What is Featured Snippet?
A featured snippet is a boxed answer displayed at the top of Google search results that directly answers a user’s query. This content is extracted from a webpage and positioned above organic results in what’s commonly called ‘position zero.’
Ecommerce SEO Glossary > Search Results > Featured Snippet
What You Need to Know about Featured Snippet
Types of Featured Snippet
These prominent SERP features appear as paragraphs, numbered lists, bulleted lists, or tables. The format depends on query type and how Google interprets the best way to answer it.
Position Zero Advantage
This SERP feature sits above organic results, capturing significant visibility and often increasing brand authority. However, it may reduce clicks if the snippet fully answers the query.
Optimization Through Question Targeting
Earning Featured Snippet requires targeting question-based queries with clear, concise answers. Structure content with headers matching common questions, followed by direct answers in opening sentences.
Content Structure Matters
Proper heading hierarchy, short paragraphs, and logical formatting help pages earn position zero. Bulleted or numbered lists work well for how-to queries, while definitions benefit from concise paragraph formats.
Common Featured Snippet Mistakes
Avoid burying answers deep in content, using overly technical language for simple queries, or creating answers too long for Google to extract cleanly into the snippet box.
Monitoring and Measurement
Track which queries trigger snippets for your pages and monitor click-through rate changes. Not all snippets increase traffic—some answer queries completely, reducing the need to click.
Frequently Asked Questions about Featured Snippet
1. Do Featured Snippet increase website traffic?
It depends on the query. Informational snippets might reduce clicks if they fully answer the question, while commercial queries often maintain or increase click-through rates.
2. Can I opt out of Featured Snippet?
Yes, you can use the nosnippet meta tag or max-snippet directive to prevent Google from showing content in Featured Snippet, though most sites prefer the visibility.
3. How do I optimize for Featured Snippet?
Create clear, concise answers to common questions in your niche. Use proper heading structure, answer questions directly in opening sentences, and format content logically with lists or tables.
4. Does ranking in position one guarantee a featured snippet?
No. Google selects snippets based on content quality and format, not ranking position. Pages ranking anywhere on page one can potentially earn the featured snippet.
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