Google has added a new feature to its mobile search results called People search next. It appears for some “near me” searches.
What is People Search Next? People search next seems to be an addition to Google’s mobile search results – not a replacement for another feature. It joins other Google search features like People also ask, People also search for, Refine this search, and Related searches.
It’s unclear at this time if this is a permanent addition to Google’s mobile search results. I’ve reached out to Google for comment and will update this article if I receive any more information.
Examples of People Search Next. Here’s what it looks like on a search for [dentist near me].
It also shows for [eye doctor near me]:
In these examples, People search next appears just above Related searches. This seems to be a consistent pairing.
If not for Google’s mobile search results being infinite scroll, the positioning of People search next seems to be what would normally be “bottom of the SERP.”
So far, I’ve been unable to find People search next for any types of queries other than “near me”. And it doesn’t show on every “near me” type query. Looking for [plumber near me], [restaurants near me] or even [doctor near me] failed to trigger the feature.
Why we care. It’s important to watch any changes Google makes to its search engine results pages (SERPs). Space taken up by a Google search feature, such as this one, means Google could potentially take away actual results for relevant webpages, or clicks and traffic from websites Google shows in the organic results. This seems like a feature that is designed to keep people on Google longer, going further down search rabbit holes, rather than clicking on actual search results. In short, if Google search truly is a provider of answers, is it fair to say that they are also in the business of adding the questions as well?
As for how you can potentially use it? For content research. You now have yet another resource – straight from Google – to get content ideas.
We were alerted about this new feature by Saad AK on Twitter.
The post New Google mobile search feature: People Search Next appeared first on Search Engine Land.
source https://searchengineland.com/google-people-search-next-mobile-search-feature-379370
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