The relative position of a brand on an organic search engine results page (SERP) appears to influence key brand measures among target consumers, such as brand awareness, brand quality, and purchase consideration, according to new research by Conductor.

The findings are based on a controlled study using an established brand (Frigidaire) in an established manufacturing category (refrigerators) as the test case.

Consumers were directed to an internal search page and then asked to enter the keyword "buy refrigerator." Users were presented with customized search results (including refrigerator manufacturers and retailers) modeled after the Google SERP for the keyword phrase, and were then asked to respond to a series of questions related to brand value. The only modification made was to insert target brand(s) in the results. 

Overall, appearing in the search results above the fold (i.e., within the part of the page that appears without scrolling) generated a 10-30% lift the manufacturer brand over the baseline score (in which the brand didn't appear in the results). However, the most significant lift to the brand—up to 30% over the baseline—was observed when the brand appeared both above the fold in natural search results and in universal search results or digital assets.

In addition, when the brand appeared in paid search (PPC) together with natural search results above the fold, brand awareness scores increased 20% above the baseline, and 10% when appearing only in natural search.