How Google’s AI Search Is Going to Reshape e-Commerce SEO And Branding

Google is now releasing AI-generated answers within their search results when you ask Google specific questions. So instead of clicking on different websites, you can now see an answer on Google’s homepage. This Search Generative Experience (SGE) is going to reshape the e-commerce SEO landscape as we know it. SEO Sydney is here to break it down for you. 

So, if you’re freaking about your company’s SEO, clicks, and branding, we’re here to tell you that Google’s new feature is not totally going to drive traffic away from your website. It’s going to improve Google’s overall user experience, which will help the site’s overall traffic. 

PR and customer reviews were already an important factor in building a company’s online presence and branding – however, the new AI search feature will put a greater emphasis on their importance when it comes to SEO, given that Google will continue to return organic search results alongside these AI responses. So, knowing that these automated responses won’t completely take away from our site traffic, what types of optimisation can we focus on to account for this? Let’s break it down!

Search Engine Rankings

Positive PR efforts and favourable customer reviews can improve a company’s online reputation, leading to higher search engine rankings. When users search for a brand or related keywords, Google aims to display the most relevant and reputable results. Brands with positive PR coverage and numerous positive customer reviews will tend to rank higher in search results, increasing their visibility to potential customers.

E-commerce businesses with positive PR coverage and a strong base of positive customer reviews are more likely to rank higher in search engine results. This increased visibility can lead to higher organic traffic and potential customers finding the e-commerce website more easily.

Rich Snippets and Star Ratings:

Customer reviews can be displayed in the search results through rich snippets. Google will show star ratings and review snippets alongside search listings, providing valuable social proof and increasing click-through rates. So if you’re worried about Google stealing your clicks. Positive reviews and higher ratings is your way to go in order to attract more clicks and improve a brand’s online visibility, which in turn positively impacts SEO.

Positive star ratings and review snippets displayed in search results can attract more clicks from users, as they serve as social proof of the product or service’s quality. E-commerce websites with high ratings and favourable reviews are more likely to receive clicks over competitors without such reviews.

User-Generated Content and SEO:

Customer reviews contribute to user-generated content, which Google values as authentic and trustworthy. Fresh, relevant content is essential for SEO, and customer reviews add dynamic and regularly updated content to a brand’s website or product pages. Google’s algorithms may reward websites with user-generated content, especially when it provides valuable insights for potential customers.

Online Reputation Management:

PR and customer reviews are integral to online reputation management. Brands that actively manage their reputation, respond to customer feedback (both positive and negative), and maintain a positive online image are likely to see SEO benefits. A positive online reputation can lead to increased trust, brand loyalty, and improved customer retention, all of which contribute to long-term SEO success.

Positive PR and customer reviews can significantly impact a brand’s perception and trustworthiness. When potential customers encounter a brand with a strong online reputation, they are more likely to engage with the brand, visit their website, and make purchase decisions. Positive brand sentiment, in turn, can lead to more backlinks, social media mentions, and positive press coverage, all of which contribute to SEO and brand visibility.

In summary, SGE’s consideration of PR and customer reviews in SEO and branding can have a substantial impact on e-commerce businesses. By focusing on building a positive online reputation, engaging with customers, and encouraging genuine feedback, you can leverage these factors to boost your visibility, credibility, and success in the digital marketplace. But if you would like to get personalised consultation on managing your company’s SEO with the implementation of SGE, contact SEO Sydney for expert advice!