SERP (Search Engine Results Pages) refers to the page that displays search engine results when a user searches for a specific keyword or phrase. The SERP displays various organic Google search results, paid advertisements, featured snippets, knowledge panels, and other related search features. SERP has evolved over the years, and search engines now show a personalized and localized page based on the user’s search query and browsing history.
Primary feature of a SERP
Here are some SERP features you will see for most search queries:
The following are some of the features that are commonly found on a SERP:
Organic Search Results
Organic search results are the traditional listings that appear on SERP. These organic results are ranked based on their relevance to the search query and the quality of the content.
Paid Search Ads
Paid search ads (AKA Google Search Ads) are the results that appear on the top or bottom of the organic search results. These paid search results are shown based on a bidding system where advertisers bid for specific keywords and pay for clicks or impressions.
Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are the highlighted boxes that appear on the top of the search results. These snippets provide a quick answer to the user’s search query.
Knowledge Panels
Knowledge panels are the boxes that appear on the right side of the search results. These panels provide additional information about a person, place, or thing.
People Also Ask
“People Also Ask” (PAA) is a feature that appears on the Google SERP. It is a box that contains a list of related questions to the user’s search query. When a search engine user clicks on a question, the box expands, revealing the answer.
PAA is designed to provide search engine users with additional information related to their search query. It also helps users find the answer to their question quickly, without having to click through multiple websites.
Site Links
Links to subpages on a website that appear below the main search result.
Specialized SERP Features
Here are some SERP features you may see for specific types of queries:
Local Pack
A box that displays local businesses related to the user’s query, along with their contact information and reviews.
Image Pack
A group of images related to the user’s query that appears in the search results.
Video Pack
A group of videos related to the user’s query that appears in the search results.
Top Stories
A box that displays news articles related to the user’s query.
Reviews
A box that displays reviews of a product or business.
Twitter Cards
A box that displays tweets related to the user’s query.
Shopping Results
A box that displays products related to the user’s query along with prices and links to buy.
Flight Search
A section on the search results page that allows users to search for flights and compare prices.
Job Listings
A section on the search results page that displays job openings related to the user’s query.
Calculators
A calculator tool at the top of the results for mathematical equations, currency conversions, or mortgage rates.