Featured Snippets and How to Get Them

It is usually challenging to achieve a high position in Google’s organic search results.

When progress feels slow, don’t give up. You can reach the top over time, even if you’re not there yet.

How? One powerful option is to target featured snippets.

In this piece, we’ll explore featured snippets in detail: what they are, their types, the benefits they offer, and how to optimize for them.

So, let’s get started.

What is a featured snippet?

A featured snippet is an excerpt from a high-ranking web page that appears at the top of Google’s search engine results page (SERP) and directly answers the user’s query.

They often appear as short paragraphs, bulleted or numbered lists, tables, or videos.

Since their introduction, featured snippets have been refined many times to help users find what they need as quickly as possible.

Types of featured snippet

Here are common types of featured snippet:

• Paragraphs
• Bulleted/numbered lists
• Tables
• Videos

In response to a search, Google may highlight a specific excerpt from one of the top-ranking pages on the results page.

Table snippet

Table featured snippets present information in a table format in response to queries such as “What is a European shoe sizes table?”

This layout typically includes rows and columns that display details such as gender, size, and related data.

Video snippet

Google may showcase a clip from a video, often sourced from YouTube, and start the clip at a relevant timestamp.

Video snippets frequently appear for “how-to” queries when the video title and content align closely with the question.

Google continually experiments with new types and combinations of featured snippets for a variety of queries to improve the search experience.

These snippets stand out because they draw from a range of sources and present information in distinctive formats (for example, snippets with images, paragraphs, and even “People Also Ask” boxes).

Paragraph Snippet

On the search results page, paragraphs make up the majority of featured snippets.

They are a few lines of text that answer who, what, when, where, why, or how questions.

These answers often range from about 40 to 60 words.

Bulleted/numbered snippet

A “listicle” in this context is a numbered or bullet-pointed list that answers a question.

They commonly appear for “how” or “what” queries that call for a step-by-step explanation or a concise rundown.

For example, a search like “how to change a tire” often triggers a numbered snippet on the first page.

Featured Snippets: What’s the significance with the search?

Featured snippets do not directly boost search rankings, but they can drive more traffic to pages that already rank well.

Even if a searcher gets the answer from the snippet itself, you still build brand visibility and authority.

Winning snippets can increase organic traffic for important keywords when core on-page SEO is in place, such as crawlability for indexing, solid keyword research, and high-quality, search-optimized content.

Research shows that featured snippets can capture a meaningful share of clicks on the results page.

How Google values the snippets feature

Google uses automated systems to index and rank the web. Its algorithms evaluate whether a page on your site is a good candidate for a featured snippet.

When Google finds content that can quickly satisfy a searcher’s need, it highlights the key information on the results page. If your content is clear, well-structured, and authoritative, it may be selected.

There are several strategies to help Google detect the best page for a snippet. We’ll explain them below.

Fundamentals of featured snippets

Before we get into how to earn a featured snippet on Google, consider three core principles.

Listen to Google

Google typically highlights one snippet per query to help users find answers fast.

Study the current snippet formats for your target queries. Align your content to give a focused, direct answer and support it with your own concise list or table where relevant.

Not all results show a featured snippet. Learn how featured snippets work here: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/advanced/appearance/featured-snippets.

Be concise

The best snippets present key information in a format that answers quickly and clearly. Google does not waste words. Emphasize the main points of your content.

Featured snippets are usually about 40 to 50 words and under 300 characters for the shown excerpt. Remember the space is limited.

Lists and tables can vary in length. If Google needs to truncate content, it will.

HTML Markup Google Guidelines

Google provides guidelines for building web pages. Good markup can help surface snippets.

• Header Tags
• Strong Tags
• HTML Lists
• HTML Tables

Follow these practices so Google can easily evaluate your page for featured snippets.

Tips to earn featured snippets

You are not alone in wanting to earn snippets. Marketers everywhere look for smart ways to showcase their brand with featured snippets.

Here are some proven tactics you can apply.

Keyword research

The principles for featured snippets align with standard content optimization.

Use Google to explore the real questions people ask in your niche. This helps you tailor content to their needs. Actual queries can inform both your marketing strategy and your content plan.

People use keywords to find answers. If your content helps searchers find you when they ask those questions, you’ll earn more traffic. Prioritize question-focused keywords.

Start with classic on-page SEO and keyword research. Make the most of featured opportunities. For example, both Ahrefs and Serpstat include tools that reveal queries with snippets.

Add lists and tables

Featured snippets often appear as lists or tables. Including these elements can increase your chances of being selected.

If your page lacks a clear list or table where appropriate, add one. Give Google all the structured information it needs.

Questions in subheading

Organizing questions into subheadings helps Google identify potential featured snippets.

Use subheadings to state the question and follow with a concise, direct answer.

Conduct Good SEO practices

Even if your page covers the right topic, Google may not select it as a featured snippet.

Earning a snippet is easier when you already rank well. Many snippets come from pages in the top few results.

The logic is simple: Google aims to show the most helpful content. Strong on-page and off-page SEO can push your pages to the first page of results. Prioritize content that is useful, engaging, and trustworthy.

If a page outranks others, it has a better chance of owning the snippet.

SEO criteria for your page:

• Use images, videos, and logical navigation to guide readers to the key term or topic while still delivering complete information.
• Have a lot of backlinks
• have a quick-loading page

This list is not exhaustive, but it offers a solid picture of what your site should include to rank well and compete for featured snippets.

Pay attention to your Content Structure

Google favors well-structured paragraphs, lists, and tables. Organize your information similarly. Your content should make it easy for readers to find what they need quickly.

Use clear labels and numbering when it helps. Include tables or charts where they add clarity.

Use headers

Headers help Google understand your content. If Google can grasp your structure, it is more likely to select a snippet.

Use headers and provide concise, direct answers under them. This helps Google extract a clean snippet without excessive trimming.

See your Competitors’ Snippets

Competitive analysis matters. It’s especially important for snippet opportunities. Identify which snippets your competitors own and what they emphasize.

Also check whether Google shows snippets for keywords where you already rank. With that insight, refine your content to perform better. Read on for more tips.

Use images

Images often appear alongside position-zero snippets.

Include relevant images to support the keywords you target and to serve as a potential image source in the SERP.

For example, if you answer “best taco recipe,” include a photo of the tacos or a clear recipe card to stand out.

You can also use bold text to highlight key points where appropriate.

Answer multiple questions

The more helpful information you provide, the more likely your page can win a paragraph snippet.

Once you earn one snippet, you may unlock additional snippet opportunities on closely related questions.

By answering as many relevant questions as possible on a page, you increase your chances of appearing in multiple snippets.

Use various sentences for the same question

Comprehensive articles that address many related questions tend to attract more visibility.

Google often favors in-depth content because it covers a broader set of user intents. Ask and answer key questions in subheadings.

Use varied, natural phrasings for the same question to match how different users search. Ensure your answers are easy to locate. Keep your writing dense, direct, and scannable.

Google prefers pages that are easy to navigate, making the right information simple to find.

Add How-to Sections in your page

If user intent suggests “how to,” align your content accordingly.

“How to” queries are often specific. Give a clear, step-by-step answer that satisfies the search intent.

Using “how to” language is a great way to show expertise when addressing questions or solving problems.

Do not underestimate the power of “how to.” When your post delivers real value to your audience, you also win with Google.

Frequently asked questions