If you have ever used Google, you know the results you see are highly targeted to what you are searching for. For example, when you Google a question, you will likely find a short, concise answer to it at the top of SERPs. This is called the featured snippet.
The question you may have is how to optimize your client’s site to show up in Google’s featured snippet.
Many SEO pros call this “position zero.” That’s because it outranks the top position in Google SERPs. The first thing you see on any results page is the featured snippet, which takes up the most space and immediately answers the question being asked. You don’t have to click on anything or travel to another page – Google gives you the answer – front and center.
Now that you know what it is learn how to optimize your client’s site to appear in the featured snippet section.
Perfect the Content
Just like anything else with Google, to appear in the featured snippet, you must ensure your content is perfect. Most featured snippets are already ranked on page one, which means Google pulls the snippets from quality content that includes helpful information.
Keep SEO best practices in mind to ensure the site has the best chance of being featured in this section. This includes keyword research, helpful information, and answering the question being asked.
Answer a Question
Usually, the blurbs Google chooses to showcase as a featured snippet respond to a search that’s formatted as a question. Remember, you are writing content (or adding to content) that is being optimized to show up in the featured snippet section.
You will find several tools to help you figure out how to get a featured snippet. Use these if necessary to help you figure out what question to target.
Create a User-Friendly Website
A website’s user-friendly capabilities are just as important as what you do to optimize the site for a featured snippet. Google’s algorithm knows if a website loads slowly or if it isn’t mobile-friendly. When this happens, your client’s position in SERPs suffers.
Take steps to improve the functionality and speed of your client’s websites to improve the likelihood that they will be selected as a featured snippet.
Use Proper Formatting
Featured snippets on Google only come in a limited number of formats. This includes tables, paragraphs, and lists. To optimize your client’s site for this, you have to use formatting in one of these forms, using descriptive and clear headers, direct answers, and short sentences. Using concise writing will also improve the chances of using you in the featured snippet section.
Optimizing Your Client’s Site for Featured Snippets
If you want to have your client’s site optimized for featured snippets, be sure to keep the tips and information here in mind. Doing so will pay off and ensure the site is highly visible when someone searches for what you offer.