#google-search

#google-search

A Google Search bug from this morning led to the search results being overwhelmed with just ads. This is obviously a Google Search serving bug where Google had a glitch and was unable to serve the proper amount of organic/free results. In fact, we've had this issue a number of times before - as recently as a couple of years ago.

Google is testing placing AI-generated search result snippet summaries. Under each Google search result, there is a thing bar, followed by the Gemini logo and then a short AI-generated summary of the page. This test was spotted by Landon Moore who shared screenshots with me on X - he wrote that his team found this "new test showing AI-generated summary of what the page includes under results."

If you are wondering how Mark found this, he did an excellent presentation on that late last year - so check that out. Mark's theory, as he wrote, "I can't find any direct mention of this in Google patents or docs, however my guess would be it is likely a score estimating how far a query (especially a question) sits on the 'fringe' of Google's known entity/knowledge space and how atypical or long‑tail it is."

Google Search seems to be testing dropping the ability to see 100 search results on a single page. When you add the results parameter to the end of your search results URL string, i.e. &num=100, it works about half the time. This was spotted by SEOwner on X and I can replicate it, as can many others. The thing is, sometimes it happens and sometimes it does not. Which leads me to believe it is a test.

Google is testing placing the arrows next to the sitelinks on the left side of the sitelinks. Normally those arrows are on the right side of the sitelinks. We have seen tons of arrow sitelinks tests over the years. This was first spotted by Nishant Gupta on X and then Sachin Patel on X. Here is what the new look looks like: This is what you'd normally see: Here are more screenshots:

Google is testing alternatives to the title "People also search for" at the bottom of the Google Search results. I am seeing "Related your search," "Search for next," and "Also search for." I am sure there are more. I was tipped off to the "Also search for" variation by Sachin Patel on X but I am able to replicate all of these, here are my screenshots.

Google is testing a new top bar interface design for the search results page both in light and dark mode. The new design shades the top bar more, so it is more distinct to the search results section. I spotted a few variations to this afer Punit notified me of one of those variations on X. To be fair, we've seen header bar changes over the years, too many to link to, but here is one and here is another but there were tons.

Google Search is testing a new game in its search results to encourage searchers to search more. It is likely called the Google Search mini-game and it rewards searchers with badges when they "dive deeper into topics." Google describes the game as follows: This Google Search mini-game invites you to dive deeper into topics you think you know with a series of trivia questions. Discover new interests and earn shiny badges as you conquer each challenge.

We finally had a confirmed Google Search update this past month, the August 2025 spam update, which seems pretty intense so far and it is not done rolling out yet. This is in addition to the ongoing heated volatility we saw throughout the past months. Google rolled out AI Mode to 180 countries and territories. Google also pushed an update to the AI Model model and said Google has been testing ways to encourage clicks for its AI results.

Overall, total organic click volume from Google Search to websites has been relatively stable year-over-year. Additionally, average click quality has increased and we're actually sending slightly more quality clicks to websites than a year ago (by quality clicks, we mean those where users don't quickly click back - typically a signal that a user is interested in the website). This data is in contrast to third-party reports that inaccurately suggest dramatic declines in aggregate traffic - often based on flawed methodologies, isolated examples, or traffic changes that occurred prior to the roll out of AI features in Search.

Google Search is currently indexing and ranking Google Maps search results pages for certain 'near me' queries, potentially unintentionally bypassing its usual indexing restrictions.

The month saw significant volatility in Google search rankings due to the June 2025 core update which began before July 1st and continued through July.

AI Overviews in Google Search now has 2 billion monthly users, increasing from 1.5 billion in May 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand for AI features.

A Pew Research Center report published this spring analyzed data from 900 U.S. adults who agreed to share their online browsing activity. About six-in-ten respondents (58%) conducted at least one Google search in March 2025 that produced an AI-generated summary. Additional analysis found that Google users were less likely to click on result links when visiting search pages with an AI summary compared with those without one. For searches that resulted in an AI-generated summary, users very rarely clicked on the sources cited.

Public relations professionals must adapt to AI Mode in Google Search, as it fundamentally changes how audiences seek information and interact with brand narratives.