Google is Testing Displaying Answers with No Paid or Organic Listings

A Google link-free SERP experiment is currently being conducted, displaying only answers to select queries, without paid or organic listings…

Here’s something unexpected. Google is actually showing answers to questions with no search results. At least, without the familiar paid listings and organic links. It only works for certain queries like “time in new zealand” and “fahrenheit to celsius.” So, essentially anything that’s utilitarian.

Google Link-Free SERP Test Underway

Google states it is testing this for queries which do not normally require extensive information. It’s limited to searches which “rarely use full search results.” Meaning, there’s no need to click-through to a dedicated page for more information. Here’s a screenshot: 

Ordinarily, this same query (time in new zealand) would indeed show the answer box. But, that would also be followed by paid and/or organic listings. With this experiment, those aren’t appearing. Instead, searchers are given a “Show all results” option. It works for calculations:

The Google link-free SERP also appears for conversions:

But, it does not work with other types of queries. For instance, “senators lightning score” does not trigger the answer-box only result:

Danny Sullivan, public liaison of search tells Search Engine Land, “For calculator, unit converter & local time, we’re experimenting with a condensed view to further speed up load time. People who search for these tools rarely use full search results, but the results will remain available for those who want them via the ‘Show all results’ button.”