SEO in the Gemini Era: How Google’s AI Updates Impact Search Optimization
At the just concluded Google I/O 2024, Google announced expanded AI features for Google Search. How will this impact search engine optimization? Google has been making changes to Google search to improve how users find information in the search results.
The generative AI has even accelerated the improvement since the introduction of Gemini and the search lab’s search generative experience.
Here are some of the updates coming to Google Search in the Gemini Era
Google Search is introducing a new feature called AI Overviews.
AI overviews are summaries of search results that are designed to give users a quick overview of a topic without them having to click on multiple links. The feature has been tested in Search Labs, and users liked that they could get a quick summary and then links to learn more if they wanted. Google is rolling out AI Overviews to everyone in the US this week and expects to bring them to over a billion people by the end of the year.
Ability to Customize AI Overviews
Google Search will soon let you customize AI Overviews. You’ll be able to choose to simplify the language for easier understanding or get a more detailed breakdown of the topic
Search is getting smarter!
You can now ask complex questions in one go, thanks to a new AI model called Gemini. This means you can include all the details you want in your search, like location, criteria, and comparisons.
Google gives an example “For example, maybe you’re looking for a new yoga or pilates studio, and you want one that’s popular with locals, conveniently located for your commute, and also offers a discount for new members. Soon, with just one search, you’ll be able to ask something like “find the best yoga or pilates studios in Boston and show me details on their intro offers, and walking time from Beacon Hill.”
Plan Ahead!
Search can now help you create meal plans and trip itineraries. You can search for things like “easy 5-day meal plan for a group” and get recipe suggestions. Google says you can even customize the plan by asking for vegetarian options. You can then export the plan to Docs or Gmail. This feature is currently in testing but will be expanded to include other planning categories like parties and workouts.
Get AI-organized Results Pages
They’re introducing AI-organized results pages to help you brainstorm ideas. These pages will use AI to categorize different websites under unique headings, giving you a broader perspective on your search topic. This will be available first for searches related to dining and recipes, with plans to expand to movies, music, and more.
Google Search is getting a video search upgrade!
You’ll soon be able to search using videos. This means you can record a problem, like a malfunctioning record player, and Search will use AI to understand the video and provide solutions with steps and resources. No more struggling to describe the issue with text!
What does this mean for SEO?
The SEO Impact of Generative AI in Google Search
In my view, the question of how generative AI in Google searches will affect search engine optimization (SEO) has been a major concern. Is SEO dead? While the impact is undeniable, I believe SEO will adapt rather than become obsolete.
Firstly, website traffic might be affected. Users may get some answers directly from search results, reducing clicks to websites for basic information.
Secondly, content creators like bloggers and writers will face a challenge in crafting high-quality, relevant content that stands out for AI algorithms. However, Google’s inclusion of recommended articles within the search generative experience suggests that valuable content will still be crucial.
In essence, generative AI offers easier information access for users but presents a challenge for content creation.
What are your thoughts?
