Google testing new search feature (expanded descriptions)

[Sharpseo]

Looks like Google is testing a new feature, which allows users to view the "meat" of a page without actually visiting the site. The expandable description contains info relevant to the search, and an image if available.

For some searches, this could completely eliminate the need for users to visit the page providing the content at all. Could be very bad for content sites. I ranted about it more here.

[DarrenC]

Hmm to some degree this already happens with the website description. For example if I am looking for a specific peice of information and the information is displayed in the description I'd not bother going to the website.

Okay, so having more text is going to make this happen more but surely providing the searcher with the information is what search engines are all about?

[kiraz]

Dont know how much i really like this idea Its gonna take SEO marketing down a notch I think.

[Sharpseo]

Originally Posted by DarrenC

Hmm to some degree this already happens with the website description. For example if I am looking for a specific peice of information and the information is displayed in the description I'd not bother going to the website.

Okay, so having more text is going to make this happen more but surely providing the searcher with the information is what search engines are all about?

I agree that it already happens, to some extent. But I think there's a big difference between providing a description of the page, and giving the user the answer they want within SERPs.

[Dom]

Interesting stuff, thanks for sharing the link. Blogged and linked back.