Organic search results
Organic search results are the results a search engine displays because of their relevance according to its algorithm, not because anyone has paid for them
What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.
What it is and how it works
They are distinct from adverts, which are labelled “Sponsored” or similar and ranked through an auction. SEO techniques aim to improve presence in organic results, but search engines do not sell positions in them.
Today’s results page mixes organic links with adverts, featured snippets, maps, videos, products and AI-generated answers, so holding the top organic position does not guarantee being the first thing people see. It is therefore worth analysing actual visibility for each query, not just average position.
Also known as
Organic results, Natural results, Unpaid results
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