How To Get a Google Featured Snippet

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A Google search results page has a VIP section. This premier space sits above the list of results and even above the “People Also Ask” section. It is the “Google Featured Snippet,” and the space is worth fighting for.

What Is a Google Featured Snippet?

A Google Featured Snippet is a special box that appears at the top of the search results, directly answering a user’s search. Google pulls content directly from a webpage and prominently displays it above the other search results in an attempt to quickly answer the searcher’s question and save them time and effort.

Featured snippets are different from regular snippets and meta descriptions. While a standard snippet includes the page title, URL, and a brief description, a featured snippet is designed to give more detailed information. It might consist of a paragraph, list, table, or video directly addressing the search query.

Google’s system decides which content to feature in this section based on its relevance and how well it answers the search query. It wants to help users find what they need without having to click through multiple links.

Why Chase Featured Snippets?

Historically, the first result in a search results page has been considered the No. 1 spot. When Google started featuring snippets, they became known as “position zero” because they appear before the first organic result, right after any ads or sponsored posts.

Position zero is a powerful place to be. Here are some of the reasons it’s worth chasing that coveted spot.

Increased Credibility and Trust

Google doesn’t randomly choose snippets. It picks content it deems highly relevant and authoritative. When users see your content in a featured snippet, they are more likely to trust your information and view your brand as a professional and reliable source.

Positive Impact on SEO and Organic Traffic

Google is always looking for clues to determine the quality and relevance of your site and whether it’s worth including in search results. When you make the cut for a featured snippet, you boost your site’s overall rating and may see improved rankings in organized search results for other pages as well.

Improved Click-Through Rate (CTR)

When your content appears as a featured snippet, it receives a large share of clicks from users looking for quick and reliable answers. On average, featured snippets receive 35.1% of the total click share — significantly more than any other link in the list! A higher CTR can lead to more conversions and sales.

Types of Featured Snippets and How To Optimize for Each

Google features four types of snippets: paragraph, list, table, and video. Each type requires a different optimization strategy to increase your chances of making this top spot.

Paragraph Snippets

Paragraph snippets are the most common type of snippet. They provide a brief answer to the search term.

To optimize for paragraph snippets, ensure your content includes concise, clear answers to common questions. Use headings like “What is…” followed by a succinct explanation of 40-60 words. This approach helps Google quickly identify and display your content as a featured snippet.

List Snippets

List snippets display … a list! These lists can be ordered (numbered) or unordered (bulleted). Google uses them to provide step-by-step instructions or lists of items.

To optimize for list snippets, structure your content with clear, descriptive headings (as you would for a paragraph snippet) and use bullet points or numbers.

For example, if you’re writing a guide, break down each step into a separate point, making it easy for Google to pull the information.

Table Snippets

Table snippets are less common but valuable for displaying data comparisons or other information you might find useful in a chart format.

To optimize for table snippets, present your data in a clean, well-organized table format using HTML table tags. Ensure the table is relevant and easy to read, as Google tends to feature simple, straightforward tables that directly answer the search term.

Video Snippets

Video snippets are becoming much more common. These feature a thumbnail from a video that answers the query.

To optimize for video snippets, create high-quality videos with clear, informative titles and descriptions. Use relevant keywords in the video’s title and description, and include a transcript.

Tips To Increase Your Chances for Featured Snippets

You can’t guarantee a featured snippet. Google decides who gets what. So, securing a featured snippet requires some strategic planning in hopes of being chosen. Here are some tips to help increase your chances.

Research First

Your first step is to do your research. Get to work on:

Keywords. Focus on finding keywords that are relevant to your content and have the potential to drive traffic to your site.
Competitors. Analyze your competitors who have already snagged featured snippets. Look at how their content is structured and the type of snippets they have.
SERPs. Examine the SERPs for your targeted keywords. Notice the types of featured snippets (paragraph, list, table, video) and any lessons you can take away about what is working or not from the featured results.

Create Content That Answers Questions

One of the best ways to optimize for featured snippets is to create content that directly answers common questions your target audience may have.

The “People Also Ask” section on Google’s SERP is a goldmine for this. Answering these questions within your content will increase your chances of being featured.

Fully Define the Topic

When answering a question, make sure to fully define the topic in two to three sentences. Keep your definition clear and concise. This helps Google extract the information easily.

Write Clear, Concise Headings

Use clear and concise headings throughout your content. Headings make your content easier to read and help Google understand how it’s structured. Use question-based headings like “What is…” to target specific search queries.

Avoid First Person Language

Google prefers objective and fact-based content. Avoid using first-person language in your definitions and explanations. Instead, keep the tone neutral and informative.

Use an “Is” Statement

When defining a topic, use an “is” statement. For example, “SEO is the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results.” This format helps Google identify the definition and increases the chances of your content being featured.

Don’t Use Your Brand Name in Definitions

While it’s tempting to mention your brand, it’s best to avoid using your name in the definitions where you want to be featured. In snippets, Google aims for general, unbiased information, and content with brand names usually doesn’t make the cut.

Prioritize High-Ranking Content

The best way to get started is by optimizing content that already ranks high in the search results. Pages already performing well have a better chance of being chosen for featured snippets. Fine-tune these pages to align with the tips above to boost their snippet potential.

Track and Measure Progress

Tracking is a critical part of any SEO strategy.

However you track your SEO initiatives, via spreadsheets or SEO reporting tools, you will want to track your progress toward getting those featured snippets. Otherwise, you will have difficulty determining what is working and what isn’t.

Start by setting clear, measurable goals for your featured snippet campaign. Determine specific targets, like the number of snippets you aim to capture, improvements in click-through rates (CTR), or increased organic traffic. Having concrete goals keeps you focused.

Google Search Console can be incredibly helpful for this. Use the Search Analytics feature to track which search terms bring users to your site and identify pages that already rank well. Look for keywords where your content appears but hasn’t captured a snippet.

You’ll also want to keep exploring new keywords and monitor their performance. Keyword research is not a one-and-done task.

Then, as you regularly review your content, don’t overlook the value of minor adjustments. Sometimes, small tweaks make a big difference.

You may choose to:

Better define the topic
Make sure your phrasing is concise
Highlight different facts
Verify that your target keywords are still relevant

Rank Higher With Content Journey

We love capturing those coveted featured snippets for our clients. We specialize in SEO content writing that wows Google’s algorithms and boosts your online visibility.

We want your site to stand out in search results. Let us take your SEO efforts to the next level. Contact Content Journey today to start increasing your traffic with better rankings.

How To Get a Google Featured Snippet

What Is a Google Featured Snippet?

Why Chase Featured Snippets?