People Also Ask no longer appearing

[JS_Harris]

The People Also Ask feature in the US version of Google stopped appearing for many on July 1st and continues to be gone. At the same time several otherwise reputable sites with a page to answer every question, often using the question as a partial title, are ranking a little lower.

At the same time several searches I am required to perform frequently underwent a major change in intent. Stuff like "where are widgets" or where do you find widgets" used to result in pages telling you where they are. Now, not so, all top results tell you how to change a widget. It makes sense, you can't change it without finding it but you may be trying to find it to change it.

- Stop creating granular answer posts, if this isn't a glitch or personalized thing then people also ask questions are going the way of individual keywords.
- Consider making your informational articles more meaningful. 'How much a widget costs' won't beat a 'how to save when buying a widget' moving forward.

Maybe M.U.M. just went live?

[JS_Harris]

It's back when logged in and showing 50 results but not when logged out. Not everyone is seeing the same thing, just 15 or so of my co-workers. There's some sort of testing going on.

[saladtosser]

Still there in the UK (not logged in private mode), in fact they have moved it to above all organics for more searches.

[JesterMagic]

I am seeing less of "people also asked" in private mode on desktop in North America but not really by much.

BUT they still have on the far right "People also search for" AND "Related Searches" at the bottom of every page.

Google has more links to other search results than links for my actual search on page 1.

I can see have something at the bottom of the page. If the searcher has gotten that far and not found something suitable, then they may want to do a new search and a "suggestion" makes sense.

It's pathetic how Google has been acting and the only way to fix this unfortunately is to have government intervention.

[martinibuster]

Google has more links to other search results... It's pathetic how Google has been acting and the only way to fix this unfortunately is to have government intervention.

The People Also Ask (PPA) feature is generally shown for vague search queries and when a query has multiple search intents.

People don't always use the most specific queries so that's to help direct users to the right website with the exact answer to what the user is trying to find.

The job of Search Engines is to direct users to what they're looking for.

PPA helps websites receive the most targeted search traffic. It HELPS websites and users, so it's a win-win.

So if someone searches for "fluorocarbon fishing line" and they get a bunch of web pages telling them what fluorocarbon fishing line is, which ones are the best and why you should use fluorocarbon fishing lines (THREE SEARCH INTENTS), that's great if the user wants to learn about fluorocarbon fishing line.

But it's not so good if the user wants to know, "Which is better monofilament or fluorocarbon?" and THAT's why Google show's People Also Ask.

PPA guides users to the websites they are looking for.

Any suggestion that PPA is stealing clicks from publishers is misinformation.

Good luck.

R

[saladtosser]

>>>The People Also Ask (PPA) feature is generally shown for vague search queries and when a query has multiple search intents.<<<

martinibuster, how do you explain the "people also ask" feature above all local service queries? Example "window cleaning services in London". What other intent other than wanting to hire a window cleaner in London could there be? I tried to be more specific, "Hire a window cleaner in London", and the same PAA results above organics.

Here's the rub though, Google seems to know what my intent is ad and local maps wise else they would help me as the user by placing the PAA widget above the ads. But they only seem to care about my intent before reaching a single organic result... they think I have a different organic search intent to ad search intent by what you are saying?

Okay benefit of the doubt googles decided if the ads and the maps weren't good enough and I scrolled way way way down to the page to bother to reach something organic maybe they got my intent wrong.....

Except try non commercial queries...(no ads)

"how to breed cats"? Nope PAA.....maybe I'm being a bit vague here? Ill refine....... "how to breed persian cats", nope PAA again, specify the day I want to breed them? Nope PAA again... maybe I need to include my location? Nope PAA, maybe add on my date of birth? (in fact, 95% of searches I can think to try Google is confused by my intent organically but spot-on ad wise.

How can I be less vague on these queries?

I even tried "my intent is to hire a window cleaner in London" and PAA results show again even when I specify my exact intent literally!

