What Are Featured Snippets and How to Optimize for Them?

Featured snippets, which are boxes that answer a query right away, have been around for almost 10 years now and are now a big part of SERPs.

In my honest opinion, the value you get from a featured snippet is no less than hitting a jackpot. It puts you at the top of the search results, thus boosting the clicks on your link. Plus, it helps answer people’s questions right away, which is always a good thing.

According to a study, about 19% of mobile search results in the US have featured snippets. That’s a lot of opportunities for your content to shine!

Well, then what’s in there for your awesome content?

Can it get in featured snippets too?

Well, the final answer to this question remains in the hands of Google gods (or whatever search engine you are trying to optimise featured snippets for) however, there are certain things you should do to put it up there.

In this article, we’re going to talk about those strategies, where we’ll look at how you can spot chances for google featured snippets and turn them into traffic-boosting wins for your website.

But before that, let’s see some more eye-opener facts to motivate you to optimize for featured snippets.

4 Stats About Featured Snippets

1. 29% of search queries with featured snippets start with a question word. (source)
2. The #1 reason someone clicks on a featured snippet is because they find it informative. (source)
3. A total of whooping 35% of total search traffic clicks featured snippets. (source)
4. Voice search featured snippets appear in 40.7% of voice search results. Meaning that voice search optimization should be part of your overall strategy today. (source)

If until now, you were still thinking about whether you should optimize for featured snippets or not, these stats might have answered it.

Types of Featured Snippets

There are 3 main types of featured snippets out there. We’ve lined them up based on how often you’ll spot them in search results.

1. Paragraph Featured Snippet

Paragraph snippet is the most common type you’ll see. Here’s what you should know:

• These snippets are the most frequent in search results.
• They provide a brief definition or answer for the user’s search query.
• Google now highlights key points in blue, making it easier to spot the main answer quickly. Here’s an example from which we took in the introduction section of our blog.

Paragraph snippets are a good starting point if you want to optimize your content for featured snippets.

2. List Featured Snippet

List snippets are great for certain types of queries. Here’s what you need to know:

• These snippets work best for queries asking for steps or lists.
• They’re ideal for “how-to” questions or when people are looking for a set of items.
• List snippets come in two types: ordered (numbered) and unordered (bulleted).

Ordered Lists: These use numbers and are perfect for step-by-step instructions. For example: “how to learn Python”

Unordered Lists: These use bullet points and work well for lists that don’t need a specific order. For example: “Symptoms of the common cold”

If your content includes step-by-step instructions or lists of items, you might have a good shot at getting a list-featured snippet. More on this later in this blog.

3. Table Featured Snippet

Table snippets show up when users look for comparisons or data with 2 to 3 information points. They’re not as common as paragraph or list snippets, but they can be really useful for certain types of queries.

Here’s what you should know about table snippets:

• They appear when users are looking for data that can be easily compared.
• These snippets often show information in order of increasing or decreasing values.
• You’ll typically see 2 to 3 columns of data in a table snippet.
• They’re less common in search results compared to other snippet types.

For example, if you search for “top websites with their monthly traffic,” you might see a table snippet that looks something like this:

How To Find Opportunities for Featured Snippets

Look For What You Are Already Ranking for

If you’ve been writing content for a while, chances are you’re already ranking for some keywords. (If not, don’t worry – just skip to the next section.)

Here’s how to spot featured snippet opportunities in your existing content:

1. Check your search console: Look for keywords that your pages are already ranking for. This is where the magic can happen!
2. Focus on question keywords: Pay special attention to keywords that start with “how,” “what,” “when,” or “why.” These are prime candidates for featured snippets.
3. Do a quick SERP check: For these question keywords, take a peek at the search results. If there’s already a featured snippet, that’s good news! It means Google thinks this query deserves a snippet, and you might have a shot at grabbing it.
4. Optimize your existing content: This is the easiest way to get featured snippets. You’ve already done the hard work of creating content and ranking for keywords. Now, you just need to tweak it to fit the featured snippet format.

Do The Keyword Research

If you’re new to optimizing for featured snippets or haven’t written a lot of content yet, keyword research is your starting point. Here’s how to go about it:

Look for keywords that start with “what,” “why,” and “how.” These are the golden tickets to featured snippet land.

