If you are not sure about the power of AI search results, be sure to read the current search results article, which also explains the new terms and abbreviations.
It's important to remember that the AI generated organic results are ALWAYS displayed at the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs). That means above the paid advertising.
Geographic size of search area matters in results.
In my research, the results varied, or may not appear at all, if the geographical area is small.
For example, is you ask a question such as, "Who are the best ____?" but you're in a rural area there may not be enough data in existing google data archives to provide an answer, in which case you will simply see the usual search results listed one by one.
The way in which you phrase the question will impact your search. I have found that using who, what, or where will provide the best answers.
Of course, to receive the best answer about AI and search results, its easy to ask, "How does AI Search results work?"
In these screen shots are listed the different elements/parameters that contribute to the generation of each AI search results page.
Those elements rely on content at the website of businesses and the reputation of the online business. The search parameters are not something that can be fulfilled with specifics, rather each element relies on a combination of content contribution. For example, just because you have 20 articles on your website does not mean that you will be included in AI search results.
This search includes two key terms and the results are different if you use just one term at a time.
The two terms are "electrician" and "lighting retrofit". The lighting retrofit is a service that not all electrical companies provide.
I use a city and state in my searches to illustrate that AI, or just regular searches, do work from a distance. When you are looking for a local business where you live, or are on vacation, you will probably use "near me" or nothing at all.
Its easy to use AI to find almost any business. However, AI does not work on all searches.
It's worth noting that at the bottom of the search results, shown in this screen shot, there are NOT individual websites of local business, I believe that is because there were not specific local business that have the AI criteria, so instead we see the massive directory websites listed, EX: yellow pages.
If you are a business owner, what type of website do you have?
What I mean is that people or businesses who use social media as a website, are not going to be appearing in the AI search results. In all the searches I have conducted, not once has a social media listing/page been displayed. Maybe this will b changed later on? I am sure the social media platforms want to be included.
There is very little information and just a few results listed in this search result. This to me is a signal there is no depth in the geographical area and/or the available websites fitting these parameters lack sufficient info, due to lack of content, to be displayed.
I am surprised at the limited results since this is a large area and vacation destination, as well as, popular metropolitan area.
We see a real lack of information displayed in the listed results. For example, no addresses or phone number or email which are common information in the free business profile that Google offers.
When you compare these results to the results listed in Method #2 above, both geographical areas are similar is size, you see what I am saying about lack in number of results and also lack of information in each result.
The process of identifying your website plan of development is ongoing.
AI search functions are just going to get better and better. Right now we are in the toddler stage. Yet, it's necessary to stay ahead of your competition so this may be the perfect time for you to begin considering your strategy for moving forward in being recognized by AI.
Be sure your website is included in the Google Search Console before you begin working n improving your AI search results.
Steu Mann
29 June, 2024