I spent a good chunk of 2022 reviewing Google's SERP features for new tests and launches.
Within this time, I may not have caught every change, but I certainly noticed a lot this year.
Here's my top 10 tests or launches 🧵👇
Within this time, I may not have caught every change, but I certainly noticed a lot this year.
Here's my top 10 tests or launches 🧵👇
For background, I manage a running timeline of unofficial SERP feature changes in Google's search results. When I notice a major change, I'll add it to my timeline with some details and examples. Here's the timeline if you want to bookmark for 2023: brodieclark.com
1/ Price Approx. Rollout in the US
At the start of the year, I saw price approximations launch in the US for some web pages. This was a test from 2021, and is now available across all devices in the US. Looks like Schema, but based on HTML.
More info: #jan-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
At the start of the year, I saw price approximations launch in the US for some web pages. This was a test from 2021, and is now available across all devices in the US. Looks like Schema, but based on HTML.
More info: #jan-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
2/ Desktop Search Bar Testing
Google regularly tests new displays for search bar functionality, with this year was no different. One standout was seeing the tabs being aligned to the right on desktop. This test didn't launch though.
More info: #feb-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
Google regularly tests new displays for search bar functionality, with this year was no different. One standout was seeing the tabs being aligned to the right on desktop. This test didn't launch though.
More info: #feb-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
3/ 'Things to know' and 'Buying guide' on desktop
In March, both the 'Things to know' and 'Buying guide' features appeared on desktop for the first time. At the end of the year, we saw 'Things to know' move to the right-hand column on desktop.
More info: #mar-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
In March, both the 'Things to know' and 'Buying guide' features appeared on desktop for the first time. At the end of the year, we saw 'Things to know' move to the right-hand column on desktop.
More info: #mar-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
4/ Scroll-to-text added to sitelinks in US
With several iterations in 2022 (including a stacked variation), scroll-to-text being added to sitelinks rolled out in the US. This change saw the method for sitelink extraction change for some pages.
More info: #apr-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
With several iterations in 2022 (including a stacked variation), scroll-to-text being added to sitelinks rolled out in the US. This change saw the method for sitelink extraction change for some pages.
More info: #apr-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
5/ Continuous scroll desktop test and rollout
First launching on mobile in 2021, continuous scroll made its debut on desktop in May, with rollout happening in December. The launch variation was similar to the test.
More info: #may-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
First launching on mobile in 2021, continuous scroll made its debut on desktop in May, with rollout happening in December. The launch variation was similar to the test.
More info: #may-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
6/ URL, Ad label and favicon testing
There was a period in June where there was ton of testing related to URLs, Ad labels and favicons. One component of this testing period saw the rollout of the "sponsored" label on mobile later in the year.
More info: #jun-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
There was a period in June where there was ton of testing related to URLs, Ad labels and favicons. One component of this testing period saw the rollout of the "sponsored" label on mobile later in the year.
More info: #jun-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
7/ Celebrity rich card rollout
Originally starting as a test in July for celebrity search results, I saw this rich card format expand significantly throughout the year. I was a big fan of this test and the rollout that followed.
More info: #jul-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
Originally starting as a test in July for celebrity search results, I saw this rich card format expand significantly throughout the year. I was a big fan of this test and the rollout that followed.
More info: #jul-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
8/ New label for 'quick read' content
Again spurring discussions about word count as a ranking factor, Google had variations of a 'quick read' label (I counted 6 of them) during August. There was a significant amount of interest on this test.
More info: #aug-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
Again spurring discussions about word count as a ranking factor, Google had variations of a 'quick read' label (I counted 6 of them) during August. There was a significant amount of interest on this test.
More info: #aug-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
9/ Highlighting content in Featured Snippets
Instead of bolding relevant sections of content, Google started highlighting content (in either blue or yellow) as part of a string of tests. This test also appeared for People Also Ask results.
More info: #sep-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
Instead of bolding relevant sections of content, Google started highlighting content (in either blue or yellow) as part of a string of tests. This test also appeared for People Also Ask results.
More info: #sep-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
10/ New format and functionality for PAA
Coming in as the final major test for the year, Google did some testing with how People Also Ask content is presented. This was part of a larger string of PAA-focused tests.
More info: #nov-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
Coming in as the final major test for the year, Google did some testing with how People Also Ask content is presented. This was part of a larger string of PAA-focused tests.
More info: #nov-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">brodieclark.com
And that's my top 10 Google SERP feature tests & launches in 2022. Was certainly a busy one based on my timeline.
If you want to stay updated on changes, make sure to bookmark my timeline. Otherwise, I share the most interesting updates here, so follow for more: @brodieseo
If you want to stay updated on changes, make sure to bookmark my timeline. Otherwise, I share the most interesting updates here, so follow for more: @brodieseo
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