RAG & Search
Zero-click search
A search interaction that ends without a click through to an external website.
Example
A user reads an answer directly on the search results page.
Why people use it
It helps publishers distinguish being seen in search from receiving a visit.
What you'll hear
“People got the answer without opening our page.”
What this means for you
Separate search visibility from actual referral traffic.
Can you control it?
No
No direct control. This describes a wider issue, concept or result rather than something you can simply switch on or off in a tool.
Common questions
- Is zero-click search caused only by generative AI?
- No. Featured answers, maps and other search features can also satisfy a query.
- Can the search still help the user?
- Yes. Someone may find the needed fact immediately without visiting another website.
- Does zero-click mean the source was never credited?
- No. A source can be named or linked even when the person does not click it.