What Are Organic Search Results?

Reality check: if you aren’t on page one, you might as well be invisible.

So, how do you claim that coveted Google search result real estate?

Bingo—you’re in the right place. By the end of this guide, you’ll

1. have the answer to the question, “What are organic search results?”
2. understand the difference between paid search and organic search results,
3. and understand which ranking factors impact organic search results most.

What Are Organic Search Results?

Not all search results stem from the same source. While some are organically ranked due to their relevance, quality, and alignment with search engine optimization (SEO) best practices, others are strategically placed through paid advertising campaigns, known as pay-per-click (PPC) marketing.

The former is precisely what organic search results are. Unlike their paid search result counterparts, organic search results earn their spot in the spotlight purely on merit.

To make the distinction between the two easier, here’s how Google ads and organic search results look on a search engine results page (SERP):

Learn more: Interested in broadening your SEO knowledge even further? Check out our SEO glossary, where we’ve explained over 250+ terms.

Types of Organic Search Results

Let’s quickly cover the types of organic search results you might encounter using Google search.

Traditional “Blue Link” Results

These are the traditional search results we’re all very familiar with. The ten blue links consist of a title, a URL, and a meta description or snippet of a web page’s content.

Featured Snippets

Have you ever noticed a box at the top of the search results that directly answers your question? That’s a featured snippet, my friend. Google extracts this information from a web page to quickly answer a user’s query.

Other Google SERP Features

Besides traditional results and featured snippets, Google has introduced several other organic SERP features. These include:

• Knowledge Panels: Displayed on the right side of the SERP, these panels provide a snapshot of information about entities like businesses, people, concepts, or events.
• Image Packs: A row of images relevant to the search query.
• People Also Ask: A box containing related questions that users might be interested in.
• Local Packs: Displayed for location-based queries, showing nearby businesses or services.

Why Are Organic Search Results Important?

Let’s delve into the significance of organic search results and how they compare to their paid counterparts.

Drives Organic Search Traffic

If you can achieve and maintain top rankings for niche-relevant keywords, a given web page has the potential to drive a consistent flow of organic search traffic.

Cost-Effectiveness

Think of PPC as day trading. You can instantly secure a top spot on the SERPs for the right price. In contrast, an organic ranking can be thought of as long-term investing. It demands patience and sustained effort, but once a top position in the organic search results is achieved, it becomes a lasting asset, driving consistent website traffic without recurring ad spend.

The Best of Both Worlds

At Loganix, we appreciate the strengths of both organic and paid search. While organic search offers sustainability, paid ads provide immediate visibility, especially for new businesses or time-sensitive campaigns. It’s not about choosing one over the other but leveraging both for maximum impact.

Learn more: PPC management services.

Factors Influencing Organic Ranking

Achieving a top spot in the organic search results isn’t just about luck or chance—it’s the result of a combination of factors meticulously optimized to align with search engine algorithms. Let’s explore the key elements that influence organic ranking.

Backlinks

Backlinks, or inbound links from other websites, are a ranking factor that search engines like Google hold in high regard. They signal to search engines that your content is valuable and authoritative. However, not all backlinks are created equal:

• Significance in organic ranking: Search engines view backlinks as endorsements. The more high-quality links pointing to your site, the more credible and authoritative your site appears.
• Quality over quantity: Focusing on genuine, high-quality backlinks from reputable sources is the name of the game. A few good links from authoritative sites will likely be more beneficial than several low-quality ones.

Relevance and Search Intent

It’s not just about getting traffic—it’s about getting the right traffic:

• Aligning content with user queries: Through organic SEO practices, ensure that your content directly addresses user queries, providing clear and concise answers.
• The role of search intent: Whether users are looking for information, a specific website, or wish to make a purchase, your content should align with the underlying intent behind the search query and cater to that specific need.

Core Web Vitals

A website’s user experience goes beyond aesthetics. It encompasses how users interact with your site, the ease of navigation, and the overall feel.

Enter Core Web Vitals, a set of speed, responsiveness, and visual stability metrics. They play a pivotal role in determining your site’s overall user experience and, consequently, its search engine ranking.

Organic Search FAQs

Q1: What Is the Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Search Results?

Answer: Organic search results are listings on the SERPs that appear naturally based on their relevance to the search query. They are determined by search engine algorithms and are influenced by factors like content quality, backlinks, and user experience. In contrast, inorganic search results, often referred to as paid search results, are advertisements. Advertisers pay to have their listings displayed for specific keywords, and these results are usually marked as “Sponsored.”

Learn more: SEO vs. PPC guide.

Q2: Which Is Better? Organic or Paid Search?

Answer: Organic search is cost-effective in the long run and can provide sustained website traffic and credibility. It’s ideal for businesses looking to establish long-term authority and brand recognition. Paid search, meanwhile, offers immediate visibility and is excellent for targeting specific demographics or promoting time-sensitive offers. The choice between the two often depends on your business goals, budget, and timeline.

Q3: What Is Organic vs. Local Search?

Answer: Organic search results are listings that appear based on their relevance to a user’s search term, irrespective of location. Factors like content quality, backlinks, and overall SEO strategy influence them. Local search results, on the other hand, are tailored to the user’s geographical location. They display businesses or services near the user and are influenced by proximity, reviews, and local SEO optimizations.

Learn more: Local SEO vs. Organic SEO.

Conclusion and Next Steps

While organic search is a powerful tool in its own right, its potential multiplies when combined with other digital marketing strategies like PPC and local SEO.

So, what’s the next step in your organic search journey? With Loganix’s comprehensive suite of PPC, SEO, and local SEO services, from keyword research and paid search ad management to technical audits and link building, we will help you dominate the SERPs and achieve your digital marketing goals.

🚀 Discover how Loganix’s SEO services will propel your business to new heights! 🚀