We have all experienced that search bar that asks: “Search Google or type a URL.” However, have you ever paused and asked yourself which is better?
With fast growth in SEO, AEO, and SERP behavior in 2025, it’s worth reconsidering not only how your users find you, but why it’s helpful to know in the process for your digital strategy.
Understanding the User Intent Behind “Search Google or Type a URL”
The foundation of digital behavior is user intent. An individual choosing to type a URL directly means they probably know the brand or website.
This is called brand recall, which is one of the best indicators of loyalty or brand awareness.
Conversely, a user will typically Google (or another search engine) when:
- The user does not know the exact domain
- The user is looking to compare options (SERP behavior)
- The user was specifically looking for content (for example, a blog, product, or service page)
So, which is better Search Google or Type a URL?
Both behaviors are important, but for different levels of the funnel.
SEO v/s AEO: Why the Way People Reach You Is Growing
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has always revolved around keywords, backlinks, and rankings, but AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is a more contextual evolution of that. It’s not just about being found, it’s about being understood and providing answers, particularly in a world driven by voice and AI.
Let’s look at the query “Search Google or Type a URL” again.
- If you are winning SEO, you show up when someone searches for your brand or service related to it.
- If you are winning AEO, your site answers the query even if the user does not mention your brand.
In 2025, people will expect instant value. So, whether they typed your domain or asked a question, you need to work to optimize for both.
What It Means for Businesses (And Why It’s a SERPexa Strategy)
As a brand, you want users to associate your domain with your brand name and remember that domain name. At the same time, you want to capture that discovery-stage user who is still doing generic keyword searches in Google. Digital Marketing Strategy is vital here: make sure your domain name strategy supports both brand recognition and SEO for high-intent, industry-relevant terms.
That’s where SERPexa, a leading player in digital marketing services and SEO outsourcing in India, comes in. It offers a hybrid of SEO and AEO, therefore being able to build brand equity while also capturing top funnel interest in their clients.
SERPexa is focused on structured data, brand mentions, answer-based content, and reputation signals to help their clients dominate:
- Direct visits (typed URLs)
- Search discovery (Google queries)
Benefits of Users Typing Your URL Directly
When users type your URL directly, you get:
- Strong brand awareness
- Reduced reliance on paid ads
- Increased domain authority
However, building that behavior takes consistent marketing, solid brand visibility, and user trust – exactly what digital marketing services aim for.
Final Verdict: Search Google or Type a URL?
There is no one winner. Whether users search Google or Type a URL, your strategy should make sure you are:
- Easy to discover
- Easy to remember
- Easy to return to
After all, invest in both SEO vs AEO strategies, and partner with experts like SERPexa who understand the ever-changing nature of search.
Wrapping It Up
A digital-first world lets us see how users get to your site, and that tells us a lot about your brand health.
The issue of search Google or type a URL isn’t about choosing one or the other – it’s about optimizing for both.
For when your brand is strong, and your answers are sharp, they’ll find you – however they choose to begin.
