Google's search results layout

and why things ain't like they used to be

[Play_Bach]

I just did a search for a product. This is how Google displayed the results:

Google leaderboard ad

Related searches for:
- Brands:
- Stores:
- Types:

Wikipedia

Amazon

a website related to product

Shopping results for
(image)
- product 1
- product 2
- product 3

a website related to product
a website related to product
a website related to product
a website related to product
a website related to product
a website related to product

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As you can see, "above the fold" is dominated by either a Google property or a major site. Sites that used to once fill that top space have been pushed down. If you've noticed a drop in traffic like I have, perhaps this has something to do with it.

[azlinda]

Very possibly could be. I've had a 60% drop in traffic, and it began April 11.

[Play_Bach]

Once upon a time, Google's ads were only in the right column, no leaderboards above the results. There also weren't "Related searches" and "Shopping results for" blocks taking up space (and lots of luck having your site place above Wikipedia and Amazon too). This my friends is the new Google.

[koan]

I've had a 60% drop in traffic, and it began April 11.

April 11th was Panda 2 in effect, lots of people lost traffic.

[radiofanatic]

Probably in the next future, the first page will be with google ads only...

[Scurramunga]

Probably in the next future, the first page will be with google ads only...

The way things are heading I would say that this is quite conceivable. A few moments ago I did a few searches using generic terms rather than a product and still returned results as articulated above by Play_Bach.

What has Google become when a user researching a generic term has to sift through a return consisting half a page (or more) of big name paid ads? A school kid doing a project on everyday inventions won't be able to get past mountains of links to big name brands to find non promotional educational information (except for Wikipedia)

[Play_Bach]

What has Google become when a user researching a generic term has to sift through a return consisting half a page (or more) of big name paid ads?

Exactly. I was naive to think that Google's layout was sacrosanct. They have clearly shown that as far as shopping queries go, their ads and properties now get top billing. Extending that to all queries (because almost anything can be monetized) I too see as a very real possibility.