Have you ever noticed that when you search on Google, it’s more than just a boring list of links? Try looking up “Lionel Messi,” and you’ll see a whole bunch of links that are news articles, images, videos, a short bio, and more. These extra things are the different types of search results or Google search features, and they play a crucial role in enhancing the user experience and providing more comprehensive information.
But here’s the deal: getting your website to appear in these different types of Google search results is challenging. It’s not impossible, though. You need to understand on-page SEO, technical SEO, and even how to use Google Ads.
Google is always coming up with new and exciting SERP features to make your search results better. You might see maps, images, videos, and all sorts of things.
Now, while it’s great for searchers, it can be frustrating for website owners. However, if you know how to use them, these different types of search results can be super helpful for SEO and online advertising. They can improve the user experience, increase organic traffic to your website, and make it appear higher on the search results page.
What is a search feature anyway?
It’s not the usual list of links you see when you search for something on Google. Search features are the cool bonus things that pop up on a Google search results page (SERP) and give you more than just links.?
Here are some of the most common types of search engine results:
Google featured Snippets:
These large boxes highlight a specific webpage section and present that section inside the results. Featured snippets commonly appear at the very top of the page (below the ads) and have a substantial impact on the organic click-through rate.
Top and Bottom Ads:
Google paid search results appear before the organic results and another at the page’s bottom. While ads do influence the click-through rate for organic content, their impact is notably less as compared to that of featured snippets.
Video results:
Video carousels are video results featuring video content, typically sourced from platforms like YouTube. These results often appear at the top of the page, which makes people more likely to click on them.
Rich Snippets:
Rich snippets are extra information next to one specific result. They’re SERP features for a specific result in the SERPs. Rich snippets add information beyond title tags, descriptions, and URLs, which helps users decide whether or not to click on it.
Knowledge Panels:
Knowledge panels are boxes that appear on the extreme right-hand side of Google’s search results and allow users quick and easy access to information about a particular topic.
Local results:
When a user searches for a local company or service, local packs show up in Google’s search results. They give users with quick access to information such as business hours, phone numbers, and reviews.
People Also Ask (PAA):
People also ask is a feature that appears in Google’s search results when a user types in a question. It provides users with additional questions related to their original query.
Image results:
Image packs are images that appear in Google’s search results when a user searches for an image-related query.
Site Links:
Site links are additional links that appear below the main search result for a particular website. They provide users with quick access to other pages on the website.
Shopping Results:
Shopping results are boxes that appear in Google’s search results when a user searches for a product-related query. They provide users quick access to product information, prices, and reviews.
Google Travel:
Google Travel is a feature that lets users search for flights, hotels, and vacation packages directly from Google’s search results page.
Hotels:
The Hotels feature is a subset of Google Travel that allows users to search for hotels and other accommodations.
Top Flights:
Top Flights is a feature within the Flights section of Google Travel that shows users the most popular flights for a given route.
Google Apps:
Google Apps is a feature that allows users to access Google’s suite of productivity tools, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs, directly from the search results page.
Searches Related To:
Searches Related To is a feature that appears at the bottom of the search results page and gives users additional information related to their original search query.
Google Discover:
Google Discover is a feature that offers personalized content recommendations to users based on their browsing history and interests.
Top Stories:
Top stories showcase the latest news articles related to trending topics.
Twitter Box:
Twitter results display tweets related to the search query.
Reviews:
A box that displays reviews for a specific business or product related to the search query.
Map Pack:
Google shows a local map pack in search results for queries with local intent. It includes a map with the top three relevant businesses, reviews, hours, and directions.
Understanding the diverse world of Google search result types is your ticket to online success. Optimizing your website for these various result categories is not just a strategy; it’s the foundation of a thriving online presence.
Why does your website need SEO?
Well, it’s all about:
- Increased Visibility: Search engine optimization broadens your reach, making your website appear in different search results.
- Improved User Experience: SEO polishes your site, delivering a smoother experience for visitors.
- Targeted Traffic: With SEO, you pinpoint your ideal audience by fine-tuning your approach to match specific result types.
- Competitive Edge: SEO propels you ahead of the competition, whether in organic search, paid results, or other search categories.
- Long-term Growth: SEO is your compass in the ever-changing digital realm, ensuring your site’s success.
So, what’s the secret sauce for mastering these Google search engine features? It’s where Search Intelligence Solutions steps in. By tracking rankings and focusing on keywords that fit your niche, you’ll boost your traffic and click-through rates and show up in those sought-after SERP features.
While optimizing for these features can seem daunting, don’t fret. Techsfind experts are here to help, allowing you to focus on scaling your business. Ready to take the plunge? How about a free site audit? Let’s supercharge your online presence today.