Ideas?

[Abaros]

@martinibuster

Any suggestion that PPA is stealing clicks from publishers is misinformation.

Is it what you say or is it disinformation? Really? I tend not to believe assertions of an absolute nature.

I could give many examples, but I don't need to, you haven't given any either, you have merely related what the intention is without mentioning the reality.

So my point of view is that any suggestion that PPA NOT is stealing clicks from publishers is misinformation.

[Abaros]

Extended reply to @martinibuster

I occupy a niche to "do a specific thing", if you want to do that thing you will have to go to my website, you can do things with some similarity in other site, but not exactly the same.

Being very relevant I occupied the top two positions in Google for "do a specific thing" and similar search terms.

Ok, since June 21 Google shows 3 videos and a "The People Also Ask" box and before my website.

And anything else is disinformation.

[superclown2]

I seem to remember some ages ago (a decade or more maybe) that there was a discussion on WW about whether or not something like 'people also ask' would be a good thing. I seem to recall the consensus was yes it was. Unfortunately here in the UK we still have 'people also ask' plus 'people also search for' plus a popup that keeps moving everything when I want to click a link plus 'related searches' (all high spenders - are these really ads?) plus a block of local results of companies that may or may not still exist and a map I don't need (I know what my locality looks like) plus a news bar that may be interesting to Americans but not to me in the UK. Plus videos plus video timelines and I hate videos because they take too long to give me the info I am looking for, if at all. Oh and ads at the top and bottom, I nearly forgot those. Organics? I start on page two. Much less cluttered and far less 'authority' junk.

Oh and I do seem to remember a claim that only 3% of visitors click on 'people also ask'. I have no idea who claimed that originally or how this figure was calculated but a quick ask around some pals yesterday failed to turn up anybody that used it, most of them said they skipped straight over all the stuff at the top to get to the real websites. A few said they clicked on ads accidentally, which may be why the ROI for most people who use adwords is so awful.

[martinibuster]

>>>>"how to breed cats"

1. That's a rarely asked query.
2. That search query has MULTIPLE INTENTS

I do not appreciate your trying to prove a point by leaving out vital information such as what is in the PAA itself.

The answer to your question as to why Google shows a PAA is in the PAA itself.

How do you breed cats on Minecraft?
Do you need a Licence to breed cats in the UK?
Can you breed non active cats?
What age can you breed a pedigree cat?

Some people asking that question have the intent of doing that in minecraft.
Others want to know if they need a license, etc.

Your example proves my point.

[shadowlight]

The People Also Ask (PPA) feature is generally shown for vague search queries and when a query has multiple search intents.

People don't always use the most specific queries so that's to help direct users to the right website with the exact answer to what the user is trying to find.

I'm sorry but this is incorrect. I have just performed a search and clicked on multiple people also ask results. When you click on these questions appearing in the people also ask feature it provides a link to the web site G thinks answers this question and underneath the site info within that specific dropdown there is a link that once clicked takes you to a SERP result with that specific question as the search query. Every single one clicked has another people also ask feature, every single one....without exception no matter how specific or vague the search query is.

[JesterMagic]

@martinibuster - I did say one

people also asked OR people also searched OR related search

widget makes sense at the bottom of the page once the user reviews the search results. From the users perspective It does not make sense before I actual get to see the results of what I initially asked for.

Google assumes a lot with search intent. It will strip and rearrange keywords from user queries to display what they think the user wants to see. Because they do this PPA (and all other related widgets) generally show pretty much the exact same thing for related queries. Results may be reordered slightly but that is about it. It is really very frustrating.

Your argument of PPA helping websites sounds good on the surface but by showing PPA before organic results actual helps Google much more. If a user clicks on a PPA that means Google again gets to show the user another search page with all the ads and Googles own properties again. There is a reason Google shows ads first on a page and statistically the chances of someone clicking on a search result from a property that Google owns goes up (and that includes their PPA widgets),

PSA is a win for Google ONLY, that is why they usually have 3 on a page. Just like those large featured snippets are a win for Google as in most cases users are satisfied with the result and do not visit the actual website providing the information.

