This article will discuss what exactly a featured snippet is, and ways to optimize your website to raise the likelihood that your content will be chosen to be displayed at the top of the search engine results page. Featured snippets are a way for sites with high-quality content to receive positive attention on search engines. This position is highly sought after. So, how exactly do you get featured snippets?
Featured Snippets
- 1 Featured Snippets
- 2 Types of Featured Snippets
- 3 How are Featured Snippets Chosen?
- 4 Google Featured Snippet
- 5 Featured Snippet SEO
- 6 How to Optimize Content
- 7 Featured Snippet Tool
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8.1 1. How long does it typically take to earn a featured snippet after optimizing content?
- 8.2 2. Can I lose a featured snippet once I’ve earned it, and how can I maintain it?
- 8.3 3. Do featured snippets hurt my click-through rates since users get answers without visiting my site?
- 8.4 4. What’s the ideal word count for content that targets featured snippets?
- 8.5 5. Should I target featured snippets for high-competition keywords or focus on easier opportunities?
- 8.6 6. Can the same page earn multiple featured snippets for different keywords?
- 8.7 7. Are there any types of content or industries where featured snippets are less common?
On some search engines like Google, a box appears at the top of your organic search results. These boxes are called featured snippets. Snippets work by answering the user’s question right away. These snippets are also known as “answer boxes,” as they are essentially a shortcut to find the answer to your question quickly.
Understanding how Google snippets differ from regular search results is crucial for optimization. While standard Google snippets typically display the meta description of a page, featured snippets are carefully selected excerpts that directly answer user queries. This distinction is important because Google’s algorithm uses different criteria for selecting each type of snippet, requiring distinct optimization strategies for both.
Types of Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are usually pretty simple. They include information about where the information came from, like the page title and the URL of the page. They also include the information that users are looking for directly. The form that this information can appear in comes in various different ways. The following are several different kinds of ways the information can be displayed:
Definition Box
This type of snippet is text that is designed to give users a direct and concise definition or description. Definition boxes are often used by Google to answer “what is” queries. The definitions that Google tends to use are short and precise.
The Table
When certain sets of data are best viewed as a table, Google will display it as such. These tables usually contain numbers and comparisons.
The Ordered List
The ordered list is a set of items that are presented in a specific order. This could be a set of steps or a list of rankings. Google uses ordered lists for content that needs to be in some kind of order for it to make sense.
The Unordered List
The unordered list is Google’s way of presenting a list of items that don’t need to be in any kind of order. This type of information does not need any kind of ranking and is presented as a simple list.
A Video
Google will also present some information as a video if necessary. If the queried information is best viewed through video, Google will embed the video in the snippet. Google will sometimes start the video at the most relevant part, rather than just at the beginning.
How are Featured Snippets Chosen?
Featured snippets come from web search listings. Search engine programs determine whether a page would make a good featured snippet. Unfortunately, you cannot market your page as a featured snippet. But there are ways to increase the possibility that your web page and content will be chosen.
The majority of featured snippets are triggered by keywords. If you want to be featured, keyword research is essential. Search engines also look at the quality of your website and web presence. Your first step may be to identify phrases that people search for.
When analyzing Google snippet performance, it’s important to note that they dynamically change based on user behavior and search context. Google’s algorithm continuously tests different snippets from various sources to determine which best serves user intent.
This means that even if your content initially earns a featured snippet position, maintaining it requires consistent monitoring and optimization. Google snippets may also vary by device type and geographic location, adding another layer of complexity to tracking and optimization efforts.
Why Do Snippets Matter?
Featured snippets are popular among users as they are convenient, quick, and easy to read. The featured snippets box is often the first thing that users see when they search for a word or phrase. Beyond the average user, featured snippets give marketers the chance to beat out competitors and drive traffic directly to their sites.
