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Google Search Generative Experience (SGE): the new way to search

O-Rouge Case
With the Search Generative Experience (SGE), Google is combining the current way of searching with AI (Artificial Intelligence). So you will no longer have to browse through different websites to find information. With SGE, you will immediately get a specific answer to your question.

How does Search Generative Experience work?

When you enter a search query, Search Generative Experience uses AI to better understand the context of your query. Instead of just displaying a list of links, the AI system can provide a summary of the information you are looking for, often directly in the search results page.

Search Generative Experience can also answer more complex queries by combining relevant information from multiple sources. For example, if you ask a complex question, it can provide a detailed and aggregated response that brings together aspects from different websites.

For example: First, for a wedding with the dress code "summer chic," you would search for "long dress color." Then to select from the dresses shown. With the advent of SGE in Google, you could search for "I'm looking for a long dress for a wedding with the dress code summer chic." Then Google automatically knows that it is not the intention to wear white at a wedding and will advise with links of dresses that best match your needs, with a detailed explanation included.

In addition, SGE often provides interactive elements, such as follow-up questions or suggestions for related searches, allowing you to delve deeper into the topic without having to enter new searches each time. In addition to text, SGE uses images, charts and other visual elements to make the information clearer and more appealing.

Challenges of Search Generative Experience

First, reliability and accuracy. There is a risk of inaccurate information when data from various sources are aggregated. In addition, the challenge also lies in the potential loss of organic website traffic. If users are immediately presented with the answer, they are unlikely to feel the need to actually visit a Web site.

Since SGE will take up much of the top of the Google SERP (Search Engine Results Page), it remains all the more important to make sure your website is in good SEO shape. That to stay high in the search results and have a chance of being highlighted with SGE. Of course, we can help you with that support.

What is the difference between ChatGPT and SGE?

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is designed for natural, human-like conversations with users. It is suitable for answering questions, providing explanations and creating content such as stories and essays. It is often used in applications such as customer service, personal assistance and educational tools.

Google SGE, on the other hand, is an extension of Google's traditional search function and uses generative AI to improve the search experience. The goal of SGE is to provide users with not only relevant search results, but also comprehensive and composite answers that respond directly to the query. This is particularly useful when researching topics where context and a summary of different viewpoints are important.

In short, while ChatGPT is all about ongoing dialogue and personal assistance, Google SGE focuses on efficiently providing summarized information from multiple sources.

What does it mean for SEO and SEA?

Web users' search behavior is changing significantly since the advent of AI. Web users are starting to focus more and more on long-tail keywords, as the queries they now enter in Google are the same as those at ChatGPT. That means adjustments need to be made for both SEA and SEO to stay relevant and be found in Google. One of the main reasons for this change in search is that AI-guided search (SGE) queries understand more natural language and complex queries. As a result, users tend to use longer and more specific searches, rather than generic terms.

What, specifically, does that mean for content creators? They best focus on creating in-depth and informative content that responds to such specific search queries. Optimizing content with long-tail keywords can help it rank higher in search results. In addition, companies should adjust their SEA strategies by focusing on ads with such specific search terms and landing pages. Because that leads to higher relevance and better click rates, as the ads more accurately match users' intentions.

The rise of AI is thus forcing both SEO and SEA professionals to rethink their strategies and adapt to users ' new way of searching. By shifting their focus to long-tail keywords, concrete answers and more personalized content, companies can maintain and even increase their visibility and relevance in search engines.

When will SGE go live?

While SGE is not yet available with us (or not officially, anyway), other countries can already test the efficient search engine extensively. Indeed, Google already released its major AI upgrade in beta in the United States and 120 other countries. Google does not say why it is not (yet) launching SGE in Europe, but presumably it has to do with European legislation on data processing. So wait and see!

Just as this big change is coming, it is even more important that everything on your website is set up properly in terms of SEO and that your ads are built correctly. We'd be happy to take a look with you. Feel free to an appointment for a free consultation at our office.

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Do you have a question or want more information?

Michiel
Marketing Specialist

Both SEA and SEO must be adjusted to remain relevant and be found in Google.

Marketing

Online marketing, that is the way to get more customers and more sales and you will get more relevant visitors to your website. Digitong is a Google Premier Partner and one of the top 20 online marketing agencies in Belgium. We know better than anyone that digital Marketing can be overwhelming. The good news is that we can help you. Find out how we work.