Sometimes when you’re searching for information on Google, they might not be certain whether to display the full knowledge graph results along with the search results, or skip over it in favor of strictly regular search results. And we’ve also seen how Google adds knowledge graphs to the URL line, where they usually link to things such as the company name or the website information, which when clicked on pops up a tiny knowledge graph about the company or site.
Now Google is testing out a new feature that merges the two. But what’s unique about this test is that it is answering a question rather than just providing additional details about the website or brand, detailing the person the searcher is likely looking for rather than simply the office itself.
Obviously some work as needed, as this particular result, they given answer – Carmen Trutanich – is incorrect, which is verified when you click on the arrow next to the name.
If you click through to the website, you can see that Mike Feuer is the current LA City Attorney. And a search for his name does bring up the LA City Attorney’s office website as the first search result.
It is an interesting feature that Google is testing, particularly because it would negate the odds that people with click through the result. While it may not be as intrusive, as some website owners find some of the larger knowledge graphs used to be, if someone was simply searching for an answer, the odds are reduced they would click through – even though in this case is incorrect and the snippet actually is correct.
This doesn’t seem to be tested widely, because a similar search for San Diego or Seattle, it has the city as the knowledge graph drop-down, and not their current city attorney.
Webmasters will definitely want to keep an eye on this one for two reasons – first to make sure it is accurate if it comes up for one of their sites, and second, to see if it goes to a wider test.
Hat tip to @IvorPine for spotting the test.
Jennifer Slegg
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