Google has recently updated its "People Also Search For" feature on the search engine results page. This function, which used to appear at the bottom of Google’s SERPs, now shows up in different locations after being triggered by a user clicking back from an unsatisfactory search result.
The intriguing aspect of this feature is its mobility—it isn’t fixed in one spot. Members of WebmasterWorld noticed the change, sparking discussion on February 14th.
While the feature itself is not new, its appearance and placement have been refreshed. Its dynamic nature, moving around based on user interaction, is a noteworthy evolution.
Examples
Here is the first search result before I clicked on it:
Image showing the initial search result
I clicked the first result, waited five seconds, and then clicked back. The SERP then appeared as follows:
Image depicting the changed SERP
How to Trigger the New Feature
To see the new feature, I conducted a search query, clicked on the first result, waited a few seconds, and then navigated back. This action prompted Google to display the new People Also Search For options.
Dynamic Placement of the Feature
More than just clicking and clicking back, this feature dynamically relocates. For instance, clicking on the third result, waiting, and returning causes the People Also Search For feature to appear beneath the third link, showing its adaptability to user behavior.
Examples of the Feature Moving Around
Here is the initial search result before clicking on the third result:
Image showing the initial search result
After clicking the third result and going back, the People Also Search For feature positioned itself below the third search result:
Image illustrating the relocated feature
Potential Impacts
It remains uncertain whether the action of clicking through and returning will affect website rankings. Nonetheless, it is known that Google assesses Click-Through Rate (CTR) and Viewport Time to measure user satisfaction.
This new feature might provide Google with additional insights into search performance, potentially aiding in predicting what content satisfies users better. For instance, with sufficient user interaction, reranking might occur if it becomes apparent that different results suit the user’s needs better. This change could function as a feedback mechanism to enhance search algorithm training.
Images by Shutterstock, modified by Author
Screenshots by Author
