With its recent change in search engine algorithm and changes to the layout of its results pages, Google is apparently planning even more changes. Currently, the company is testing a brand new interface that will, according to many in the industry, change the way we look at (SEO).
One of the most interesting aspects of this new interface is that it will feature Google’s top navigation bar, its search box and its various search options, locked into a fixed position. This will ultimately eliminate the need for users to scroll back to the top of the page to begin a new search.
What is most interesting about the buzz over the new interface, however, is the rumor that Google is also testing an infinite scrolling system that would essentially eliminate the constant battle for ranking on page one.
Obviously, if the rumor is true, it will have a profound effect on SEO as we know it. With only one page of results, a whole new type of search engine competition would be born. More importantly, everyone is wondering just how such a change could affect search behavior. Recent studies have shown that many search users are more willing to click on links that live on page two or three and studies suggest that those using tablets for search are more likely to go further into search results because of the format.
As a result, Google’s top spot has slowly been losing value.
Regardless of what surprises Google has up its sleeve, one thing is for sure; any changes that Google makes will keep business that rely on search and those in the search marketing industry, on their toes.
