Yes, it’s confirmed. Google’s desktop Search Engine Result Page (SERPs) is undergoing a revolutionary change in its history of search algorithms. Paid ads will no more appear on the right side of desktop search results page; rather, ads will be placed only at the top and/or bottom of the page. The search engine giant Google, which previously showed three ads above the search results, will now show an additional one, but only for highly commercialized search queries. This clearly implies that only fewer ads will be displayed for many search queries.
The company confirmed that the change will be rolled out globally and will affect all search queries in all languages across the world. Experts believe that this change would aid in aligning Google’s desktop SERP with its mobile search results page, which obviously do not provide any space to right side of the screen. However, Google has clearly outlined that Product Listing Ads will continue to show either above or to the right of the search page. Therefore, there are exceptions to the change as you might consider.
At the same time, the global search engine giant is not ready to compromise with its search volume and revenues earned from such paid advertisements. Google has planned to add a fourth ad above the desktop search results, but is “designed for highly commercial queries where the layout is able to provide more relevant results for people searching and better performance for advertisers,” as explained by the company in its official statement.
So, the question arises – will this change have an impact on Search Engine Optimization and page rankings? To say honestly, it would. Removing right-side advertisements would impact all desktop searches globally. Despite that Google plans to roll out an additional ad on above or to the right of search results, it is only meant for highly commercial search queries. Therefore, for basic search queries, only three ads will appear above and/or at the bottom of the page, and all ads to the right side will be eliminated. This is expected to greatly impact search volumes worldwide.
Needless to say, when desktop searches would be affected, SEO experts would have to identify new ways for effective Search Engine Optimization and page rankings. Moreover, with removal of all ads on the right side, the desktop SERP would appear similar to mobile search result page, i.e. it will have little space available. Thus, you can see more websites fighting for that top position and visibility as they do for mobile searches.
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