As an SEO, you live for these moments ….
While doing some job search-related exploration, I came across a very different looking results page on Google. You can see the new Google look here.
You’ll notice a few things:
1. The Sponsored Links on the right side of the page are highlighted, which makes them stand out quite a bit more. They’re typically white.
2. The top Sponsored Link highlight is yellow, which is more intrusive than the blue or purple shades they usually use.
3. Google has added tab navigation for easy surfing throught their various vertical searches like Images and News (in blue). (Interesting that they’re giving more exposure to their Directory than usual.)
4. They’ve added search tips on the form of "To search only for an exact term, place a ‘+’ sign before it."
5. The Sponsored Links on the right have an "Interest Bar." Not exactly sure what that is, but it likely has something to do with improving the relevancy of ads and / or enhanced personalization of results based on past user activity (see image below).
I’m sure Google tests come and go. We may never see this again. Or, it may become the new look of Google. Most likely, it may be something in between.
If anything, it points to a few things: 1) Google is looking to give more exposure to their vertical search functionality, 2) they’re looking to help their Sponsored Links cut through the clutter (more clicks means more money for Google) and 3) relevancy of their Sponsored Links is of growing importance.
Again, enjoy this inside look into Google search testing.
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