Opinion
04.10.24

Navigating Google’s SGE Rollout: How We’re Helping Clients Thrive in the New Search Era

By Laura Herrera Márquez,
Head of Growth

If you’re noticing a drop in organic traffic or seeing the new Google Search AI section in your results, you might be experiencing the effects of Google’s latest Search Generative Experience (SGE) rollout - just like some of our clients.

SGE is shaking up the world of search as we know it, especially for content creators, and SEO specialists. This AI-powered feature provides conversational responses to search queries. Rather than sifting through a list of links, users now get an AI-generated answer that appears directly within the search interface. While this might sound handy for users, it’s shaking up the way businesses generate traffic.

The Impact: What’s Changing? Here’s what we’re seeing so far:

Traffic shifts: Sites offering specialized, technical content are benefiting from SGE, as Google pulls from authoritative sources for more complex topics.

Content prioritization: In-depth, value-driven content is the new gold standard. Those creating high level, keyword-stuffed or basic "how-to" content will need to up their game.

Content Optimization in the Age of SGE

With SGE, it's not just about ranking for keywords—it's about creating content that aligns with user intent and offers real value. Here’s what we are recommending to clients:

Expert-level content over keywords: Stop cramming keywords and start producing genuinely helpful, engaging content. SGE rewards context, depth, and expertise. Go beyond the basics. Dive deep into topics to provide users with content they can't find anywhere else.

Semantic relevance: Write naturally. SGE understands context, so include related terms and phrases without forcing it.

Focus on user intent: SGE is all about answering user questions. Think about what your audience really wants to know, and address that directly. What are the questions your audience is asking when looking for your products or services? 

Long-tail keywords: SGE might answer the simple stuff, but for detailed queries, people will still click through to websites. Focus on specific, nuanced keywords.

Diversify content formats: SGE loves video, interactive elements, and rich media. Think beyond text.

Optimize for mobile and UX: Google’s AI takes into account things like load time and user experience. Make sure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.

What about AI for content creation?

Using AI tools is not a problem for content creation as long as there is an expert on the other side of the screen. Content created with AI is only as good as the expert reviewing it—expert guidance is key to producing relevant, detailed, and high-quality material. 

Adapting to the SGE Era

At Signifly, we see this as an exciting challenge—one that allows us to prove our value by helping clients navigate this new landscape. 

Ultimately, while SGE is disruptive, it’s also an opportunity. It’s pushing us to create better, more user-centric content. And in the long run, this means a better experience for everyone.