SERP for Beginners: Understanding Google’s Search Results Page

What is SERP?

SERP stands for Search Engine Results Page, the page you see after entering a query into a search engine like Google or Bing.

It displays all the results that match your search in a summarized overview, including websites, images, videos, ads, and other helpful information. The goal of the SERP is to give users the most relevant and useful answers quickly.

Features of a SERP

Search Generative Experience (SGE)

Google’s AI-generated answers appear at the top of the SERP. When you search for something, Google’s AI reads relevant articles and blog posts, then provides a summary along with reference links to the source websites.

Paid Ads

Sponsored results that appear at the top or bottom of the page. Businesses pay to appear here through Google Ads.

Organic Results

These are the standard website listings ranked by Google’s algorithm based on relevance and quality.

People Also Ask (PAA)

An expandable list of related questions users often search. Clicking reveals brief answers and links.

Featured Snippet

A boxed answer that appears above all results. It gives a direct answer to the query, often pulled from a top-ranking page.

Knowledge Panel

Displayed on the right side (desktop), it shows key facts about a brand, person, place, or topic — often from sources like Wikipedia or Google’s own data.

Local Pack or Map Pack

A map with nearby business listings, often triggered by searches with local intent like “pizza near me” or “dentist in Colombo.”

Image & Video Pack

A row or block of visual results relevant to the query. Clicking takes you to Google Images or the source site.

Shopping Results

Product ads with prices, images, and seller info are ideal for eCommerce-related searches.