What is a SERP?

A SERP (search engine results page) is the page you see after typing a query into Google. A modern SERP is much more than ten blue links: ads, an AI Overview, a featured snippet, a “People also ask” box, a local map pack, images, videos and shopping results can all appear on the same page. These are called SERP features.

#Why it matters

Position 3 on a plain SERP brings plenty of clicks; the same position below an AI Overview, ads and a map pack brings far fewer. Looking at the SERP before targeting a keyword also tells you which kind of content wins for that query (a guide, a product page, a video).

#Where you see it in SEOAsist

The Keywords → Tracking tab runs a daily SERP check for tracked keywords. The SERP column lists the features seen for that query (snippet, PAA, video, AI Overview, local, shopping…), and the AIO column shows whether an AI Overview cites your site. The Top-10 snapshot button on a row opens the first 10 organic results from the last check, with your site marked you. Details are in Keyword tracking.

#Example

If the SERP for “boiler service” shows ads on top, then a local map pack, then organic results, a local business may get more from its Google Business Profile than from its organic ranking.

#Common mistakes

• Judging a position without looking at the rest of the SERP.
• Assuming the results in your own browser are what everyone sees; location, language, device and history change them.
• Producing a different kind of page than the one dominating the SERP (for example, list articles).