Featured snippets are the holy grail of search engine optimization (SEO). They are position zero in Google’s search results and get tons of visibility and high quality traffic to your site. But how do you get there? This guide has got you covered with actionable steps to win featured snippets and boost your site.
What are Featured Snippets?
Featured snippets are short answers at the top of Google’s search results page and come in different featured snippet formats. They answer user queries and come in different formats:
- Paragraph snippets
- List snippets (bulleted or numbered)
- Table snippets
- Video snippets
These snippets trigger voice search responses so are even more valuable for SEO.
Types of Featured Snippets
Featured snippets come in different formats, each to provide users with the most relevant and useful information for their query. Knowing the different types of featured snippets can help you optimize your content to win a featured snippet spot.
Paragraph Snippets
Paragraph snippets are the most common type of featured snippet, accounting for 82% of all featured snippets. They are a short paragraph of text that answers a user’s query. Paragraph snippets are used to answer questions that require a brief explanation or definition, such as “What is [topic]?” or “How does [process] work?” By writing concise and clear responses you can increase your chances of getting selected for this type of featured snippet.
List, Table, Video Snippets
List, table, video snippets are the other types of featured snippets. List snippets are used to provide step by step instructions or a list of items, so are perfect for “how-to” queries or enumerations. Table snippets are used to display data in a table format, which is great for comparisons or detailed information that benefits from a structured layout. Video snippets provide a video answer to a user’s query, often with a timestamp that directs the user to the relevant part of the video. By knowing the context of the query you can choose the best format to win a featured snippet.
Why are Featured Snippets Important?
- More Visibility:
Featured snippets sit above all organic results, often referred to as “position zero”, so the featured snippet position is super valuable. This visibility means your content is shown first, even before paid ads.
Websites that get snippets get up to 31% more clicks than those that don’t.
- Higher Click-Through Rate (CTR):
Ahrefs found that the average CTR for featured snippets is 8.6%, compared to 19.6% for the top organic result. But this CTR jump is largely dependent on how good and relevant your snippet is.
- Voice Search Optimization:
50% of searches are on mobile, and 30% of all searches are voice-based, so optimizing for snippets means you’ll be included in virtual assistant responses like Siri and Google Assistant.
- Increased Credibility:
Being featured by Google means your site is seen as a trusted and authoritative source. This can lead to more brand loyalty and repeat traffic.
How to Win Featured Snippets
- Keyword Research
To win a featured snippet:
- Look for question based queries starting with “how to,” “what is,” or “why.”
- Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to find featured snippet opportunities in your niche and find specific keywords that trigger snippets.
Pro Tip:
Long-tail keywords are more effective. For example “how to optimize for featured snippets” is more specific and will trigger a snippet more than “SEO tips.”
- Optimize for Snippet Formats
- Paragraph snippets: Write a 40-60 word response right after the question.
- List snippets: Format steps or processes as numbered or bulleted lists.
- Table snippets: Present data in a table format to create a table featured snippet.
- Video snippets: Make videos short and answer the query within the first 30 seconds.
- Search Intent
Search intent is key. Knowing featured snippets aim to provide quick answers will help you write content that meets the user’s needs. For example:
- If the query is “how to rank on Google,” include steps like using SEO tools, optimizing for keywords and creating quality content.
- Use Structured Data
Schema markup (structured data) helps Google understand your content better and increase your chances of winning a snippet. Use schema types like FAQ, How-To and Table schema.
- Use Header Tags
Properly structured content with H1, H2, and H3 tags makes the content readable and helps Google identify sections to pull into Google-featured snippets. For example:
- H1: How to Win Featured Snippets
- H2: Why Featured Snippets Are Important
- H3: Optimize for Paragraph Snippets
Are your competitors winning those coveted featured snippets on Google, and is your content getting left behind? With ChatGPT’s advanced AI capabilities, you can streamline your optimization process and compete for those spots. Here’s a 7 step process to use ChatGPT and win featured snippets.
Step 1: Find Featured Snippet Opportunities
To compete you need to know where you currently sit in the search result landscape. Start by finding keywords where:
You rank in the top 5 on Google.
There is a featured snippet available but your site isn’t in it.
Tools for Discovery
Ahrefs: Use Site Explorer to filter for keywords where your site ranks 2-5 and triggers a featured snippet.
Semrush: Go to Organic Research and apply the same filters.
Focus on high search volume keywords for maximum impact. The closer you are to the #1 position the better your chances of winning the snippet.
Step 2: Review Existing Snippet-Worthy Content
Now check if your page has content that can win the snippet position. Here’s how:
Search for the keyword in Google. Check if the featured snippet appears on desktop and mobile.
Analyze the snippet to see its structure and content.
Search within your article for relevant content. If you have a suitable paragraph, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll need to create one (steps below).
Step 3: Prep ChatGPT for Optimization
ChatGPT works better when it understands the context. Start by giving it a clear prompt:
“What’s the best way to optimize a paragraph to rank for the featured snippet in Google for this query?”
