Posted on May 6, 2010 by Starting from today, Google is rolling out a new look Results Page. The main change is a side bar – similar to the ‘options’ panel that previously opened on request. Here’s what it looks like:
The change is the result of months of testing. The panel allows users to get more specific in their search requests, to obtain results not just from the web but Videos, Maps, Blogs and so on. Users can also drill into the old-look options panel from here, which looks like this:
Although there are no new features – this is purely a UI change – it shows the direction that Google is travelling. They want to be able to answer search queries as accurately as possible. But they recognise that in order to do that they need more input from users about what they’re looking for.
The key opportunity for an SEO agency is that this will boost the amount of search volume generated by long tail keywords. Whether this means adding new content, developing new landing pages, or modifying your link building strategy, this long tail traffic should convert much more effectively than general terms.
When it comes to Pay Per Click, its going to be interesting to see how this impacts on CTRs, and ultimately quality scores.
What do you think of the new look SERPs? Leave us a comment below
