Google’s advanced artificial intelligence technology has been in operation for over a year, and it seems like it’s here to stay. This raises serious concerns among business owners and marketers worldwide—and rightfully so. However, as with any major change, it’s survival of the fittest—meaning those who don’t adapt to the new environment may find themselves at risk. This is becoming increasingly apparent.
The integration of SGE into search results in a seamless manner, potentially replacing traditional organic results with AI-generated answers, poses significant challenges. Keyword strategies won’t work the same way as before, requiring creative tactics and advanced SEO strategies to stand out in Google searches.
Key Findings from the Study and Future Implications
Here are the most noteworthy findings from the study:
- SGE provided an answer for 91.4% of all search queries across 15 different domains. This represents an increase from the previous study conducted in January, where the figure was 86.8%. In other words, only 8.6% of keywords did not trigger an AI-generated response.
- The sectors with the lowest response rates were YMYL (Your Money Your Life). For instance, responses were provided for only 71% of searches in the financial sector and 52% in the insurance sector.
- The Quora website, known for its question-and-answer format, appeared among the top 20 domains mentioned within SGE, excluding automotive and YMYL categories.
- On average, each SGE response contained 10.75 links after clicking “Read more.”
- 62% of all links appearing in the research were not from the top 10 leading domains on the search results page.
Rise of Question-and-Answer Based Content
One significant finding is the prominence of the Quora website within SGE. This suggests a potential increase in forums or websites that provide articles based on user questions and answers—similar to those searched for on Google or other forums.
Another insight from the study is that content creation on Google may shift away from a focus on keywords and towards language used in social media. In other words, creating engaging content that resonates with the target audience’s interests and needs may become more crucial. Ultimately, producing high-quality content will lead to more referrals to your website.
Anticipated Launch of SGE
It’s worth noting that while SGE may have seemed like a distant futuristic concept in the past, that perception has changed. Just recently, Google announced plans to expose SGE to users who have not yet joined Search Labs, signaling a significant step towards reaching a broader audience. It’s worth keeping an eye on these developments.
Source: AskPavel