This tells the AI to follow snippet optimization guidelines before generating content.
Step 4: Create or Optimize Your Snippet
Now it’s time to write or improve your snippet. Use the following prompts based on your situation:
Scenario 1: Improving Existing Content
“I want to rank my article for the featured snippet for the search query: [insert keyword]. The snippet currently shows this competitor’s paragraph:
[insert competitor’s snippet].
Here’s my version: [insert your content]. Rewrite this to make it better than the competitor’s snippet.”
Scenario 2: New Snippet Content
“Write a snippet for my article for the query: [insert keyword]. Make it Google snippet friendly (clear and concise).
Video snippets: Make videos concise and answer the query within the first 30 seconds to create a video snippet. This type of featured snippet shows up in search results, often with a screenshot and a ready-to-play timestamp for video content. They are great for ‘How-to’ requests and provide a direct link to video sources like YouTube, to enhance user experience and engagement.”
Step 5: Review Snippet
Don’t assume the first draft is perfect. Use ChatGPT (or Google Bard) to compare your snippet with the competitor’s.
Prompt example:
“Which one is more likely to rank for the featured snippet for the query [insert keyword]?
Paragraph A: [competitor’s snippet]
Paragraph B: [your ChatGPT-generated snippet]”
Rewrite until you beat the competitor’s.
Step 6: Place Your Snippet
At least as visible (or more).
Fits within the content.
Add a heading above your snippet (e.g., H2 or H3). For example:
H2: What is Dollar-Cost Averaging?
Dollar-cost averaging is an investment strategy that reduces market volatility by investing a fixed amount regularly. This means consistent purchases at different price points, reducing risk and promoting long-term growth.
Step 7: Publish and Repeat
After publishing, wait for Google to re-crawl your content (1-14 days). If needed, request indexing via Google Search Console.
Troubleshooting:
Move the snippet content up the page.
Format it with blockquotes.
Simplify with Hemingway Editor or Grammarly.
Change the heading style (e.g. from question to statement).
Bonus: Why This Works
This works because Google loves:
Relevance: Content matches the query exactly.
Structure: Concise and scannable.
Authority: ChatGPT’s natural language generation is clear and professional.
Follow these steps, and your content will not only rank for snippets but also be the go-to resource for your audience. Compete—win the snippet game!
Mistakes to Avoid
When optimizing for featured snippets, there are several mistakes to avoid. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Not optimizing for long-tail keywords: Featured snippets often show up for long-tail keywords, so make sure to optimize your content for those. Long-tail keywords are more specific and less competitive, so you have a better chance of getting a featured snippet.
- Not using the right format: Use the format that matches the user’s query. For example, if the user is searching for a list, use a list. Match the format to the query type, and you’ll increase your chances of being featured.
- Not providing a clear answer: Make sure to provide a clear answer to the user’s query. Aim for 40-60 words. This helps Google to extract the information for a featured snippet.
- Not using trigger words: Use trigger words like “how,” “what,” “when,” and “why” to increase your chances of getting a featured snippet. These words match common search queries and will make your content stand out.
- Not optimizing for voice search: Featured snippets are used for voice search so make sure to optimize for voice search queries. Use conversational language and structure your content to answer the question directly.
- Not tracking and measuring: Use Google Search Console and Ahrefs to track and measure your featured snippet performance. Monitor regularly and make adjustments to improve your chances of keeping or getting new featured snippet positions.
By avoiding these mistakes and optimizing for featured snippets you’ll win a featured snippet and drive more traffic to your site.
Featured Snippet Optimization
- Answer Directly: Summarize answers in 2-3 sentences below the heading.
- Include Images: Pages with images are 40% more likely to get featured.
- Optimize for Voice Search: Use conversational language and target queries with “how,” “what,” or “why.”
- Update Regularly: Refresh old information to stay relevant.
- Track Performance: Tools like SEMrush and Google Search Console can track snippet rankings and organic traffic.
Featured Snippet FAQs
How do I get a featured snippet?
You must:
- Answer the user’s question clearly.
- Match the snippet format (e.g., paragraph, list, table).
- Use structured data to help Google find the key points.
How to optimize for featured snippets?
- Do keyword research to find snippet opportunities.
- Structure your content with headers, lists and tables.
- Use schema markup for technical optimization.
How to create rich snippets?
Rich snippets require adding structured data (schema) to your content. This can include:
- Star ratings
- Pricing
- Availability
In conclusion, achieving consistent growth in organic traffic requires a blend of expertise, strategic planning, and a results-driven approach. With Devendra’s extensive experience in implementing proven SEO strategies tailored to your business goals, you can unlock the potential of your website and dominate search results. Devendra specializes in delivering measurable results that align with your target audience’s needs, from securing featured snippets to crafting optimized content. Ready to elevate your online presence? Explore his SEO Consultancy Services today and take the first step towards sustainable growth.