SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
SERP stands for Search Engine Results Page. It's the page you see after entering a search query, containing a mix of organic results, paid ads, featured snippets, and other elements.
A SERP is what Google (or any search engine) shows you after you search for something. Modern SERPs contain multiple elements beyond simple website links.
Elements of a SERP:
Paid ads (top)
Sponsored listings that appear at the top, marked as "Sponsored" or "Ad."
Map Pack
For local searches, a map with 3 local business listings appears prominently.
Organic results
The traditional "10 blue links" - though they now include more information like titles, descriptions, and site links.
Featured snippets
Answer boxes that appear above organic results for certain queries.
People Also Ask
Expandable questions related to your search.
Knowledge panels
Information boxes that appear for businesses, people, or topics.
Images, videos, news
Media results that appear for relevant queries.
Why understanding SERPs matters:
For contractors trying to rank on Google, understanding SERPs helps you:
- Know what you're competing against - Is the SERP dominated by directories? Competitors? Informational content?
- Identify opportunities - Can you rank in the Map Pack? Could you target a featured snippet?
- Set realistic expectations - Highly competitive SERPs take longer to crack.
- Prioritize efforts - For local services, Map Pack might be more valuable than position 1 organic.
Related Terms
Organic Search
Organic search refers to the unpaid search results that appear on search engine results pages (SERPs) based on their relevance to the search query, as determined by the search engine's algorithm.
Map Pack (Local Pack)
The Map Pack (also called Local Pack or 3-Pack) is the section of Google search results that displays a map with 3 local business listings for location-based queries.
Keyword
A keyword is a word or phrase that people type into search engines to find information. In SEO, keywords are the terms you optimize your content to rank for.