How to Optimise for Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE)

SGE and Traditional Search Results

Traditional search results were a list of websites with links. They pointed a user to a site that may provide the relevant answer. SGE provides exactly what you need to know, directly in front of you on the SERP, without you having to click to various sites to find what you need. It does provide links if you want further information. You will see this as an AI Overview on the top of the search result page:

• Traditional results show links, SGE provides a direct answer 
• Traditional results require you click on the link to visit a website, SGE provides all the information upfront, resulting in a zero click search 
• Traditional results rely on keyword matching, SGE understands context and user intent
• Traditional results are static, SGE engages in follow up questions

When it comes to SGE, it looks at numerous sources, identifying important details, then it connects the details so they make sense. The more questions you ask, the more it adjusts it answer to provide the best answers.

How to Optimise for Google's Search Generative Experience

There are a number of optimisation tips you should be following to update and modernise your SEO strategy:

Have Your Traditional SEO in Place

Before starting on your SGE, you need to ensure your traditional SEO is in place. Your traditional SEO should have a solid foundation, following SEO best practices. You should have good internal linking, on-page optimisation, and your websites should be mobile optimised. 

Focus on Search Intent

When creating high quality and valuable content, search intent has always been important, but with SGE it's essential. The AI-powered algorithms understand what people are really looking for, which means your content needs to align with their search intent accordingly. This isn't simply matching keywords, it's understanding what people are looking for and why, understanding their pain points, and how you can help them. 

Content Structure

How your content is structured also plays a role in Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE). 

• Create clear and descriptive headings
• Break your content into sections
• Use short paragraphs
• Include examples or evidence
• Maintain a logical flow
• Use bullet points to improve scanability

Types of Queries That Trigger SGE Responses:

SGE isn't available for all queries, but there are some queries that trigger a SGE Response, including:

• Comparisons
• Complex questions
• Definition requests
• How-to Questions
• Step by step instructions

Conclusion

Optimising for Google's search generative experience (SGE) involves including a number of steps, helping you appear in the AI Overview that appears at the top of the search engine results page for certain queries. Do you need help optimising your site for SGE? Get in touch with the expert team at Genie Crawl now.