Search Generative Experience Explained: How it Changes SEO Forever?
Do you notice the new update on the Google Search Engine? Yes, we are talking about the AI-generated content overview of your query that we often see on Google these days. This is, in technical terms, called “SEARCH GENERATIVE EXPERIENCE”. It is essentially a new Google update that allows users to find their answers instantly without spending hours clicking on top relevant blue links.
Most users find this SGE quite helpful, whereas some are still adapting to the change. However, this major shift creates a significant difference in how traditional SEO operates.
Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or considering how AI SEO services can help you stay competitive in this new search environment, it’s important to understand what SGE is and how it’s changing the way SEO delivers results.
Continue reading this blog to learn what it is and how it affects SEO and its results.
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What is Search Generative Experience?
Did you know? Since May 2023, Google has been testing SGE through its Search Labs program, and it was officially announced at the Google I/O conference on May 14, 2024.
Unlike traditional SERPs, users will get the list of the top blue links in response to their queries. SGE is Google’s latest innovation, which adds an experimental AI-powered search feature to Google. This feature aims to provide users with AI-generated summaries of their search queries. It works on the concept of understanding the user’s search query intent.
Based on that, it identifies the most relevant and valuable info from various sources and forms an “AI-powered snapshot” at the top of the SERP. With this, users no longer have to click and open multiple links to find the specific information they are looking for.
Let’s understand the SGE concept with a real example: Suppose someone searches for “Best Celebrity SEO Agency.” Instead of just showing a list of links to various agencies, SGE instantly generates a concise overview highlighting the top agency, saving users the step of clicking through multiple results.
Thinking about the purpose behind this upgrade? The primary focus is to enhance the user experience by providing them with natural, interactive access to the required information. Now that you have an idea of what SGE is all about.
Let’s move further and learn how it impacts traditional SEO.
How SGE Changes the Way Businesses Get Found Online?
We already know how important it is to follow SEO best practices to boost your brand’s online visibility in an increasingly search-driven world. However, with the new launch of SGE, business owners can no longer solely rely on traditional SEO practices to achieve the desired visibility.
Here’s a closer look at what type of website still has the chance to survive:
- Contain high-relevant content
- Focus on solving user intent query
- Feature least generic and filler information
If your business website content focuses on these key areas, then your business is more likely to be featured on SGE AI snapshot. Once you get featured on this, the chances of your business being featured at the top online are probably the highest.
Impact of SGE on Search Engine Optimization
Since it is in its initial testing phase, the exact impact of SGE can’t be predicted at this time. But as we have noticed, it has already decreased the top-ranking website’s organic traffic due to fewer links in the Search engine result pages.
And many more changes like these are to come, as SGE is bound to make adjustments. Therefore, instead of working against it, try to adapt SEO strategies that can benefit you from Google SGE rather than focusing on a loss. Before coming to the point straight, take a look at how SGE impacts different industries:
Among all industries, healthcare is the one that will be most affected by SGE, with 76% of its searches expected to be impacted. This makes partnering with a reliable healthcare SEO agency more crucial than ever to maintain visibility and stay ahead of the curve. On the other side, finance will be least affected by search generative experience.
How to Adapt Your SEO Strategy for Google’s SGE?
With the launch of SGE, Google’s website ranking algorithm has undergone significant changes. Want to know how to optimize for this new search channel to ensure your site still ranks, drives organic traffic, and sales?
Take a look below to figure out:
1. Pay Attention to the Content Quality
The quality of the content you are providing is now even more important than before for ranking well in the realm of SEO for SGE. As we are already aware, Google’s core update on March 5, 2024, significantly reduced the presence of low-quality, unoriginal content in search results by 40%. Therefore, to ensure your content aligns well with Google’s values, focus on building E-E-A-T.
It is the framework that Google uses to assess the quality of content. Originally introduced as E-A-T in 2014, Google updated it in late 2022 with an extra “E”. Focusing on real experience, credible sources, and helpful insights is not just a ranking factor; it’s also one of the best content marketing ideas to adopt in today’s evolving search environment. When your content reflects these qualities, it’s more likely to be seen as trustworthy and perform better in search results.
2. Obtain Third-party Mentions
It is one of the quickest and easiest ways that allows your website to appear in SGE-generated results. Wondering how? Google uses these sites to create an AI summarized snapshot. Your brand name or service could be featured in a spot in these AI overviews.
This will automatically trigger users to search for your brand. The concept of third-party mentions is similar to acquiring backlinks, as they help Google recognize your brand as credible and authoritative.
PRO TIP: Always try to get your brand name mentioned in trusted third-party mentions, including guest posts on the same industry blogs, forums like Reddit or Quora, and more.
3. Focus on Enhancing User Experience
All the updates that Google announced primarily focus on improving user experience. Therefore, prioritizing user experience will be key for Search Generative Experience in SEO.
To do so, some areas need to be focused on:
- Content Structuring
- Right Audience Target
- How Accurately Asked Info Is Served
These are some of the aspects that ensure the Google Crawler marks your content as trusted, reliable, and valuable, increasing your chances of appearing in SGE results. By structuring information effectively and focusing on real user intent, you also enhance your ChatGPT SEO, making it easier for AI assistants to understand and accurately recommend your content. If you’ve covered these areas, there’s a good chance your website will continue to lead in search visibility.
Still a little confused? Let’s understand with an example:
Suppose a content written in unstructured format, i.e, without proper H1, H2, H3, and so on. Another one is in the correct format, with the appropriate use of bullets and headings. Between the two, the second option has a higher chance of gaining user engagement, as it offers greater reliability and a more digestible format. Therefore, in short, we can say “the more your content is about enhancing user experience, the more chances it will get featured in Google SGE”.
4. Work on Search Intent
As mentioned earlier, the goal of SGE is to provide users with accurate answers quickly when they search for something, without wasting time by clicking multiple links. That means your content needs to match what users are searching for directly. Google is now favoring content that addresses the intent behind a query, not just the keywords.
To optimize for this:
- Target follow-up questions suggested in SGE results
- Answer common questions found in forums like Reddit, Quora, or niche communities
- Structure content clearly, so Google can easily extract relevant answers
Here’s an example: Let’s say you are writing about “how to choose the right running shoes.” Instead of just listing types of shoes, also include:
- Follow-up sections like “What type of running shoes are best for flat feet?”
- Answers to common search threads like “Are cushioned shoes better for long-distance running?”
- FAQs such as “Can I use running shoes for walking?”
By doing this, your content becomes more comprehensive, matches user intent, and is more likely to be featured in SGE’s AI Overview.
The Limitations of SGE
Now that you have learned about the power of SGE, it is also essential to understand its limitations to ensure you are fully prepared.
- Sometimes SGE shows poor results for certain queries that are strange and unhelpful.
- A lack of clear citations or attributions sometimes creates trouble for users in verifying the reliability of the information.
- Many people still have trust issues regarding relying completely on AI to obtain the desired information.
The Final Thoughts
We know that before reading this blog, many might be thinking that SERP position is the only factor that helps secure a featured spot within SGE. But the truth is “it’s not”. The quality of the content we provide determines whether SGE will feature it.
Ensure your website is optimized according to Google’s best practices and focus on delivering valuable content supported by strong corroborating evidence. Because if that is the case, your business has a higher chance of appearing in the SGE context.
Additional Tip: Looking for a reliable SEO agency that helps you adapt these above-mentioned strategies for your website? Contact Tech Savy Crew. Our team of experienced professionals excels at implementing and staying current with the industry’s latest trends and upgrades, ensuring your business remains ahead of today’s digital landscape.