SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
SERP
The page Google shows you after you search for something.
The Tradie Take
The SERP is like the Yellow Pages spread for your category. Some tradies get the big colour ads (paid ads), some get the map pin (local results), some get the free listings (organic). Knowing what the SERP looks like for your keywords tells you which type of listing you need to focus on - or if you're missing an opportunity entirely.
Definition
SERP stands for Search Engine Results Page - the page you see after typing a query into Google. It includes paid ads (usually at top and bottom), organic results (the main listings), and various features like the local map pack, featured snippets, "People also ask" boxes, and knowledge panels. Modern SERPs are complex, and understanding what shows up tells you what to optimise for.
How It Works
- 1 When you search "plumber near me," Google assembles a SERP within milliseconds
- 2 It combines paid ads, organic results, local map listings, and other features
- 3 Different queries generate different SERP layouts - some have maps, some have images
- 4 Understanding the SERP for your keywords tells you what ranking opportunities exist
Tips for Tradies
- Search for your own services and see what the SERP looks like - what's showing up?
- Most tradie searches show a "local pack" (map with 3 results) - optimise for this
- Featured snippets and FAQ boxes are opportunities to "steal" traffic from competitors