Tools like Serpple can be super helpful. They not only give you keyword ideas but also show you which SERP features (like featured snippets) are already showing up for those keywords. By using Serpple competitor AI, you can find the list of competitor keywords that trigger featured snippets in search results.

Analyze existing snippets: Let’s take an example. Say you’re targeting “how to make black coffee.” Here’s what you do:

Check out the featured snippet that’s already there, and think about how you can answer the same question, but better.

When creating your content, try to give more insights or details than the existing snippet. This increases your chances of nabbing that coveted spot.

Research on popular topics

One effective way to do this is by following influential people in your industry and keeping an eye on the trends they’re discussing. This can give you valuable insights into what’s creating a buzz in your field & you can further create content with featured snippets in it.

Services like Exploding Topics can be a game-changer in your research. They track which topics are gaining traction over time, helping you stay relevant and fresh in your industry. By using these tools, you can spot emerging trends before they become mainstream, giving you a chance to create content that’s ahead of the curve.

Don’t forget about the power of online forums. Places like Reddit, Quora, and StackOverflow are goldmines for discovering what’s new and exciting in your field. These platforms are where people ask questions and discuss the latest developments, making them perfect for identifying hot topics.

Ask Real People

All the above methods are excellent for seeking opportunities for featured snippets. But did you know your search console doesn’t report all the keywords your website receives?

Some keywords are searched daily but in very small numbers, so the search console doesn’t include them in their records. The console collects data in samples, and all the words that are searched in very small numbers get ignored.

For example, this page from one of my websites got 9 clicks in total. (see below)

But when I see the keywords tab, there are only 3 keywords with 1 click.

This is where asking real people comes in handy. It can help you uncover the actual keywords that even Google can’t give you. People usually talk to search engines like they talk to us, so collecting these keywords is crucial.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Conduct on-site surveys: Use tools to ask your readers, customers, and interested folks how they search and what questions they usually ask. Google Forms is a free tool you can embed on your website for this task. Recently, I discovered tally.so an interesting form solution you might want to try out too.
2. Conduct interviews: One-on-one interviews are the best way to understand your customer’s psychology regarding your product. Find out what they think and how the problem you solve was a hurdle in their journey. You can collect all relevant questions during these conversations.
3. Talk to the sales team: The sales team is on the front lines with customers. They know what problems customers face. Ask them about the questions customers typically have and how they phrase their words.
4. Seek help from other marketing teams: Other marketing departments can be goldmines of information. The social media team might know what questions people are asking on platforms like Twitter or Facebook. The email marketing team could share common queries they receive from newsletters. The content team might have insights on which blog topics get the most engagement. Even the customer support team can provide valuable input on frequently asked questions. Set up regular meetings or create a shared document where different teams can contribute their findings.

How To Optimize for Featured Snippet?

Alright, now that we’ve found our opportunities, let’s talk about how to actually optimize for those featured snippets and why are featured snippets important. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Write the questions as is and answer them concisely

When you spot a featured snippet opportunity, don’t try to get fancy. Just write the question exactly as people are searching for it. Then, give them a clear and quick answer right after the question.

Google loves answers that are easy to understand and straight to the point. It’s like they’re playing matchmaker between questions and answers, and they want to set up the perfect pair.

But hey, this doesn’t mean your whole article should be a quick summary. No way! Here’s a neat little trick:

• Ask the question in your article (just like people would search for it)
• Give a short, snappy answer in one paragraph
• Then, go wild! Expand on your answer with all the other important details

This way, you’re giving Google what it wants for the featured snippet, but you’re also giving your readers the full scoop. It’s a win-win!

Avoid Using Brand Names

When you’re crafting content for featured snippets, it’s best to steer clear of brand names or alternative names for your company.

Why?

Well, Google might see it as self-promotion and that could hurt your chances of landing that sweet featured snippet spot.

Instead, focus on providing neutral, universally applicable information. This approach not only helps you stay in Google’s good books but also keeps your content relevant to a wider audience.

Think of it this way: you’re aiming to be the helpful expert, not the pushy salesperson. By keeping your content brand-neutral, you’re showing Google (and your readers) that you’re here to provide valuable information, not just promote your stuff.

