites. But if they’re just looking for a quick answer, this is a zero-click search that may have actually generated some traffic in the past.
If you’re seeing drops in traffic, look for these types of search features to see if your company is missing out.
Commercial Intent
This is typically where product or merchant center listings will really shine. The goal is to help users who are closer to making a purchasing decision. Google no longer positions itself as just an informational search engine.
For commercial or transactional queries like “iPhone 16 case,” the search results resemble a shopping page with search ads, product listings, filtering options, and product images from the Merchant Center. Below are organic search results in popular products, like articles on the best iPhone cases, yet placed well below the fold. Consumers are drawn to visual product listings rather than traditional articles, emphasizing the need for strong product listings, structured data, and an up-to-date merchant feed to optimize for e-commerce visibility. Knowing how to optimize these is extremely important for anybody in the e-commerce space.
This immersive shopping experience includes geo-targeting so a potential customer can find these products close to their location. Advanced SEO tactics now include good pictures, strong product structured data, and an up-to-date merchant feed.
In manufacturing, a search term like “carbon fiber sheets” shows a similar layout, with popular products and deals at the top and a limited number of organic links. Structured data on product pages and merchant feeds is crucial as users gravitate toward interactive product results.
Navigational Intent
Navigational intent is our final example. Here, a searcher seeks something in a specific location. For a search like “best pizza in Orlando,” Google prioritizes local results with a dynamic map view and customer reviews.
For this query, TripAdvisor ranks number one. Then, you’ll find an interactive map with pizza icons. It’s a more fun experience than traditional maps listings.
You must optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) because reviews and pricing information play a big role. Then, we will see discussion forums, a People Also Ask and a Reddit section.
Pizza companies in Orlando might analyze their rank tracking and wonder why they rank #3 with such little traffic. Your link may be on the first page, but a customer must scroll a long way to find your link. These features are dominating search, and they’re really pushing those blue links way down. They carry less weight, although they rank well.
Optimizing Google Business profiles, gathering reviews, and including location-based data are essential for local visibility. Traditional SEO efforts might result in a high search engine ranking, but visibility depends on integrating business data with Google’s local features.
This creates a whole new challenge for SEO professionals. We have to optimize for the entire search experience. We must change our strategy and analysis. We need to focus on the types of media we create. It forces businesses to be more creative and innovative.
Actionable Tips: Adapting to Google’s Evolving SERPs
1. Conduct a SERP Audit
- Identify target keywords: Determine the keywords relevant to your business.
- Analyze SERP features: For each keyword, identify the dominant SERP features.
- Assess competition: Analyze the top-ranking websites and their content marketing strategies.
2. Understand User Intent
- Identify user needs: What problems are users trying to solve with your keywords?
- Create valuable content: Create blog posts that directly address user needs and provide value.
- Optimize for different intents: Adapt your content strategy to match informational, commercial transactional, and navigational intent.
3. Optimize for SERP Features
- Create optimized content: Write clear, concise, and informative content.
- Use structured data: Implement schema markup to help search engines understand your content.
- Optimize for featured snippets: Use concise, direct answers to questions.
- Optimize for knowledge panels: Ensure your brand information is accurate and up-to-date on Google Knowledge Graph.
- Optimize for product listings: Create high-quality product descriptions and images.
- Optimize for local SEO: Claim your Google Business Profile listing and optimize it for local search.
4. Test, Measure, and Adapt
- Track performance: Monitor your website’s organic traffic, rankings, and conversions using SEO tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Ahrefs.
- Analyze SERP changes: Stay updated on Google algorithm updates and SERP feature changes.
- Experiment with different strategies: Test various content formats, SEO techniques, and promotional tactics.
- Iterate and refine: Continuously refine your SEO strategy based on data and insights.
Partner With an SEO Agency
Search is changing. We’ve examined informational, commercial, and navigational queries and their unique SERP features. Adapting our SEO strategies to target these features and optimize for structured, intent-focused content is essential for visibility.
If your site has recently lost traffic and conversions are going down, impacting your business, and you’re unsure what to do, contact us to request a free consultation.