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Term

SERP

SERP stands for Search Engine Results Page — the result page Google, Bing and other search engines return for a given query.

SERP — explained in more detail

A SERP is no longer just a list of blue links. Modern result pages combine organic listings with ads, featured snippets, “People also ask” boxes, knowledge panels, image carousels, video boxes, local 3-pack maps and, since 2024, AI Overviews. Which elements appear depends heavily on search intent — informational queries produce different SERPs than transactional or local ones.

For SEO this matters because it determines the realistic click-through rate. If the top 30 % of a SERP is filled by ads and an AI Overview, position 1 in the organic listings is worth significantly less than on a “classic” SERP without those upper modules.

Example / practical context

A search for “best running shoes 2026” usually returns: three or four shopping ads at the top, then an AI Overview with picks, a “People also ask” box, then comparison sites in the first organic positions. A search for “seo definition” looks completely different: often a featured snippet, a knowledge panel and then organic results — barely any ads.

Distinction from similar terms

SERP refers to the entire result page. Individual elements — featured snippet, knowledge panel, local pack — are SERP features. Ranking in the classic sense only refers to the position in organic, non-paid listings.

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