Google Search Updates: More Site Information

Google frequently updates the appearance of its search results pages and tests different layouts. However, the introduction of new functionalities within those results is less common, making such occurrences noteworthy.

Currently, Google is introducing a new menu option to almost all search results displayed in English within the U.S., accessible on mobile devices, desktop computers, and through the Google app on Android. This new link aims to give users additional details regarding the website they are considering visiting – all before they actually click on the search result.

Selecting the new menu icon, resembling a hamburger menu, will display an information panel containing further details about the website. This includes a concise description of the site’s purpose, sourced from Wikipedia when available, and information regarding the security of the connection to the site.

Image Credits: Google

If a website does not have a corresponding Wikipedia page, Google will instead display the date the site was initially indexed, along with any other accessible data.

The panel also features a direct link to the website and a brief statement indicating whether the result is an organic search finding or a paid advertisement (which implicitly acknowledges the difficulty users experience in differentiating ads from standard search results on Google). The bottom of the panel provides links to your privacy controls and an explanation of “how search works.”

Image Credits: Google

“During your searches on Google, you often encounter results from well-known sources like large retail websites and national news organizations,” explains Google product manager JK Kearns in today’s announcement. “However, a wealth of valuable information and services also resides on websites you may not yet be aware of. While you can always utilize Google to conduct further research on these sites, we are developing a new method to provide you with useful information without requiring an additional search.”

The rollout of this new feature begins today, though, as is typical, it may take some time before it becomes visible in your individual search results.

Image Credits: Google