“You May Also Like” – Google’s Newest SGE Ad Format Is In The Testing Phase

Well..well. Well. Google seems to be tinkering with a fresh ad format as part of its Search Generative Experience (SGE).

In fact, the buzz around it is both exciting and a bit mysterious.

In the online marketing arena, change is the only constant, and Google is no stranger to innovation.

Recently, some keen-eyed users discovered a new twist in the search engine’s functionality.

The SGE provided insightful AI-generated answers and introduced sponsored content under the enticing label “You May Also Like.”

Picture this: a dynamic carousel showcasing product titles, images, and company names.

But What Does This Mean For Marketers And Businesses?

Well, the implications are intriguing. According to SEO consultant Glenn Gabe, who uncovered this new ad format…

…SGE may incorporate more ads, both in answers and sponsored segments.

He observed that the “You May Also Like” feature popped up after users threw follow-up questions at the SGE.

Gabe, sharing his findings on X, pointed out that these sponsored modules appeared briefly, just for a day.

So, what does It Actually Look Like?   

If you are curious to see what it looks like, here it is:

Now, you might wonder how this could impact Click-Through Rates (CTR) for both organic and sponsored content.

The answer isn’t crystal clear yet. There’s speculation that SGE might decrease CTR by up to 30%…but here’s the twist –

if brands can snag higher placements within the SGE, the impact could be surprisingly positive.

Although still in its testing phase, the “You May Also Like” feature has sparked curiosity in the digital marketing realm. As Google tries seamlessly integrating ads into the user experience, sponsored content is presented in a carousel style.

So, you should be able to seamlessly switch from a search query to exploring products. In search results, it’s like having a personal shopper.

However, before marketers adjust their strategies, Google has not revealed the potential costs for these placements. As we wait for more details, the mystery continues.