what is SGE in SEO

What is SGE in SEO And How It Can Affect Your Business?

Recently, Google released an update using AI-generated search results. As the most popular search engine, Google controls about 90% of searches. So, when Google makes a change, everyone pays attention.  SGE (Search Generative Experience) or AI (artificial intelligence) is a tool that enhances the search experience for the user.  Let’s dive into the questions, what is SGE in SEO and how will it affect my traffic?

The New Age Of Artificial Intelligence

Search engines are all about providing accurate information to answer a query quickly. Without using AI-generated results, Google gives you a listing of websites ranked according to their algorithm. Typically, digital marketers would optimize a website to conform to Google’s criteria to rank high in results. However, users would have to click through each result to find the answer to their question.

The introduction of AI Overviews (SGE) has shattered previous browsing experiences by attempting to create a more perfect user experience. Now, most queries result in a summary of the topic gathered from a variety of sources.  Thus, users can get the answer they’re seeking without ever clicking on a link.  This streamlines the information gathering process and saves the user’s time.

Of course, the user still has the opportunity to do some more in-depth research. Within AI Overviews, you’ll find links to support the information allowing users to dig deeper into the topic. Google displays information about these links to the right of the summary.

Good SEO Is Still Critical For Success

Early analysis of AI Overviews has yielded some interesting results. Usually, Google doesn’t display any of the top results in organic search results in AI Overviews. Some experts estimate this update could result in a drop in website traffic by 15-25%.

Although this may seem like bad news threatening your web position, it’s actually an opportunity for growth. The traffic Google sends to your site will be people clicking on links seeking more information. Often these higher-quality leads are more likely to convert.

Furthermore, the basics of SEO, adjusting your website to Google’s algorithm still apply. To understand your website, Google will continue to crawl and index every page on your site. Internal links, page load times, and links are SEO issues that can affect crawlability and indexability.

How Do Blogs Fit Into Google’s AI Overviews?

Creating high-quality content will always be important as AI pulls information from published articles. Overall, creating content following the principles of EEAT (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness) have never been more important. EEAT is a framework used by Google to evaluate the quality of content. AI-generated answers will search for clear, concise information that’s also helpful, accurate, and comprehensive.

Additionally, there will be a big shift from using short to long-tail keywords as these searches become more common. Generally, longer keywords conform to detailed questions triggering AI Overview. Accordingly, there’s a simple way to increase your chances of getting your content featured. Format your long-tailed keywords into questions and place them in your headings.

Moreover, some users won’t trust AI Overviews as it can and will make mistakes. First, Google must search the internet for information on the particular topic. Then, it must interpret this information to construct a response. If Google uses inaccurate information or interprets the data wrong, AI Overviews will contain “hallucinations” or incorrect or misleading results.

What Is SGE in SEO – FAQs

Still wondering what is SGE in SEO and how it can affect your business? ConversionMOXY is a full-service marketing agency that can help you navigate the new changes. Below we answer a few commonly asked questions. If you have others, call us at 336-245-1640.

How Will SGE Affect Digital Marketing?

The widespread use of SGE will increase clickless searches for both paid and organic website traffic. Digital marketing will need to adapt to this change to entice users to visit their clients’ websites. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to use structured data and schema.

When you use schema markup, your pages become more understandable to Google. This makes it easier for the search engine to correctly index your web pages. In addition, it will be easier for Google to match search queries relevant to your content.

So, SGE May Pull Information From My Blogs?

Yes. SGE will analyze its vast wealth of data from indexed web pages, blogs, and other sources to present its overview. Remember, AI Overviews will present links to content for further investigation. For your information to appear in the summary, you need to write engaging, high-quality, and informative content.  And of course, remember to use schema markup.

What’s The Best Way To Prepare For SGE?

With SGE still in its infancy stage, it’s changing constantly. However, this isn’t unlike the algorithm changes search engines always make. While you’ll need to make some adjustments, it’s very important to continue to follow established SEO best practices.

Additionally, hiring a team of experts can help you navigate the changes brought by SGE or any other algorithm change. At conversionMOXY, our staff has years of experience to help you grow your business.  Since 2011, we’ve been helping different kinds of industries with all aspects of marketing:

Still unsure what is SGE in SEO and how it can affect your business? Then, give us a call at 336-245-1640. We can set up a free consultation to discuss the marketing needs of your business and how we can help meet them.