Snippets can be incredibly useful for your web page as they give credibility to your content and direct traffic to your website. Snippets take up a ton of valuable real estate at the top of the SERP. They tend to get a lot more clicks than other web pages. In fact, click-through rates (CTR) increase from 2% to 8% for snippets.
Google Featured Snippet
Google featured snippets aim to answer queries as efficiently as possible. They should matter to your website because it can drive traffic towards your site. Achieving a spot as a featured snippet is quite the feat. Featured snippets for popular and competitive keywords is quite the feat. It is very likely that popular keywords already have a ton of competition for featured snippets. It can be difficult to compete if you are a bit late to the game.
Traffic from Google means that it is necessary to keep up to date with Google’s featured snippets all the time. Google is often updating features, so the good news is that it is likely that whichever site holds the position of featured snippets may be fluid depending on how exactly Google changes.
Featured Snippet SEO
The world of search engine optimization, or SEO, is constantly changing and evolving. So, it is pretty essential that you and your website do, too. In 2020, there are new and exciting SEO marketing strategies to consider. The optimization of your website is a continuous element to your online presence. Whatever your goals and ideas are for your website may need to shift to adapt to new online tools.
Featured snippets are an excellent way to gain some traffic on your website, but it is difficult to take the spot at the top. SEO is one of the best ways to gain online traffic. Utilizing basic SEO marketing strategy is the best way to increase the likelihood that your content will be chosen.
How to Optimize Content
Next, we will discuss how to optimize your content for featured snippets.
Target long-tail keywords that are questions
Long-tail keywords are highly focused search queries that are very specific and “unpopular.” Most of Google searches are in the form of questions. Common SEO is to take the individual keywords or phrases and use them in your content. These keywords often have high competition. If your content also includes these specific questions, or long-tail keywords, you can drive traffic to your site with anyone looking up that question or one similar.
Clearly answer questions in your content
Due to the fact that most Google searches are made in the form of a question, most Google users are looking for a clear answer. You can use different headings or subheadings to present the question as long as the rest of the article provides the answer and any supporting information. Using related keywords can also help reinforce the question.
Format Information in a List or Use a Table Structure
Featured snippets have a certain format. This format should be clear and concise. Using a list or a table can not only make it easy for your readers to read what you have to say, but also make it so that Google can use exactly what you are offering. Use appropriate tags or headings to help search engines read and understand the content.
Utilize Strong On-Page SEO
Featured snippets take content from pages that already have a high organic search ranking. That means that your page already needs to have high-quality content and high-quality traffic. On-page keyword optimization and SEO practices can help boost SERP rankings. There is a lot to consider about SEO best practices, so do your research.
Show Your Authority
Google and similar search engines will rely on a number of factors to ensure the quality of any website. One of these factors is a perceived authority on the subject at hand. Link building is one of the most important aspects of off-site SEO. Backlinks add credibility to your content.
Use High-Quality Images
Featured snippets will often include an image in the context box. There is no way to let Google know which image should appear in the snippet so all your images should be high-quality. Beyond snippets, images that are high-quality will also help raise your rankings on search engine results pages.
The evolution of Google snippet technology has made it increasingly sophisticated in understanding context and user intent. While traditional Google snippets were primarily based on exact keyword matches, modern snippet selection incorporates natural language processing and semantic understanding. T
his means that optimizing for Google snippets now requires a more holistic approach that focuses on comprehensive answer quality rather than just keyword placement. Understanding these nuances can significantly improve your chances of earning and maintaining featured snippet positions.
Featured Snippet Tool
Unfortunately, there is no exact way to get your content featured as a snippet. However, there are tools that can help you compete.
SEMrush Position Tracking Tool
SEMrush’s Position Tracking Tool now offers a “Featured Snippets Report.” This tool can show you which keywords have the most potential for a featured snippet.
Ninja Tools Featured Snippet Optimization Tool
This Featured Snippet Optimization Tool compiles relevant data into an actionable format. It also offers information on competitor snippets as well as promising keyword phrases in your content on your site.
