When it comes to SEO, you can’t be a stranger to change. 

When Google announces an experiment or search update, you need to be ready for the ride. Otherwise, you risk your website’s ranking potential and authority score. 

If you’re ready to embrace Google’s latest update, keep reading. In this article, we’ll dive into its new generative experience search, including what it is and how it works. We’ll also share some practical ways to optimize your site for this new change. 

Let’s get started. 

What Is Search Generative Experience (SGE)? 

SGE began as an experiment in Search Labs. However, the Search Labs website has removed the experiment’s end date. In other words, this new search experience is here to stay. 

Originally only available in the US and in English, users can now access Google SGE in more than 120 new countries and territories.

According to Google: 

“With new breakthroughs in generative AI, we’re again reimagining what a search engine can do. With this powerful new technology, we can unlock entirely new types of questions you never thought Search could answer and transform the way information is organized to help you sort through and make sense of what’s out there.”

While a traditional search produces links to high-ranking content and featured snippets … 

Users who turn on the SGE feature receive an AI-powered snapshot of key information to consider, along with links and other sections to dig deeper.

SGE also thrives on long-form, detailed questions. Google’s traditional search, on the other hand, can generate mixed or poor results if you plug in ultra-long questions. 

SGE’s AI-powered overview summarizes the most relevant information from top-ranking content in a paragraph or bulleted form. 

It also provides a snapshot of top content to the right and a list of examples or products under the summary. 

Underneath the examples section, you’ll see auto-generated follow-up questions to explore the original query further. You can also use the follow-up search function to ask more related questions.

Below that, you’ll have other snapshots and sections with top-ranking content related to the search query. 

Some of these may include:

• Discussions and forums 
• ‘People also ask’ section
• Questions and answers
• Related searches
• Articles
• Videos

How Can Users Search With Google SGE?

To test their first query with Google’s generative AI search, users need to turn on the feature.

Follow these simple instructions to turn it on:

1. Head to labs.google.

2. Look for the section titled “SEARCH POWERED BY GENERATIVE AI”.

3. Click “Get Started”.

4. Turn on the sliders.

5. Finally, choose “Try an example” to conduct your first search.

3 Ways To Optimize Your Site For Generative AI

Ready to capitalize on the evolution of search?

Here are three SEO strategies you can use to optimize your site for Google’s generative AI search.

1. Focus on long-tail keywords

SGE thrives off detailed search queries and complex questions. That’s why optimizing for long-tail keywords, such as long or question-based phrases, is at the top of our list.

To give yourself a better chance of ranking, choose the ones with low competition and high search volume. Use a tool like Semrush or Ahrefs to see which of your long-tail keywords match this description. 

Get inspired by StudioSuits, an eCommerce brand specializing in custom suits and clothing. By strategically optimizing its site with detailed phrases based on search intent, StudioSuits ranks high on Google SGE. A prime example is its long-tail keyword “linen suits for men,” where StudioSuits’ product collection page takes the lead in at least five sections below — one sponsored and four organic search positions. 

2. Publish high-quality content based on search intent 

Understand the “why” behind your long-tail keywords. What do users have in mind when searching for these terms?

Do they need to …

• Navigate to a page?
• Learn something?
• Find something?
• Buy something?

By understanding their search intent, you can publish helpful articles, guides, and other assets that solve their pain points. This is pivotal to creating high-quality content that encourages SGE rankings.

To give Google more reasons to rank you, be sure to:

• Follow copywriting best practices (i.e., use contractions, write for the average reading level, and remove fluff).
• Add FAQ sections to pages or blog posts — or weave in answers to FAQs throughout your content.
• Include valuable images, such as screenshots, videos, and infographics.
• Include external links to high-authority sites.
• Use natural and conversational language.
• Include internal links to relevant pages.
• Back up hard statements with sources.
• Offer actionable tips and advice.
• Satisfy E-E-A-T.

3. Use schema markup 

Think of the internet as a vast library — and its contents as precious books. Without proper structure and categorization, search engine spiders may interpret your content as cryptic scrolls.

This is where structured data, also known as schema markup, comes in. Schema markup is a code you add to your website to help search engines better understand your content. 

It provides specific information about each page’s content, such as:

• The type of content that’s published, i.e., a video, article, or review
• Key details, such as dates, ratings, locations, and more. 

With this clarity, search engines not only understand your content but also its deeper context and relationships to other entities. Rather than relying only on keyword matching, SGE thoroughly examines your structured data. It captures the intent behind a user’s query and connects the dots between your content and their specific needs. 

Take House of Joppa, the Catholic gift store, as an excellent example. By strategically implementing schema markup, it shows up at the top of the SERP — even for its competitive short-tail keyword, “Catholic gifts.”

When users search “Catholic gifts,” House of Joppa rises to the top because SGE understands the depth and context of its offerings. This is the power of structured data — it elevates your content to a place of genuine relevance.

Conclusion

Another SEO wave is here. 

By coming along for the ride and refining your SEO strategies as you go, you can inspire Google to rank your site using its new generative search capabilities. 

Are you ready to remain competitive as SEO evolves? Follow these tips and continue to educate yourself on news and trends. 

And if you need an agency to help, we’re here for you. Reach out for a free SEO proposal today. 

Here’s to your success!