Universal Search
Universal Search refers to the blending of results from different search categories, a feature present in major search engines like Google, Bing, and others.
Let’s use Google to explain Universal Search with an example. In the past, a search query would return exactly 10 results (if the default configuration was applied). These results consisted solely of plain URLs with accompanying text snippets. There were no images, videos, or other multimedia elements. Those days are long gone. Over time, colorful and dynamic elements were gradually introduced. While Google has always offered specialized searches for videos, images, and more (which still exist today), these used to yield pure, category-specific results. Now, Universal Search reshuffles rankings significantly by integrating these elements into general search results.
Varied Universal Search Displays Based on Queries
Universal Search now incorporates elements from specialized searches depending on the query. For instance:
- A search for “Picasso painting” will likely include relevant images in the search results (SERPs).
- Searching for “Britney video” will integrate video results.
- A local search, such as “hairdresser in Cologne,” will likely display local search elements like a small map, addresses, phone numbers, and websites (if available).
The exact layout of Universal Search results depends heavily on the nature of the search query. Furthermore, Google frequently updates its approach to integrating these elements, making a fixed definition elusive.
Strategic Use of Universal Search
Understanding how to leverage Universal Search can provide an advantage. It offers the opportunity to secure top rankings with relatively little effort and potentially outpace larger competitors through smart search engine optimization (SEO). However, staying updated is crucial, as Universal Search is one of the most volatile areas of SEO.