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SERP

A SERP is the results page a search engine displays after a query; it may contain organic links, ads and other formats.

What can a SERP look like?

Schematic results page with a query, paid and organic results, local results and an AI answer with a source.
Schematic example. Actual results depend on the query, location, device and time; these formats do not always appear together.
Text version
  • Query: comfortable shoes
  • Paid result
  • Organic result
  • Local results
  • AI answer with a source

How it works

Compare results for a specific query, language, location and time rather than a universal position.

Example

Example: One query shows product results; another shows local businesses and a map.

Common mistakes

Results can vary between users and checks.

How can you check this in practice?

Record the query, country, language, device and observation date. Examine the tasks served by prominent results: a product purchase, local service or explanation. Distinguish ads and AI formats from ordinary organic links when comparing results.

Distinctions and limitations

A position in one screenshot does not describe overall visibility. Layouts vary, and advertising or other blocks can push an organic link down without changing its order among organic results.

Official sources

Editorial responsibility: Martin Zhelyazkov · Founder of Z-Consult

Updated: 05/11/2026

For a correction or question: office@z-consult.bg