Google is changing its homepage: new buttons under the search box
Google is testing new buttons on its homepage, right below the search box, encouraging users to try advanced, smart search features. The buttons are labeled create images, ask about files and brainstorm, and clicking them takes the user into what is known as Mode. Google has officially confirmed this as a limited test that, for now, is only running on desktop computers.
For a Slovenian small or medium business owner, this might look like a purely cosmetic change at first glance. In reality, it is another sign that the way people search online is fundamentally changing. And every shift in search habits eventually affects the traffic on your website.
What exactly happened
According to Search Engine Land, Google has started showing extra buttons directly below the main search box on its homepage. Instead of simply typing a query and pressing enter, users are now offered shortcuts to three features:
- Creating images directly from the search box
- Asking questions about files you upload
- Brainstorming ideas
Robby Stein, Google's Vice President of Product, explained on X that this is "a small test on desktop meant to help people discover new things they can do with search." He also stressed that this does not affect how the core search box works and that most people still simply type a question and hit enter.
Interestingly, these features already existed before, tucked away behind the plus icon on the left side of the search box. With the new buttons, Google simply wants to make them more visible and encourage people to try them out. The author of the original article noted, with a touch of humor, that after twenty years of ignoring the famous "I'm feeling lucky" button, he will probably overlook these new buttons too.
Background: Google is aggressively pushing smart features to the forefront
This test is not an isolated event. It is part of a much broader trend in which Google is gradually transforming its search engine from a classic list of blue links into an environment that offers direct answers, generated content and interactive features.
In recent years we have seen summaries appear at the top of results, expanded answer panels, and now the push of advanced search mode right into the center of the homepage. The message is clear: Google wants users to stay within its ecosystem and get what they need there, rather than clicking through to other websites.
For website owners, this creates a double-edged challenge. On one hand, a user might get an answer without ever visiting your site. On the other hand, new opportunities are opening up for those who know how to prepare their content so that Google's systems understand it, summarize it, and present it as a credible source.
Why it matters that these buttons are so prominent
When Google places something directly under the search box, it is no accident. This is the most visited website in the world, where every pixel carries enormous value. If the test expands to more users, it will likely change the way people start searching in the first place. Instead of a classic query, they may increasingly use a conversational approach and receive composed answers.
This means the path from "a user has a question" to "a user visits your website" is becoming longer and more complex. If your website has ranked well for certain keywords so far, that does not guarantee it will automatically keep getting the same traffic going forward.
What this means for your Slovenian business
Many business owners will say: this is Google's experiment in America, it does not concern me. That is a risky mindset. Major search engine changes are usually first tested on desktop devices in English-speaking markets, and then gradually rolled out to other markets and languages, including Slovenian.
The key question for you is not "when will this reach Slovenia," but whether your website is ready for a world where Google shows fewer lists of links and more direct answers.
Let's look at what could specifically happen:
- Fewer clicks for general questions. If your visitors mainly come looking for a quick piece of information (for example, "when does the store open" or "what does a certain term mean"), Google will increasingly provide that answer itself.
- Greater value for specialized content. Content that offers depth, real experience and concrete solutions that cannot be summed up in a single sentence remains attractive enough to earn a click.
- The importance of technical quality. For Google to even be able to understand your content and present it as a source, your site needs to be technically flawless, fast, and organized with structured data.
What you can do today
Instead of panicking, the right response is to prepare. Our experience at Carpolab shows that businesses that build their website to serve the user, not just the algorithm, have a real advantage.
We recommend considering the following:
- Answer the right questions. Think about what your customers actually ask, and prepare clear, in-depth answers. Google's systems are more likely to summarize this kind of content and cite it as a source.
- Get your technical foundation right. Loading speed, mobile optimization, a clean URL structure and structured data are no longer optional, they are the basics.
- Build credibility. Showcase your experience, references and expertise. In a world where the search engine decides who to trust, credibility is your biggest advantage.
- Don't put all your eggs in Google's basket. If all your traffic depends on a single channel, you are vulnerable. Invest in direct traffic, an email list and repeat customers too.
If you would like an estimate of what it would cost to redesign or build a website ready for these kinds of changes, check out our calculator. In just a few minutes you will get a rough idea, with no obligations.
The Carpolab view: change is constant, preparation is a choice
This Google test is a small piece of a much bigger picture. But it is exactly these small pieces that show us where the whole industry is heading. Google increasingly wants users to start and end their journey within its own ecosystem. Businesses that manage to be present there as a credible and useful source will benefit. Those that stay stuck with an outdated and technically neglected website will slowly fade off the radar.
The good news is that none of this requires you to become a technical expert. That is what we are here for. Our job is to build you a website that is fast, well organized and ready for the future, so you can focus on running your business. If you are curious how your website would hold up to these changes, get in touch and let's talk about concrete next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Does this Google test even affect me as a business owner in Slovenia?
Directly, maybe not yet, since it is a limited test on desktop devices. Indirectly, absolutely. It is a signal of the direction Google is heading. Changes like this usually roll out gradually to the Slovenian market as well, so it makes sense to get your website ready in advance.
Will Google eliminate classic search results and links because of these changes?
Not for now. Google has explicitly stated that the core search box works the same as before and that most people still simply type a question. But the trend is clear: direct answers and smart features are getting more and more space, so classic links are no longer the only path to your customers.
How do I know if my website is ready for these changes?
The key signs are speed, mobile optimization, clear and in-depth content, and technical quality. If you are not sure where you stand, Carpolab can help you assess your current situation and provide concrete recommendations. For a rough estimate of redesign costs, check out our calculator.
Vir: Search Engine Land