Regarding Google search results, we are continuing to observe the steady dilution of organic page results for web sites.
This degradation is not new. But from recent experiences, the degree to which organic results are pushed down or away from the reader’s easy view is compromised, if not confusing. It is a frustrating experience for the person anticipating a clear and prioritized display of results.
Depending on the industry, a search may display considerable content well before organic results. Google has always placed Sponsored (Paid) ads before and after organic page results. Then came Google Knowledge panels taking up screen space and Google My Business (GMB) locations within the search results presentation. Google My Business (GMB) takes away visits to web sites as the purpose of many searches is to locate basic information about a company – contact information (map, address, phone, etc).
The Artificial Intelligence feedback may be higher or lower than the paid (sponsored ads). Content and features positioning is forever changing. We do not know to what degree, but people are relying on the AI results for answers to their searches. If it were not for the accordion view (a click exposes the complete AI results), the page would be nearly all AI associated. Piling on are the list of common questions or frequently searched topics related to the original search. These are also a hurdle to organic results.
For attorneys / lawyers and other professional types, there used to be “Google Screened” badges and presentations taking up screen space. Now defunct, Google replaced this “flag” of attention with the “Google Verified” checkmark. Like everything in past associated with Google and in expectations of whats ahead, these features and visual queues will continue to remains in flux.
As for product display, here again we have an initial display of prioritized products taking up screen space. If you were searching exactly for that specific product, this can be a real convenience – if you wished to engage with that particular vendor. Otherwise, it’s a product dump taking up screen space.
Googles Evaluates, Adjusts, and Re-creates on an Ongoing Basis
The great majority (if not all) software vendors to the same. We are all beta testers whether we want to be or not. It’s the nature of life on-line. But there is a point of excess when the results of a search are overwhelmed by all of the experimentation, numerous blocks of paid ads looking more like organic results, and disjointed features that flagrantly look like organic results.
In summary, the search results are no longer a clearly delineated and unbiased list of results. It can be a “where’s Waldo” affair for the many. Search results displayed are changing. Whether the ongoing changes are for the better is not known.
The above are observations from the experience of using search engines as a layman and from use of the features we work with on a daily basis. These observations are neither exhaustive nor assured.
Many clients work with agencies such as Gatman Media Services to help evaluate SEO and AI considerations and to determine the most efficient allocation of resources for their goals. Contact us by email or call us at +1 954-761-8273