# SERP Observation Log

Record result types, recurring questions, source patterns, freshness, localization, volatility, and unmet reader needs without copying competitors.

## Usage note

Use this log as a dated observation, not a permanent description of rankings or a license to copy result-page content. Search results vary by location, language, device, personalization, and time. Respect service terms and avoid collecting personal data. Record only what supports intent and content decisions, and verify factual ideas from original sources rather than competitor snippets.

## How to use this template

1. Define a small query set and record market, language, device, date, session, and collection method.
2. Note result formats, source types, dates, recurring questions, refinements, and visible special features.
3. Separate direct observation from hypotheses about reader intent or quality.
4. Identify unmet needs only where the team has expertise and original value to contribute.
5. Compare across queries or dates, then link decisions to the intent map and content brief.

## Blank template

### Observation context

- **Query:** [Exact wording]
- **Date and local time:** [YYYY-MM-DD; time]
- **Country or region:** [Observation scope]
- **Language:** [Interface and query language]
- **Device or viewport:** [Mobile, desktop, other]
- **Session context:** [Signed out/in; relevant limitations]
- **Search surface:** [General, images, news, video, other]
- **Collection method:** [Manual notes, approved tool, or other]

### Result patterns

- **Dominant page types:** [Tool, guide, product, forum, video, research]
- **Special features:** [Answer, local pack, images, discussions, other]
- **Source categories:** [Official, publisher, marketplace, community]
- **Freshness pattern:** [Dates and apparent sensitivity]
- **Recurring questions:** [Natural-language themes]
- **Refinement suggestions:** [Themes, not copied lists]
- **Localization signals:** [Region, currency, language, local sources]
- **Volatility:** [Stable, mixed, or changing with evidence]

### Interpretation checks

- [ ] Observation conditions are complete enough to reproduce approximately.
- [ ] Position is not treated as permanent or universally identical.
- [ ] Observations and interpretations are labeled separately.
- [ ] Ranking is not presented as proof of accuracy.
- [ ] Competitor wording, examples, and structures are not copied.
- [ ] Proposed value is based on expertise or original evidence.
- [ ] Related queries or dates were compared when needed.
- [ ] Findings link to a documented content decision.