The Google search engine results page (SERP) refers a list of results that Google search returns when you search for a specific word or keyword phrase. Backlinks and SERP are probably the most famous concepts to all SEO beginners’ and I will tell you why. But first if you are new to Search Engine Optimization, I recommend you read the comprehensive SEO beginners’ guide.
How SERP Works
When someone uses a search engine, like Google, to look for something online, they are directed to a webpage called a search engine results page. The search engine displays a Search Engine Result Page to the user when they input their search query, frequently utilizing particular terms and phrases known as keywords.
Typically, SERP displays either the most pertinent search results or those that a company or individual pays the search engine to appear at the top of the results page. The paid results are called adverts and normally marked. What SEO experts are trying to archive is to be the highest among the organic list served by SERP.
Even though they share certain characteristics, every SERP is specific to the searcher. The result page is based on information like the user’s location, search and browser histories. Its safe to say search engines personalize SERPs.
Without a doubt, Yahoo, Bing, and Google are some of the most popular search engines. Their SERPs have the same standard elements like:
a series of connected webpage titles, often known as title tags; URLs to every page mentioned; a meta description—a succinct summary of each webpage—and search-related images;
Search engines evaluate indexed webpages and multimedia information in real time when a user conducts a search. Using sophisticated algorithms, search engines will come up with traits that result in favorable ranks. The websites then arranged on the results page from most to least relevant. The aim is to serve the searcher with the most relevant webpages.
What Determines SERP Rank?
Unfortunately, search engines don’t disclose their algorithmic processes. The ranking signals are kept a secret to avoid manipulation by some SEO practitioners. Nevertheless, a few recognized variables have been known to influence SERP rank. These include:
Backlinks. When determining a page’s SERP ranking, the quantity of external webpages linking to it is an important factor. A webpage with a large number of backlinks to it is considered reliable and an authority on the subject. The assumption is that if so many people are willing to link to that particular webpage, then its truly is of high value and relevance.
Arrangement. Google rewards websites that are divided into short, easy-to-skim sections. Simplicity of writing is also favored by the algorithm in content. The easier the diction the easier it will be for searchers to understand and get what they are looking for!
Signals of trust. Search engines, especially google, take into account cumulative information over time. These may include backlinks, traffic, security, and credibility of a website. A low bounce rate might also be helpful.
Quantity of keywords. Utilizing a wide range of pertinent keywords has a beneficial impact on ranking. This is not the same as keyword stuffing. Stuffing your content with keywords annoys search engines. With its Google Trends tool, Google provides data on the trends in the usage of certain keywords and phrases over time. Always write for the reader and make sure your sentences make sense to avoid being punished by search engines.
Organic vs. Paid (Sponsored) Search Results
A search engine results page (SERP) displays two different types of results: sponsored and organic. Both results have a similar format and are crucial for drawing in traffic to your website.
The results that search engine algorithms and ranking signals favor are known as organic results. How well organic results use SEO technics to address search engine algorithms determines their ranking.
It is impossible to pay a search engine to have your page naturally rank higher. If you would like to Enhance organic search results, you must use of digital marketing strategies. These are broadly referred to as SEO. The advantages of organic listings include increased traffic, demonstrating to search engines that a page is reliable and authoritative, and a strong return on investment. Unlike sponsored results, organic listings are free of charge. If you are new to SEO, consider reading my Comprehensive guide on SEO.
Its possible to pay a search engine to have your webpage show on top of the SERP for a specific keyword. On Google’s search page results, sponsored links or Google ads are marked with “Ad”. These are websites that a person or business has paid a search engine to display on the top result page. Paid results are positioned above all other content on the page. While this can bring in quick traffic to your website, it can be really expensive to sustain. This is because you will be charged whenever someone clicks on your sponsored link.