How to breed cats?

May be a rarely asked query, but your examples are exponentially more rare. Still Google does have ways to help determine intent on knowing where the user is located and on what they where searching for previously.

As I said PPA does have a use for the user and it would make sense at the bottom of the page to insert one with maybe suggestion like you have.

The problem is Google does NOT insert a PPA just for the benefit of the user. It gives much more benefit to Google as it is another means for Google to display more ads or get the user to visit another one of their own properties like YouTube.

[martinibuster]

It gives much more benefit to Google as it is another means for Google to display more ads

1. When I click the PPA for the cat breeding SERP you suggested the box opens and shows a web page, not a link to more SERPs.

2. While using a UK IP address I don't see any ads for that search query, either.

Clicking the PPA in the search result (that was suggested as an example) reveals an organic search result.
That's a win for the user and the publisher.

Your statement is incorrect for both assertions, using the example that you yourself suggested.

Before you continue, set aside your preconceived notions and LOOK at the SERPs first.

[frankleeceo]

How long until Google starts shoving ads or shopping listings into PAA queries :). Enjoy the free organic exposure while it lasts.

If anything, testing ads insertion into that prime real estate, while pushing that snipper higher, has much higher earning potentiall.

Lots of clicks, well intended queries to focus onto users to shove ads in their face.

Hell as advertiser, I want to buy that slot for people who ask "what is the best ?".

[saladtosser]

@martinibuster

>>>>Some people asking that question have the intent of doing that in minecraft.<<<<

This would be a valid point if also very specific searches didn't introduce PAA, but they do...

It doesn't matter HOW precise your query PAA will also be at the top or a couple slots down from the top for *most* things people ask... I would check "how do you breed pet cats in the UK and do you need a licence" (per your post) and ill bet PAA is up there, I'm not even going to check, its a given!

Maybe show an example of how we can search in a less vague way (lets stick with cats or maybe pets in general) in a way PAA doesn't show, you said they only show for "vague searches", so I am genuinely interested to see if you can be less vague in a search and receive no PAA?

I mean even your PAA answers say "How do you breed cats on Minecraft?", as a PAA it must be a less vague and more of a specific query that if clicked wouldn't require more additional PAA, surely? Oh wait, ohhh..

Years ago if people wanted to know how to breed cats on Minecraft they would have searched "breed cats Minecraft" but I guess because the world and there mum are breeding cats on Minecraft you need to be more specific now, maybe add (in real life) because I'm going to assume if you searched "how to breed pet cats" google will still think your talking about pet cats on Minecraft lol

Lets just be honest, PAA is added to practically everything and isn't just added to *vague* search terms as you stated, sorry dude the proofs there in about every SERP. We can debate if its a good or bad thing if you like, but the fact you stated its only added to "vague" searches is just not the reality dude, its added to just about everything, fact! (put it at the bottom of the serp it would e very useful, top no, sorry)

[edited by: saladtosser at 5:14 pm (utc) on Jul 6, 2021]

[NickMNS]

This would be a great point if very specific searches didn't introduce PAA, but they do...

It has nothing to do with specificity. PAA occurs when you click the back button. The underlying assumption is that if you've gone back to search results then you didn't find the result you were looking for and possibly if your search was worded differently you could find what you are looking for. Essentially the user is at fault, because Google is never wrong.

Moreover, it ignores the fact that many times (at least for me) I like to see a diversity of responses to my query to determine which is actually correct.

While ranting, what really drives me crazy is when you click back and then immediately click the second result in the SERP, but before the click lands the fetch request for the PAA returns the PAA widget and now you're clicking on a PAA link that has nothing to do with what you are looking for. Great UX!

