Google has introduced a new “web” search feature that allows users to filter out non-web search results. This change has the potential to significantly impact how users interact with Google’s search engine and how businesses are ranked in search results.
The new “web” search feature aims to address the concerns raised by independent websites that have been buried beneath sponsored posts and other non-relevant content on Google’s search results pages. By filtering out these non-web results, users can now focus on the core search experience, with links and text taking precedence.
Implications for Businesses
For businesses like HouseFresh and Retro Dodo, the new “web” search feature could mean improved visibility in search results. Searches for specific products or services that were previously overshadowed by sponsored posts and other non-web content can now appear prominently on page 1.
While the “web” search feature offers clear benefits in terms of decluttering search results, some users may find certain Google modules useful. The option to filter out non-web content may not be suitable for every search query, as highlighted by the continued presence of Google’s self-promotion and sponsored ads in search results.
Despite the introduction of the “web” search feature, Google continues to prioritize its own content, such as knowledge panels and featured snippets. The feature serves as an opt-out button for users who prefer a more traditional search experience, but it does not address all the underlying issues facing Google’s search engine.
Google’s Public Liaison for Search, Danny Sullivan, has expressed the need for greater visibility of the “web” search feature. Moving forward, it will be essential for Google to promote and optimize this new feature to ensure a seamless experience for users on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Google’s new “web” search feature represents a significant change in how users engage with search results. While it offers benefits in terms of decluttering search pages and enhancing visibility for independent websites, there are still challenges to overcome in terms of balancing user preferences and Google’s own content priorities. As the feature continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of online search experiences.