Getting to the top of Google’s search results page is a tough battle. However, just because it is hard doesn’t mean you cannot do it. Even if you are not in the top position, you can outrank it through featured snippets. Let’s discuss in detail what a Google featured snippet is, its SEO benefits, and how to optimize for it.
What Is a Featured Snippet?
When you search for any keyword on Google, a special block of information will appear, which is known as a Google featured snippet. This block will contain a summary of the answer from a website, a link to that page, and most of the time, a relevant image.
Google extracts the summary programmatically. By adding any specific keyword in your snippet, you will get more attention from the person searching that topic. This will result in more clicks and traffic.
There are generally 5 types of featured snippets. Paragraphs and lists are the most common, accounting for 50% and 37% of all snippets, respectively. Nine percent are tables and less than 2% are videos. Videos are interesting, though, because Google will just play a specific section of the clip that it thinks is relevant to a specific query. Lately, we are also starting to see accordions. They are similar to “People Also Ask” boxes, where they expand and show additional featured snippets, which is excellent.
What Are the SEO Benefits of Using Google Featured Snippets?
Featured snippets have been around since 2014, and yet digital marketers are not taking full advantage of them. They are on 23% of all search result pages now. It has increased by 165% since 2016 and is still expected to grow in the coming years. You must use a Google featured snippet for the following reasons:
1. It Can Steal Traffic from the First Result
When you appear above the number one spot for a search, you will get more traffic and clicks for your content. In fact, you are more likely to receive 31% more traffic if you have a Google featured snippet.
When users see content that is boxed off, with their search words in bold, it suggests that the content is bespoke to them. Featured snippets benefit both parties; consumers get a good experience and marketers receive a massive spike in traffic.
2. It Optimizes for Voice Search
Trends predict that 50% of searches this year will be through voice search. People are turning to voice search using their mobile devices. Consumers naturally ask questions when doing a voice search. Aim to answer question-type searches in your snippet if you want to rank better.
3. You Become a Trusted Expert
Becoming an authority in your niche can be challenging. However, if you are in a featured snippet, you become more interesting for potential customers. You become the go-to page when people in your niche have queries or require advice.
How Do You Optimize for Featured Snippets?
Whether you want to boost traffic or reap other benefits of better visibility, here are some helpful tips on how to appear in a Google featured snippet.
1. Do a Keyword Search and Answer Question-Type Searches
Keyword research is an indispensable tool for marketing, especially the content that ranks for a Google featured snippet. Be sure to answer the questions that most consumers ask. You can use several tools to help you find the most relevant keywords. If you are using KWFinder, you can simply type in a keyword and choose the tab “Questions.”
2. Check the “People Also Ask” Box
While researching keywords can be useful, do not forget about the “People Also Ask” section. Most of the time, you will see this section under a featured snippet. Consider this a goldmine because it gives you a list of several questions. It also allows you to expand on a topic. You can answer as many questions as possible in a single post.
3. Write Using the Inverted Pyramid Style
This concept in journalism teaches you the best structure on how to write information. You should start by giving the most important information, which often answers the questions, who, what, where, when, and why. Then, proceed with the supporting details and other general information on the rest of your content. This is an excellent strategy to land featured snippets!
4. Pay Close Attention to Formatting
As mentioned earlier, a Google featured snippet can come in different types. Structure your content based on the format you want to rank for.
If you are after a table, put your answers on a table. If you are targeting list snippets, you may use bullets or headings.
5. Follow the Recommended Word Count
Most featured snippets have a length of 40 to 50 words. Stay on the safe side by making your answers concise. Do not exceed 58 words.
Get better traffic and improve your site’s SEO by using and optimizing featured snippets. Advanced Digital Media Services offers a wide array of SEO services, including featured snippet optimization. Connect with us by completing the form below.