Rank Ranger Featured Snippet Tool
Rank Ranger’s Featured Snippet Tool offers a bounty of data to help determine how to work on achieving a featured snippet.
Ahrefs Keywords Explorer
Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer will suggest keywords that will give your site high traffic potential. You can enter up to 10,000 keywords and search which are the most popular as well as generate ideas for how to use keywords.
Featured snippets are very difficult to achieve for your content, but it is not impossible. The first step is to ensure that your website has basic SEO already. This is essential for any further action. They are a way to achieve a lot more traffic for your site, but your site needs to already be at a certain rank to be considered.
Recent updates to Google snippet algorithms have introduced more dynamic features, such as multi-perspective snippets that show different viewpoints on controversial topics. This evolution in Google snippet technology means that content creators need to stay informed about the latest changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. Monitoring your competitors’ featured snippets can provide valuable insights into how Google’s algorithm is interpreting and selecting content in your industry.
If you need help improving your search ranking, reach out to SEO Design Chicago to learn how to optimize your website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it typically take to earn a featured snippet after optimizing content?
There’s no guaranteed timeframe for earning featured snippets, as it depends on several factors including your current search ranking, competition, and content quality. Generally, you may see results anywhere from a few weeks to several months after optimization. Your page must first rank in the top 10 search results before being eligible for featured snippets. Focus on consistent optimization and monitor your progress using tools like Google Search Console to track improvements in your rankings and snippet opportunities.
2. Can I lose a featured snippet once I’ve earned it, and how can I maintain it?
Yes, featured snippets are dynamic and can change frequently. You might lose a featured snippet if competitors create better content, if Google’s algorithm updates, or if user behavior patterns change. To maintain your featured snippet position, regularly update your content with fresh information, monitor competitor content, ensure your answers remain comprehensive and accurate, and continue optimizing for related long-tail keywords. Set up alerts to track when you gain or lose featured snippets.
3. Do featured snippets hurt my click-through rates since users get answers without visiting my site?
While some users do get their answers directly from featured snippets, studies show that featured snippets generally increase overall click-through rates rather than decrease them. The increased visibility and authority that comes with holding position zero often leads to more clicks. To maximize clicks, structure your snippet content to provide a helpful summary while encouraging users to visit your site for more detailed information, examples, or related content.
4. What’s the ideal word count for content that targets featured snippets?
For paragraph snippets, aim for 40-60 words that directly answer the query. However, the surrounding content should be comprehensive (typically 300+ words) to demonstrate expertise and provide context. For list snippets, 4-8 items work well, while table snippets should include the most relevant data points. Remember, Google pulls content from various parts of your page, so focus on creating clear, structured content throughout rather than just optimizing one paragraph.
5. Should I target featured snippets for high-competition keywords or focus on easier opportunities?
Start with medium to low-competition long-tail keywords where you already rank in the top 10. These “snippet opportunities” are easier to capture and can drive meaningful traffic. Once you’ve established authority with several featured snippets, you can gradually target more competitive keywords. Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to identify keywords where featured snippets exist but competition is manageable, and where your content can provide unique value.
6. Can the same page earn multiple featured snippets for different keywords?
Yes, a single well-optimized page can earn featured snippets for multiple related queries. This is particularly effective for comprehensive guides or FAQ pages that answer several related questions. Structure your content with clear headings (H2, H3) that target different question variations, and ensure each section provides complete, standalone answers. Monitor your performance for various keyword combinations and optimize sections that show snippet potential.
7. Are there any types of content or industries where featured snippets are less common?
Featured snippets are less common for highly personalized queries (like “restaurants near me”), brand-specific searches, or very recent news events. They’re also rare for topics requiring expertise that could impact health, safety, or financial decisions (YMYL – Your Money or Your Life topics) unless the content comes from highly authoritative sources. However, most industries can benefit from featured snippets by targeting informational, how-to, definition, and comparison-type queries where clear, factual answers can be provided.
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