Featured snippets are short snippets of text that appear at the top of Google’s search results to quickly answer a user’s query. Featured snippets are extracted from web pages and provide direct answers to questions.
Unlike regular search results, they stand out because they are positioned above the first organic result, often termed as “position 0.”
Types of Featured Snippets:
- Paragraph Snippets: These are brief text responses to questions, usually around 40-60 words. They often answer “What is” or “How to” queries.
- List Snippets: Ordered lists (like step-by-step guides) and unordered lists (like “top” lists) that provide structured answers.
- Table Snippets: Present data in a tabular format for easy comparison, often used for pricing, rates, or statistical data.
- Video Snippets: Short videos (often from YouTube) that answer a query, such as “how to” or tutorials.
In our experience in the local SEO agency industry, it’s common for Singaporean SEO agencies to boast of being ranked number 1 on Google search results. However, by being featured on snippets… you can boast that you’re position 0!
There are many benefits to earning a featured snippet spot.
Benefits of Earning a Featured Snippet:
- Increased Visibility: By appearing in a featured snippet, one can boost your site’s visibility.
- Authority and Credibility: Being chosen for a snippet can position your site as an authority on a topic.
- Higher Click-Through Rates (CTR): Quick answers, featured snippets often lead to more clicks as users seek more detailed information.
Now, let’s see how we can identify opportunities and optimize for it.
Identifying Opportunities for Featured Snippets
Just being on the first page for a keyword doesn’t mean you’ll get the featured snippet.
You can use Ahrefs with filters to find chances where you rank in the top five but don’t yet have the snippet.
Secondly, always check the search results yourself to make sure the snippet is there and you’re not already featured.
You can also analyze competitors using the same filters to find new content ideas and more snippet opportunities.
For list snippets, you need to know where your site stands in line. Google might consider several pages for a snippet, so knowing your spot is important. You can check your queue position by entering “keyword” + “-example.com” in the search query to “see who’s next in line” for the featured snippet spot.
Now, it’s also important to pay attention to what type of list Google is showing—numbered or bulleted—and if keywords are in the headers.
The bottom-line is this: model what your competitors do but make yours better.
For paragraph snippets, the approach is similar. Focus on how much text is used (one or two sentences), if any words are bolded, and whether the question is repeated in the answer. Use connecting words to make a short, quotable sentence. Place this snippet content near the top of your page, close to headers. Keep refining to improve your chances.
For table snippets, check if the table is fully shown, how many columns it has, and if it uses descriptions (qualitative data) or numbers (quantitative data). Make your table similar to what’s already ranking but better. The table’s position on the page and nearby elements also matter. Adjust and re-index your table to see if it helps you get the snippet.
Focus on keywords where you have a good shot at getting the snippet, usually when you rank in the top five. Learn how to optimize for each snippet type. The process involves finding your spot in the ranking, understanding what triggers the snippet, and doing better than your competition.
Keep refining and re-indexing until you grab that snippet.
Technical SEO Best Practices for Featured Snippets
I am sure Google considers site technical to give a good user experience on the serp for their users. Henceforth, the basics do apply!
Schema Markup: Implement structured data (such as FAQ, How-to, and Article schemas) to help search engines understand the content better.
Page Speed Optimization: Ensure your pages load quickly. Google favors fast-loading pages for better user experience and higher snippet rankings.
Mobile-Friendliness: A responsive design is essential as more users search on mobile. Google’s mobile-first indexing makes this a crucial factor for featured snippets.
Measuring and Adjusting Your Strategy
Monitor Featured Snippet Performance: Use tools like Google Search Console and analytics tools to monitor which pages are appearing in snippets and their CTR.
Keep Testing Content Formats: Experiment with different content formats (paragraphs, lists, tables) to see which performs best for snippet opportunities.
Conclusion
To get your content into featured snippets, start by understanding the different types of snippets.
Then focus on keywords that you are already ranked for in the top 5 in organic search results. Look at the format that is best suited for the featured snippet by studying current results. Then model and improve!
Optimize your technical SEO like adding schema markup, making sure your site loads fast, and being mobile-friendly to improve your chances. Lastly, keep an eye on your progress with tools like Ahrefs.
