By Mike Hawkes
Google I/O is always a big deal in the tech world, but this year? It was massive. We’re talking game-changing announcements that could flip the script on how local businesses get found online. The star of the show? Generative AI. And trust me, this isn’t just another tech buzzword—it’s something that could seriously shake up local search.
The Key Takeaways from Google I/O – May 2023
So, what’s the big deal? Here are the key things you need to know:
Google’s New Search Generative Experience (SGE): A direct rival to BingGPT, designed to supercharge how we search.
Links and Citations: Finally, Google is adding sources to its AI-generated answers.
Bard’s Upgrade: Now with Google Maps integration for those local searches.
Ads Aren’t Going Anywhere: Even with all the AI, Google’s still making room for ads.
Google’s Generative Search Experience: The Next Big Thing?
Google’s dropping a bombshell with its Search Generative Experience (SGE). This isn’t just a tweak—it’s a whole new way of searching. Think of it as Google’s answer to BingGPT, but with a lot more muscle behind it. The idea? To make search more intuitive, letting users ask complex, multi-layered questions and get detailed answers right away.
For instance, instead of searching for “best restaurants in Austin” and then “family-friendly” and then “outdoor seating,” you could just ask, “What’s the best family-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating in Austin?” Boom—one search, one answer.
How SGE Affects Local Business Discovery
Local businesses, listen up. SGE could change the way customers find you. Imagine a customer searching for “compare two lunch spots near me that are good for big groups.” With SGE, they won’t just get a list—they’ll get a side-by-side comparison, complete with reviews, cost estimates, and even specific dishes highlighted. It’s like having a local guide right in the search bar.
Google’s Learning Curve: Adding Citations and Links
One of the biggest gripes about Google’s Bard was its lack of citations. People weren’t too thrilled about getting answers with no idea where the info came from. Google heard the feedback and responded. Now, with SGE, sources will be included right in the SERPs. You can even dive deeper with a “Toggle Deeper” option to see where Google pulled its info from.
This is huge for content creators and local businesses alike. It means your content can still shine, even if it’s being pulled into an AI-generated answer.
Google’s Being Cautious with AI
Given the global concerns around AI, Google’s treading carefully. They’ve put some guardrails in place, particularly around sensitive topics. For example, you won’t be able to get medical advice or financial tips from SGE. They’re keeping things safe, which means less risk of misinformation spreading through these AI-driven answers.
SGE’s Vertical Search Integration
If you’re in e-commerce, pay attention. SGE isn’t just about local businesses—it’s integrating with vertical searches like Google Shopping, meaning customers could see product options in real-time. This could be a game-changer for how people shop online, making it even more crucial for businesses to optimize their listings.
Don’t Forget About Bard and Google Maps
Even though SGE and Bard are different tools, Bard’s still getting some love. Google’s now integrating Maps into Bard’s responses, which means even more visibility for local businesses. So, if someone’s using Bard to search for something local, they’ll get maps right in the response. It’s a small update, but one that could have a big impact on how customers find you.
Everything Else You Need to Know
Google didn’t stop there. They also rolled out a few other updates that are worth keeping on your radar:
About This Image: A new tool that gives context to images, helping fight misinformation.
Perspectives: A feature that highlights long-form content, videos, and social media posts to give users a broader view on topics.
Helpful Content Update: Google’s tweaking its algorithm again to boost content that’s genuinely helpful and written by experts.
What Should You Do Next?
Right now, there’s not much you can do but wait. These updates are rolling out in the U.S. first, and it’ll take some time before they’re available everywhere. But if you’re in the U.S., you can request to join the waitlist for Google Search Labs to get early access to SGE.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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