We know Google is always throwing search engine marketers off by constantly pushing boundaries of what’s possible in search. Search Generative Experience (SGE) has been in the talks for a while now, and it isn’t just a core update, it’s much bigger than that. Thank God SGE is still being tested, but that doesn’t mean its something that needs to be put “in your back pocket for the time being”. SGE represents a significant leap forward in how users interact with search results, offering a more intuitive, efficient, and informative experience.
So, whether you are an in-house digital marketeer, or are based in an agency, it’s crucial to know what SGE is and how it will impact your strategies,
What exactly is SGE?
Search Generative Experience (Yes, a mouthful to say!), or in other words, SGE, represents a paradigm shift in how we interact with search engines. It’s a cutting-edge approach that combines the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with natural language processing (NLP) to provide users with highly personalised and contextually relevant search results.
To understand SGE better, let’s break the above definition down into simple terms:
- Enhanced search results: When using SGE, users will notice their search results page with familiar web results but organised in a new way to help them extract more value from a single search query.
- Complex query handling: Gone are the days of when you would type in a long-tailed question into Google’s search box, and you would be served with “no results found”. With SGE users can ask complex and more descriptive questions, enabling them to delve deeper into their areas of interest with greater precision.
- Quick access to information: SGE provides users with the gist of a topic faster, offering links to explore further and delve into specific aspects of their query.
- Facilitates productivity: Whether it’s drafting documents or generating imagery, users can kickstart tasks quickly with SGE.
- Seamless progression: SGE allows users to make progress easily by asking follow-up questions, enabling a fluid and dynamic search experience.
- Commitment to information quality: SGE aims to connect users to the richness and vibrancy of web content while upholding the highest standards of information quality.
Sounds like a searchers dream right? Being served all the information you need on a silver platter! But this doesn’t mean optimisations will be easy! It’s so important that your SEO strategies moving forward are tactical. In fact, there’s a report that’s been published around which industries will be most impacted by SGE.
Why should you care? The impact of Google’s SGE will vary across industries. It’s valuable to recognise the sectors currently most vulnerable to change. From the industry report, the insight enables brands to strategize innovative methods to engage, influence, and succeed with searchers within AI-driven environments.
How does SGE work?
AI has been the talk of the search engine marketeer’s town! SGE leverages AI-powered snapshots to offer users a comprehensive overview of a topic, complete with essential factors to consider and relevant information. Users can effortlessly refine their search queries or explore new directions without restating context, thanks to the “ask a follow-up” feature.
Furthermore, SGE proves invaluable for vertical-specific searches such as shopping or local queries. In shopping searches, generative AI assists in uncovering key considerations and product information, expediting purchase decisions. The incorporation of up-to-date product data, including reviews, ratings, and prices, is made possible through Google’s Shopping Graph.
What about Search ads? Don’t worry! Search ads will still retain their significance in the SGE landscape, appearing in dedicated ad slots with clear and transparent labels. Advertisers continue to reach potential customers seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted visibility along the search journey.
Trust and Reliability
You might be wondering, if the results are AI driven, how will Google serve reliable information? Well, central to SGE’s functionality is its emphasis on providing informative responses corroborated by reliable sources. Generative AI is purposefully trained to identify high-quality web results that support the information presented in the output. Human input plays a crucial role in refining SGE outputs, focusing on aspects such as length, format, and clarity.
SGE prioritises the delivery of trusted, reliable, and high-quality information. For medical content, a disclaimer underscores the importance of not relying solely on search results for medical advice, promoting responsible information consumption.
Get in touch with us today to understand more about SGE
Google’s Search Generative Experience represents a significant leap forward in search technology. With its innovative features and unwavering focus on user experience and information quality, SGE is poised to redefine how users engage with search results, empowering them to explore, discover, and accomplish more with every search query.
Get in touch with us and speak to our SEO & PPC experts who will help you develop bespoke strategies to ensure you are ready for Google’s Search Generative Experience.