SERP stands for Search Engine Results Page

Tommy House • March 15, 2023
SERP stands for Search Engine Results Page

SERP stands for Search Engine Results Page

Search engines are designed to show the most relevant and useful results for the user at any given time. When users search for something, the results that come up are called Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). These pages show listings of results based on what you search for. These are some common questions about SERPs: What do they stand for? Are there different kinds of SERPs? What is a Google SERP? Do all search engines have them? Let’s find out!


What is a SERP?

If you’re interested in SEO and want to know more about SERPs, first you need to know what a Search Engine Results Page is. A SERP is the page of search engine results based on what users searched for. When someone types in a keyword or phrase into a search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo, the search engine will show a list of results that are related to that keyword. This list of results is called a SERP.


What does Google SERP mean?

The first thing you should know is that SERP has two different meanings: First, it can refer to a SERP as a page of results. So, you could say, "I want my page to be on the first page of results." Since the term "results" is part of the name of the pages, it's a bit redundant to use "results" as a modifier. Thus, some people use SERP to mean "a page of search engine results" instead.


SERP types

There are two main kinds of SERPs: organic and paid. Organic results are those which have been selected based on the algorithm that the search engine uses. These are the results that the engine thinks will be the most useful for the user. Organic results are placed at the top, below that are paid ads, and then at the bottom are the links from other sites that have been linked to by other sites.


Will all search engines have a SERP?

Yes, all search engines have them. However, depending on the type of engine, the SERPs will have different layouts. Organic results are those selected by the search engine algorithm. Paid results are those that have been paid for.


How do you pronounce SERP?

When you say Search Engine Results Pages, it’s pronounced as “serps,” but when you say Search Engine Results, it’s pronounced as “serp.” There are different theories behind this, but the likely explanation is that many searches actually use the word “serp” with no “e” at the end. That is, when people type in a search query, they often misspell it and end up typing something like “serp” or “searp” instead. The engines, therefore, have to recognize that many people really mean “serp” and not “serps,” so they just make it easier on themselves by pronouncing it without the “e” at the end.


Examples of Search Engine Results Pages

Let’s say you’re an aspiring singer and you want more people to know that you exist. So, you decide to do a Google search for “popular singers in the US.” Now, you may type “pop” and “u” and “s” together, but Google might see that what you really meant was “popular” (adding the “p” and “u” together, and then adding the “s”). If Google thinks that “popular singers” will be the most useful result for you, it will show you that result at the top of your SERP. You may see a SERP like this:


Bottom line

The SERP is the page of search engine results based on what users searched for. When someone types in a keyword or phrase into a search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo, the search engine will show a list of results that are related to that keyword. These are the results that the engine thinks will be the most useful for the user.

Why Alabama Small Businesses Need Cloud Email Marketing
By Tommy House September 2, 2025
Discover how Alabama small businesses can grow using cloud email marketing with Tommy House Studios’ integrated digital solutions.
How Strategic Omni-Channel Planning Empowers Small Business Growth in Alabama
By Tommy House September 1, 2025
Discover how Alabama small businesses can grow with a strategic omni-channel plan combining SEO, social media, and local optimization.
Close-up of microphone with
By Tommy House August 25, 2025
Radio still works, but habits have shifted. That’s why stations now pair commercials with omnichannel digital ads to reach customers everywhere.
Person mowing a green lawn with a gas-powered lawnmower in the sunshine.
By Tommy House August 25, 2025
Launching a new business online? Digital ads help build awareness fast, but knowing how to measure success is key to reaching your local audience.
Google Maps app icon on a red phone screen.
By Tommy House August 25, 2025
Small businesses in Montgomery, Pike Road, Millbrook, Wetumpka, and Prattville can rank on Google with the right strategy: website, GBP, reviews, and ads.
Aerial view of suburban neighborhood with houses surrounding a roundabout, autumn colors.
By Tommy House August 25, 2025
Launching a business in a small market? Learn phased omni-channel ad strategies that boost reach while leveraging organic and community marketing.
Double Your Local Reach With Social Media Help
By Tommy House August 2, 2025
Discover how social media management in Prattville, AL, can double your local business reach with expert help from Tommy House Studios.
Branding & Logo Design in Prattville Backed by Research
By SEO Team August 1, 2025
Discover how local market research helps shape branding and logo design strategies in Prattville and Montgomery for impactful business growth.
Show More