As Google changes the search game, updating and optimizing your website’s SEO content is crucial, especially for Google Snippets. In 2014, Google introduced featured Snippets, a quick answer box that shows up on top of the first organic search, known as “position zero.”
Many brands struggle to appear as a Featured Snippet. With high competition for the Snippet spot, brands that don’t adapt and appear first will see decreased traffic and lost leads. Therefore, understanding the ins and outs of Snippets will differentiate you from your competitors.
Understand The Types Of Google Snippets
Featured Snippets have three main types: paragraph, list, and table. Sometimes, they can also appear as an image or videos. Understanding their singularities allows you to adapt your content and have a higher chance of being at the top of the search.
- Paragraph: these are usually shown for definitions or quick answers
- List: the list appears when the search is based on a “how-to” query
- Table: usually refers to a more data-based search
Optimize For Snippets
Similar to building a website, adapting your content for SEO keywords will help your site appear as a Featured Snippet.
Research Your Keywords
When optimizing for Featured Snippets, search for the query you are trying to rank in and explore the Snippet competition. Take note of the type of Snippet that is appearing, who the competitors are, and what keywords are being used.
Look At The “People Also Ask” Section
The “People Also Ask” section typically follows the Featured Snippets. This section lets you see related questions and keywords and optimizes for multiple Snippets.
Adapt Your Content
After choosing what type of Snippet best fits your brand, focus on the structure to meet key SEO requirements. First, use clean headline codes to have consistent headline formatting so that your information is easy to find. Place the query to be searched on headline two or headline three and place the answer directly below the heading. Next, ensure your answer is between 54 and 58 words and enclosed in paragraph tags. The list and table should also have proper tags. Include priming phrases so it is clear that an answer is expected, such as “here are,” “follow these steps,” or “start with.”
Optimizing your SEO for Google Snippets allows your brand to stand out and rank against competitors.
Ready to become a Featured Snippet? Contact GROWL today and get your strategy started!