On Wednesday 5th of May Google introduced a new page layout for it's search result pages. The main change here is the new left hand column that introduces a set of new (well, some old, but more prominently placed) search tools allowing users to filter and refine their results.
Google Search Results Page
The image below shows the new search results page with the new left hand column providing all the available tools for filtering results by type of content and further options for the type of website and publishing date of each page.
Filter by Content Type
The first set of options are neatly summarised as 'Everything' with a drop down menu for 'More' options. Clicking this provides you with the tools to filter by content type as shown in the shot below:
Here we can filter by the Images option which I am sure most people are familiar with but we can now also look for videos, maps, news, books, blogs, updates and discussions providing us with the ability to zero in on the exact type of content we are looking for (if required).
Filter by Location, Time and Site Category
The important things here are the time filtering options allowing you to concentrate on information from a specific time period. There are also the view options allowing you to see related searches, a timeline of events related to your search query and the strange wonder wheel that allows you to explore a search phrase and related terms - I can't help but think that this will confuse some but there is no requirement to use it.
Dynamic Filtering Tools
The options isplayed are all dynamic and google tries to return options that are relevant to your search query. A search like above for Bowler Hat returns shopping sites, content and images but you will need to have a play around to see how this affects people searching for your products or services.
What does all this mean for website owners?
Well, as ever, not a lot. Sites that are structurarly well built and that feature useful, fresh content will continue to be found in the search results and as people adopt and adjust to the new options it should allow us to locate what we are looking for with ease.
What do you think? Have a play around and if you have any questions please give me a This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Marcus
