What is Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) and How it will affect SEO?

Ever felt overwhelmed by a sea of blue links when you search for something online? Google is looking to change that with its Search Generative Experience (SGE), an innovative feature powered by artificial intelligence (AI). But what exactly is SGE, and how will it impact the world of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)?

What is Google Search Generative Experience (SGE)?

Traditionally, search engines like Google presented a list of websites relevant to your search query. You then had to sift through these links, hoping to find the answer you were looking for. Google SGE takes things a step further. It uses AI to analyse information from various sources and present you with a concise, informative answer directly within the search results page.

Imagine searching for "baking the perfect chocolate chip cookies." Instead of just links, Google SGE might provide a summary with key ingredients, baking instructions, and even troubleshooting tips – all without leaving the Google search page.

Here's a breakdown of what Google Search Generative Experience aims to achieve:

• Synthesise, not just curate:?Google SGE doesn't just find relevant websites. It dives deeper, extracting key facts, figures, and insights from those sites to present a comprehensive answer.
• Provide different answer formats:?Google SGE isn't limited to text. It can generate step-by-step guides, informative summaries, or highlight important points depending on the search query.
• Interactive exploration:?Google SGE might offer follow-up questions or suggest related searches, allowing you to delve deeper into the topic without starting from scratch.

How Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) Could Affect SEO?

With Google SGE changing the search landscape, SEOs need to adapt their strategies. Here's how SGE might impact SEO:

• The rise of the SERP snapshot:?The AI-generated summary displayed by SGE could become the prime spot for users to find answers. Ranking high enough to be included in this snapshot becomes crucial for websites. Amongst many other things, one thing websites can do is create FAQ pages to increase their SERPs (Position Zero) rankings.
• Focus on high-quality content:?As Google SGE analyses content to provide summaries, ensuring your website offers well-written, informative content becomes even more important. Content is King!
• Long-tail keywords gain value:?With SGE encouraging more natural language searches, focusing on long-tail keywords (more specific searches) that users might ask in a conversation could be beneficial.
• Evolving role of backlinks:?While backlinks (links from other websites to yours) might still be important, Google SGE might place more emphasis on the quality and relevance of your content itself.

Adapting Your SEO Strategy for the Google SGE Era

While Google SGE might seem like a game-changer, it's important to remember it's still under development. Here are some tips to keep your SEO strategy on point:

• Stay informed:?Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in SGE. Google might release more information about how it works and how it factors into search rankings. You can find official announcements and blog posts from Google?here https://blog.google/technology/ai/. I will be updating everyone here as well when we have further news on the developments of Google SGE.
• Content is still king:?High-quality, informative content that provides value to users will remain a crucial SEO factor. Focus on creating well-structured, easy-to-read content that answers user queries comprehensively – such as FAQ pages.
• Optimise for user intent:?Understand what users are looking for when they search for something related to your product or service. Tailor your content to address their specific needs and questions.
• Embrace long-tail keywords:?Research long-tail keywords that users might ask conversationally and optimise your content for those phrases.
• Technical SEO remains important:?Don't neglect technical SEO aspects like website speed, mobile-friendliness, and proper site structure. These factors still play a role in search rankings.

The Future of SEO with Google SGE

Google SGE represents a significant shift in how users interact with search results. While it might change the way we do SEO, the core principles remain the same: creating valuable content that addresses the users needs. By understanding SGE and adapting your strategies, you can ensure your website remains visible and informative even in this evolving search landscape. Remember, SEO is about providing value to users, and that will continue to be the key to success in the age of SGE.

Watch this video from Google on the future of AI and the Google Search Experience from the Google I/O 2023 conference: https://youtu.be/dVsiusLQy5Q