Google search results favor paid ads

So Weber • November 4, 2026 • 1 min read

Google search results favor paid ads, making traditional SEO less effective for law firms and businesses alike.

Google search results favor paid ads - google search ads — Text ads are now grouped beneath a larger ‘Sponsored results’ label, which can appear at the top and bottom of the page and around AI Overviews.

For law firms, search engine optimization (SEO) has long been considered a key factor in attracting new clients. However, recent changes to Google’s search results have led some to conclude that SEO is no longer a viable strategy in its traditional form. A director of a legal marketing firm notes that while building a strong website and producing useful content can still earn prominent positions in Google’s organic search results, the search results surrounding those organic listings have changed significantly.