SEO Squeeze #101: Google Changed Its Search Box. 😱
One quick thing you can do to better your SEO today.
Did you catch the news last week??
Google just announced “The biggest upgrade to its search box in 25 years” (source)
Oh the drama that must be happening inside the SEO bros chats.
However, it’s actually a pretty big deal.
Google changed its search box. gasp
So what does this mean?
Instead of typing a few keywords into Google and hoping for the best, people can now type full questions, drop in a photo, upload a file, or even share a video— and Google’s AI figures out what they actually need.
It also remembers past searches, so follow-up questions actually make sense in context.
Oh, and those AI Overviews you’ve been seeing pop up at the top of search results? They’re merging with AI Mode into one seamless experience. So instead of users having to opt into AI Mode separately, it’s all just... Google now.
The TLDR version…
Search just got a whole lot smarter, and people are going to start asking it way more specific, conversational questions to find businesses like yours.
Which brings me to your 10-minute power move 💪
Go audit your About page
It sounds like the least exciting thing I could tell you to do right now after such a big change. But hear me out… most people write their About page once and then never touch it, and right now it might be the most underleveraged page on your entire site.
Google has been putting more weight than ever on E-E-A-T signals (Remember? Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness)
Your About page is where ALL FOUR of those live.
Here’s your 10-minute About page audit:
Google yourself: Type site:yourwebsite.com/about (or whatever your about page url slug is) in the search bar and see what snippet Google is actually pulling. Is it indexed? Does it make you sound like the expert you are?
Update your bio: include your years of experience, your credentials, or simply why you do what you do. Specificity = credibility in today’s search.
Add (or refresh) your photo: a current, real photo of you. (emphasis on real, not an AI headshot) Real humans build real trust with both Google and your visitors.
Link to one credible external mention: aka a backlink… a podcast feature, a press hit, a guest article. Even one reference signals authority.
Make sure it’s clear who you help: don’t just say what you do. Say who you serve and what changes for them when they work with you. Do you have an I help statement? We loveeeee building these into our brand voice projects!
Go give your About page some love today and then reward yourself by testing the new search box experience on Google.
Maybe start with… “who is the best [what you do] for [who you serve]?” and see what Google serves up. You might be surprised. 👀
Pssttt there’s our brand photographer. Hi mom. 👋
But wait… let’s take this one step further.
Let’s try this:
Pretty neat huh?
Your turn! Go play!
Have you met the Duo yet?
Well let's get that out of the way, shall we!? We are Abbey Oslin and Courtney Petersen, the Minnesota-based marketing experts, educators, and co-founders of a boutique marketing agency called Duo Collective. One part design and one part strategy we specialize in helping you grow your business without spending money on paid ads, specifically through SEO and branding for small business owners and creative entrepreneurs just like you!
Here are some ways you can connect with us:
Subscribe to our newsletter
We pop into your inbox once or twice a week— you get to choose— with Tuesday Confetti Drop and this "one thing you can do to better your SEO" tip every Sunday.
View our Branding or SEO Services.
We are here to help make sure your beautiful brand shines and can actually be found online.
Looking for more education?? You are in luck!
Read the Blog
Listen to the Podcast
Ready to take the next step in the world of SEO?
This is the course you need!
Not sure what you need and just want to chat? Send us a voice message on Instagram or contact us here. We'd love to help. See ya next time!