[saladtosser]

@NickMNS

>>>PAA occurs when you click the back button.<<<

It doesn't for me, it shows on every single search I do, no back button press required...... If it appeared on a back button press I would be raving about it honestly, I can see how that would be useful (jumping aside), or even at the bottom of the first page, but for me its at the top of the first page (position 1-3) on first search for about everything I search for....

[NickMNS]

@saladtosser
Sorry, yes you are correct I confused "People Also Asked" with "People Also Searched For". PASF appears after the back button click. I guess Google assumes the user doesn't know what user wants by default.

[saladtosser]

@NickMNS no worries dude, was worried I had a different version of search there for a min lol! I do see PASF creeping up on more and more first searches now as well! (3 spots under PAA). Think your correct "Google assumes the user doesn't know what user wants by default."

[mzb44]

@martinibuster

Your whole argument rests on this premise:

The People Also Ask (PPA) feature is generally shown for vague search queries and when a query has multiple search intents.

This is clearly incorrect, as PAA nowadays appear on almost all queries regardless of their intent. In no circumstance do they appear only in the case of when a query has multiple search intents.

This is factually incorrect and is not in accordance with objective reality.

This is extremely easily verifiable within just a few minutes.

What you have written is outside of objective reality. Don't believe me?

Exhibit 1: [ibb.co...] - this is literally typing in a site's own name
Exhibit 2: [ibb.co...] - I mean, come on. Do I even need to explain this one?
Exhibit 3: [ibb.co...] - short "vague" (it's really not vague) version
Exhibit 4: [ibb.co...] - we're not even in 2020 anymore.

in my opinion, Google absolutists contribute as much to SEO misinformation / disinformation as blackhat conspiracy theorists.

[frankleeceo]

I am noticing google inserting thumbnails into PAA results. Maybe the update was to add this?

[martinibuster]

I appreciate your posts on this, it's great to get a counterpoint.

Techradar search:
Google is showing multiple intents for that query in your screenshot. It's showing tweets. I got recent posts. It's showing different things that relate to multiple intents.

Then it shows, near the bottom, the other intents.

Something that's getting overlooked is that someone's sites are in that feature. They might not always get the click but the site is there. PAA offers websites the chance to get a visit from queries where a user might find it of interest. Like the cat breeding search where the PAA had a link to a site that talks about licensing. Someone's getting that click.

[Abaros]

Something that's getting overlooked is that someone's sites are in that feature. They might not always get the click but the site is there. PAA offers websites the chance to get a visit from queries where a user might find it of interest. Like the cat breeding search where the PAA had a link to a site that talks about licensing. Someone's getting that click.

NO, for each answer there is a link to a new search: [ibb.co...]

Also in my language, most of the questions are stupid or meaningless.

[mzb44]

Techradar search:
Google is showing multiple intents

I'm absolutely positive it's possible to come up with multiple search intents for pretty much every single keyword if one were to set out to specifically think of multiple search intents.

Fact still remains that PAA these days appear nearly universally on any search imaginable. Definitely not just in case of 'vague' terms. Unless we now believe every search term is 'vague' and needs a refinement feature.

The 'guiding users to websites they are looking for' aspect of PAA is very questionable considering that it's not infrequent PAA appear directly below the 4 ads. The searcher did not even had the chance to look at the actual search results before deciding they ought to be searching for something else!

[saladtosser]

>>>Unless we now believe every search term is 'vague' and needs a refinement feature.<<<

The biggest problem with this is Google only believes organic results need refinement, but the ads are spot-on; else, PAA would be placed above the ads, so how do they know the intent is correct for ad display but not organic? I mean, that's rhetorical. We know the answer....

I see YouTube videos are now being put in PAA more frequently, increasing Youtube exposure..... What if the real reason behind the decision to put PAA on every search and at the top is to promote additional YouTube videos.

