SERP

A SERP is no longer ten blue links. Depending on the search, you can get ads at the top, a map of local businesses, images, videos and, on some searches, an AI-generated summary. The ordinary, organic results often start a good way down.

Why it matters to you

Position one means different things on different searches. If there are three ads and a map above you, the first organic result can sit far down the phone screen. That is why it pays to know what the results page looks like for the searches that matter to you, and not only which position you have.

Your result also competes for attention. The title and the text below it are all people see before they decide whether to click. The title tag does much of that work.

Look at your own

Take your phone and search for your three most important services, ideally with a place name. Notice everything that shows up before you: ads, maps, competitors. If there is a map at the top, your Google Business Profile matters at least as much as your website. Take screenshots, so you have something to compare with in six months.