Google SERP: what it is and what its features are
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2024 10:36 am
Have you ever wondered how Google decides which websites to show first when you search? Welcome to the world of the SERP ( Search Engine Results Page ), or as we call it, the Google Results Page . This is where the magic of digital marketing happens! The battle to be at the top of this list is fierce and it’s what makes the wheels of digital marketing turn. And guess what? This page is much more than just a list of links. It’s like a Swiss Army knife, full of features and different ways of displaying information.
In this article, we talk about the structure of this page, how it works, and its special features.
Topic Index
What is SERP?
When you press “enter” after typing something into Google’s germany whatsapp database bar, you’re instantly transported to a page full of answers: the famous SERP. It’s like a digital shopping mall, offering everything from links and photos to products. But let’s get straight to the point: we’re here to talk about the “king” of search engines, Google, which practically rules the roost in Brazil when it comes to online searches. With almost 99% of the Brazilian market, it’s no wonder that Google’s SERP is the main stage where brands want to shine.
How are SERP results generated?
Google has a huge amount of information available in its database, so when you do a search, it acts like a detective: it scours the web to find the most relevant information for your search. But how does it do this? It's not magic, it's algorithms . Google uses a series of complex formulas to figure out exactly what you're looking for.
Imagine that every search is like ordering at a restaurant. Google, like a very efficient waiter, wants to serve you exactly what you asked for. To do this, it looks at several things: the words you used in your search, the websites that have related information , and even where you are located.
Waiter taking order on iPad.
And it doesn’t stop there! Google is smart enough to understand what you mean, even if you make a typo. It also takes into account your previous searches, making each result almost like a personalized menu.
So, the results that appear on the SERP are a dynamic mix of different factors that adjust to your profile and your needs. That's why when two people search for the same thing, the results can be different. It's as if Google prepares a unique recipe for each customer!
SERP structure and pagination
The basic structure of Google's SERP is made up of sponsored results at the top of the page, followed by ten organic results. Sponsored results are companies and websites that paid to be in that position, while organic results are those that achieved that position without any type of payment.
For about a year and a half (2022 to 2024), Google implemented and used a “ continuous scrolling ” system on its results page, which replaced the famous pagination. With this system, you could simply scroll down the search page to see all the results, without having to click to change pages. However, it reversed this decision in July 2024, resuming the use of the pagination system.
Also read: Organic results receive up to 20 times more clicks than sponsored links.
Google Features
Google's results page isn't just about displaying links and text, it has an arsenal of incredible features that transform the search experience into something much more dynamic and personalized. These features are what make Google's SERP an information playground , where you not only find what you're looking for, but also discover things you didn't even know you wanted to know.
The SERP is an ever-expanding universe of useful information, images, news, and even videos. It’s as if Google knows exactly what you need, even before you do. Let’s now explore some of Google’s top SERP features .
Knowledge Panel
Imagine a digital identity card that appears on the right side of your screen, with all the relevant facts about a topic, personality or company. This is the Google Knowledge Panel, your shortcut to fast, reliable information.
In this article, we talk about the structure of this page, how it works, and its special features.
Topic Index
What is SERP?
When you press “enter” after typing something into Google’s germany whatsapp database bar, you’re instantly transported to a page full of answers: the famous SERP. It’s like a digital shopping mall, offering everything from links and photos to products. But let’s get straight to the point: we’re here to talk about the “king” of search engines, Google, which practically rules the roost in Brazil when it comes to online searches. With almost 99% of the Brazilian market, it’s no wonder that Google’s SERP is the main stage where brands want to shine.
How are SERP results generated?
Google has a huge amount of information available in its database, so when you do a search, it acts like a detective: it scours the web to find the most relevant information for your search. But how does it do this? It's not magic, it's algorithms . Google uses a series of complex formulas to figure out exactly what you're looking for.
Imagine that every search is like ordering at a restaurant. Google, like a very efficient waiter, wants to serve you exactly what you asked for. To do this, it looks at several things: the words you used in your search, the websites that have related information , and even where you are located.
Waiter taking order on iPad.
And it doesn’t stop there! Google is smart enough to understand what you mean, even if you make a typo. It also takes into account your previous searches, making each result almost like a personalized menu.
So, the results that appear on the SERP are a dynamic mix of different factors that adjust to your profile and your needs. That's why when two people search for the same thing, the results can be different. It's as if Google prepares a unique recipe for each customer!
SERP structure and pagination
The basic structure of Google's SERP is made up of sponsored results at the top of the page, followed by ten organic results. Sponsored results are companies and websites that paid to be in that position, while organic results are those that achieved that position without any type of payment.
For about a year and a half (2022 to 2024), Google implemented and used a “ continuous scrolling ” system on its results page, which replaced the famous pagination. With this system, you could simply scroll down the search page to see all the results, without having to click to change pages. However, it reversed this decision in July 2024, resuming the use of the pagination system.
Also read: Organic results receive up to 20 times more clicks than sponsored links.
Google Features
Google's results page isn't just about displaying links and text, it has an arsenal of incredible features that transform the search experience into something much more dynamic and personalized. These features are what make Google's SERP an information playground , where you not only find what you're looking for, but also discover things you didn't even know you wanted to know.
The SERP is an ever-expanding universe of useful information, images, news, and even videos. It’s as if Google knows exactly what you need, even before you do. Let’s now explore some of Google’s top SERP features .
Knowledge Panel
Imagine a digital identity card that appears on the right side of your screen, with all the relevant facts about a topic, personality or company. This is the Google Knowledge Panel, your shortcut to fast, reliable information.