Step 1 - Accustom and train the users to expect PAA at the top of every search. (done)
Step 2 - Start including YouTube in PAA, accustoming the users slowly. (this is where we are)
Step 3 - Increase frequency of YouTube exposure in PAA over months/years.

Result = More search monetised with the option to dial the number of YouTube videos each quarter when needed.

Google needs to increase profits each quarter, and PAA gives them another option to monetise organic real estate.

**Prediction**

By including other websites in the PAA not seen commonly on page one for that query, Google can gloss over PAA as "We are helping lesser-known websites receive exposure" and the famous SEO's will be posting guest blogs on SER/SEJ hailing PAA as a good thing for that reason (while ignoring the inclusion of YouTube, they are probably already working on the blog posts right now).

Then Google will slowly include more YouTube videos and remove the websites they were initially hailed as helping by the famous SEO's!

Everyone's a winner, Google got to monetise more organic real estate while being *hailed* for it and the famous SEO's in turn got an idea for another 1000 word fluff article in order to score some more guest blogging dofollow backlinks to promote their own SEO services.

A year later the famous SEO's will then create another gust post blog documenting the increase in frequency of YouTube videos in PAA over time. lol

Am I being cynical?

[martinibuster]

Definitely not just in case of 'vague' terms.

That is not what I said, you're twisting my words around. Scroll back up to read what I wrote.

I said for vague terms and phrases with multiple intents.

And again, what's being overlooked is that for each PAA there's a site there that has an opportunity for a click on a different or slightly different intent.

I don't like it as a publisher but as a searcher I've found it useful.

As a publisher am I worried? No.

I'm not worried because people will vote with their clicks and Google will reduce them or not based on how useful those are.

We've seen a number of search features come and go. This is normal, it's how search at Google and Bing work.

I'm just trying to put this into the proper context. This is not the Google is Stealing Clicks Apocalypse that Moz has been fear-baiting for over a decade now.

The SERPs are always changing and this is part of that stream of changes.

[NickMNS]

I said for vague terms and phrases with multiple intents

Can you provide an example of a search query that does not fit those criteria?

[martinibuster]

Can you provide an example of a search query that does not fit those criteria?

That's besides the point.

The point I'm making is to put this into the proper context.

This is not the apocalypse Moz has been fear-baiting for years.
Moz has a history of exaggerating events to make people frightened and angry and unfortunately that tendency to see Google Stealing Clicks in everything they do, even in featured snippets, has become the unconsidered reaction to every thing Google does.

It's just a feature they may have dialed up. It's up to Google to find out afterwards whether users like it or not just like they do with all of their features that come and go.

If people enjoy multiple intents in their SERPs, it's going to stay and eventually get fine tuned. If people don't, as they do with some of Google's features, it'll get fine tuned or go away.

That's how search features work.

This is not the "Google is Stealing Your Clicks" fear-bait event Moz in particular has been predicting for years.

It's just another feature that will evolve just like all the other features.

[NickMNS]

That's besides the point.

How is it besides the point. Your criteria applies to any search, thus PAA can be on any search. Done, mic drop.

Is Moz overstating this, yes, of course, because fear mongering BS about SEO is how they sell their utterly useless services (DA takes top rank for that!). But that doesn't in anyway change the fact that Google continues to increase the rent it seeks from it's monopolistic position. PAA is just one of many egregious examples of rent seeking. Is it some kind of cliff that we will fall off and be doomed to extinction? No. But there is no denial that earning profits, through organic search has become increasingly difficult and at it would appear that the difficulty is accelerating, and at some point in the not to distant future it will no longer be possible to make a profit relying solely on organic search, (Some me even argue that that point has already been reached).

Let me just add that none of my current entrepreneurial projects involve organic-search.

[martinibuster]

thus PAA can be on any search

So? Are you expecting the 10 blue links?

I know you understand that the 10 Blue Links are behind us.

So why the big surprise that paa is proliferating?