The goal is to answer the user’s question in the most helpful way possible. If your content does that well, you’ll naturally attract more clicks and engagement, even without mentioning your brand.

So, when you’re writing, imagine you’re explaining something to a friend who doesn’t know anything about your industry. Keep it simple, keep it neutral, and keep it useful. That’s the secret sauce for featured snippet success!

Do not write in the first person

Voice search is becoming more popular by the day. To get your content featured in voice search answers, staying neutral is key. This means avoiding first-person language in your writing.

Let’s look at an example. Instead of saying:

“I like the coffee a little hot, that way it gives me the energy for the rest of the day”

Try writing it like this:

“A coffee when hot gives you the energy for the rest of the day and over time you will start liking it this way”

This style keeps things objective and positions your content as reliable. By avoiding “I” and “me”, you’re making your content more universal. It’s like you’re stating facts rather than personal opinions.

When voice assistants read out featured snippets, they need content that sounds natural and authoritative. By writing in the third person, you’re increasing your chances of getting picked for these snippets.

You’re aiming to be the go-to source of information, not just sharing personal experiences. This approach makes your content more suitable for a wider audience and more likely to be chosen by search engines for featured snippets and voice search results.

Organize your content with subheadings

Google often highlights facts and concise answers within snippets. These snippets may include numbers, steps, and lists. Using header tags makes your content clear and digestible. It improves readability for your users as well as Google.

For example, let’s say you’re writing an article about making the perfect cup of coffee. Here’s how you might structure it using headers:

<h1>How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee</h1>
<h2>1. Choose Your Coffee Beans</h2>
<h3>Types of Coffee Beans</h3>
<h3>Roast Levels</h3>
<h2>2. Grind the Beans</h2>
<h3>Grind Size for Different Brewing Methods</h3>
<h2>3. Measure and Brew</h2>
<h3>Coffee-to-Water Ratio</h3>
<h3>Brewing Techniques</h3>
<h2>4. Serve and Enjoy</h2>
<h3>Adding Milk or Sugar</h3>
<h3>Storing Leftover Coffee</h3>

This structure helps both readers and search engines understand the flow of your content. It breaks down the process into clear steps, making it easier for Google to pick out relevant information for featured snippets.

Use headers to create a clear roadmap through your content. Your readers (and Google) will thank you for it!

Keep optimizing and monitoring your progress

If it’s your first attempt at securing a featured snippet, you probably won’t succeed right away. But don’t get discouraged! This is a process that takes time and patience.

Start with small tweaks to your content. Keep an eye on what’s working for others in your niche. Are they using a particular format? Do they structure their answers in a specific way? Try implementing similar strategies in your content.

Remember, it’s not about copying others, but about understanding what Google and users find valuable. Maybe your competitors are using bullet points effectively, or perhaps they’re starting their answers with a clear, concise statement. These are techniques you can adapt to fit your content.

Moreover, keep looking for new opportunities. Set up alerts for your target keywords, and regularly check search results to spot new featured snippets in your niche. Then all you need to do is to check these keywords and see whether display featured snippets in their SERPs.

Don’t forget to track your progress. Use tools like Serpple rank tracker to keep an eye on which content is getting more traction and ranking higher and vice versa. This tool can also help you track featured snippets found in any of your keywords ranking.

Are you seeing more impressions for certain queries? Is your click-through rate improving? These can be signs that you’re on the right track.

Conclusion

Featured snippets are like prime real estate in the world of search results. They give your content more visibility and can boost those click-through rates. But here’s the thing, your job isn’t done once you hit publish.

You can’t just plant the seeds and walk away. You need to keep nurturing your content, making small tweaks here and there, and watching how it grows.

Patience is key in this game. You might not see results overnight, but don’t let that discourage you. Keep at it, keep refining your approach, and keep an eye on what’s working. It’s all about making those small, consistent improvements.

Even tiny changes can add up to big wins over time. Maybe today you tweak a subheading, and tomorrow you rephrase an answer to make it clearer. Each of these small steps brings you closer to that coveted good featured snippet spot, potentially triggering featured snippets for your content.