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What Is SERP (Search Engine Results Page)?
SEO
Updated 18 September 2026
Quick Answer
The SERP (Search Engine Results Page) is the page Google (or another search engine) shows after a search — including organic results, ads, the map pack, featured snippets, and increasingly AI Overviews.
SERP vs. Ranking — What's the Difference?
| SERP | Ranking | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The entire results page and everything on it | One specific page's position within that page |
Why It Matters
- A modern SERP includes far more than just a list of 10 blue links — ads, maps, snippets, and AI Overviews all compete for the same attention.
- Understanding what's actually on the SERP for your key terms reveals what you're really competing against, not just other websites.
How It Works
- A search is entered, and the search engine assembles a results page.
- Different elements populate that page — organic results, paid ads, a map pack, snippets, and AI-generated answers.
- Where and how a business appears within all of this determines its actual visibility.
Key Takeaways
- A SERP includes everything shown after a search, not just organic results.
- Modern SERPs increasingly include AI Overviews alongside traditional elements.
- Understanding your actual SERP reveals what you're really competing against.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's on a typical SERP today?
Often a mix of paid ads, a map pack (for local searches), an AI Overview, featured snippets, and traditional organic results — not just a simple list.
Do all SERP features appear for every search?
No — which features appear depends heavily on the type of search and its intent.
Why does understanding the SERP matter for a small business?
It reveals what you're actually competing against for a given search — sometimes it's other businesses, sometimes it's an AI Overview or a map pack entirely.