What is search generative experience (SGE)?
You may have heard of ChatGPT, an AI-based chat that can answer a variety of questions and conversation topics? SGE is the search engine's answer to ChatGPT, and is Google's latest idea in AI. It's all about providing informative and engaging search results using artificial intelligence. With SGE, the searcher can get even more relevant answers to their search, without having to click into web pages.
Unlike today's search results, which show hits based on keywords, SGE has a greater understanding of the context you're looking for. The AI function is designed to understand complex issues and search intent to a much greater extent, opening up a discussion forum to give the user a more interactive experience.
Source: searchengineland.com
Why does Google implement SGE in search results?
Google has been at the forefront of search engine development and innovation for 25 years. As the world's leading search engine, Google is constantly working to develop helpful features that can give us the most accurate search results possible - with the best user experience in focus. Google wants to understand exactly what you're looking for.
Let's say you're searching for: What's best for a family with children under 5 and a cat, a ragdoll or a British shorthair?
Normally, you might have had to search several websites to get an answer to such a comprehensive question. With SGE, Google will give you a comprehensive and relevant answer right at the top of the search results.
How we think SGE will affect SEO
As far as we know, the SGE project is still at an early stage, and it's a good while before SGE is launched in Norway. A lot can happen in the process from Google's labs until the function is implemented on our laptops. There is still uncertainty about what the SGE view will look like, when it will be launched and how it will handle sources. But when that day comes, what effect will it have on SEO?
In our work with SEO, we strive to reach first place, and preferably 0 place in the search result (a 0 place is a highlighted section above the first place in the search result). A feature like SGE - which will replace the current display of rank 0 - can therefore act as a deterrent for companies that have worked hard to earn a high ranking from Google.
Our current thinking is that SGE is not a threat to SEO, but rather an opportunity to increase your competitive advantage. If you follow Google's guidelines such as E-E-A-T, (experience, expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness), helpful content and YMYL, SGE will value this and thus ensure that you join the growth.
3 things you can do to prepare for SGE
If you're worried that the SGE is going to hijack your place in the search results, it's really about diving deeper into SEO and doing what you can to engage your target audience. Here are three concrete tips on how to prepare for SGE:
Monitor your own rankings and optimize existing content
Ask yourself: Do we have full coverage on our keyword? Is there anything we can do in our SEO work to further satisfy the search engine?
Work according to Google's guidelines and create content that people need
We are happy to help you with SEO
Overall, SGE will improve 0 space, where the intention is to encourage people to search more for long-tail keywords (such as the example above) and move away from short keywords to improve the user experience. As long as you use good SEO expertise and follow Google's clear guidelines, we see SGE as an opportunity, not a threat. Do you need help with SEO? Take a look at our SEO services and contact us for a chat, then!
