Google Ads Now Being Mixed In With Organic Results
Google has an incentive to encourage its users to click on sponsored ads; however, this should not greatly impact user experience. Search engines prefer ads to be placed at either the top or bottom of the search engine results page (SERP).
Google has made changes, so top ads may now be shown below the top organic search results. The placement of top ads is dynamic and will continue to change, and it is important to explore this topic to understand its impact on users and organic search results.
Timeline of Change
Google had been testing mixing sponsored ads within organic listings in various capacities over a 10-month period. On June 17th, 2023, Google began initial testing of a new feature that appeared in search results but only on mobile devices. During this testing phase, very few users saw the feature, and it was discreetly integrated into mobile search results, often being mistaken for organic listings. On October 23rd, 2023, more extensive testing was conducted, and this marked the first time the broader SEO community noticed ad labels appearing within organic search results. The change was officially launched on March 28th, 2024.
Impacts of the Change
While the change is an official one based on the update to Google’s documentation, it still operates more like a test, with ads continuing to appear in normal positions in most instances. This change should be perceived as neutral for Google users and SEO impacts for now, and users should expect to see more of these types of tests in the future.
Work With SEO and Marketing Professionals to Stay Up to Date on Google Trends
As Google’s search algorithms and ad placements continue to evolve, staying informed about these changes is crucial for maintaining an effective digital marketing strategy. While the adjustment in ad placements aims to enhance user experience and advertising efficiency, it also shows the necessity of businesses being able to quickly adapt to maintain their online visibility.
Partnering with SEO and marketing professionals can provide you with the expertise needed to stay ahead of trends and optimize your online presence effectively. At BluShark Digital, our team of marketing specialists is dedicated to helping you understand and leverage the latest SEO developments. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you navigate these changes and maximize your digital marketing efforts.