Getting included in the search results provided by Google is a fantastic approach to bringing in more visitors. Having said that, this does not come without effort. Your first order of business is to acquire the knowledge necessary to optimize your content for highlighted snippets. The results that Google considers to be the most relevant to a particular search query are displayed as featured snippets. In order to make your content more effective for this, you should centre your attention on the queries that your audience has and the information that they are trying to find.
Keyword research
The featured snippet position is one of the most lucrative search engine results. It often gets more clicks than the top-ranking search result and can help your brand gain credibility as an authority in your niche. However, securing a featured snippet is not an easy feat. To optimize your content for featured snippets, you must have the right structure and format.
Start by using a keyword research tool to find popular queries that are likely to trigger featured snippets. Then, look for keywords that match these queries and focus on delivering an accurate, concise answer to your audience. You should also use numbered lists or bullet points to make your content easier to read.
Remember that Google prioritizes pages that offer a clear and direct answer to users’ questions. Keep in mind that featured snippets may be removed if they do not meet quality standards or provide relevant information. This could occur due to algorithm changes or competition from other websites that are more up-to-date.
On-page optimization
The main goal of on-page optimization is to optimize content to rank high in search results. This includes following best SEO practices, such as using relevant keywords and ensuring the content answers questions effectively. It also includes formatting the content appropriately, such as using lists or tables. Using a tool like SERPWatcher can help you find keywords that rank highly for featured snippets. These are the “low-hanging fruit” and can be optimized for easily.
For example, Google often selects snippets that contain definitions or simple step-by-step instructions. In these cases, it’s important to use clear and concise language. Moreover, it’s advisable to use the keyword that you want to target in the page title and meta description. Additionally, using header tags (h2, h3, and h4) to emphasize text can increase the chances of securing a featured snippet. Google interprets these tags as a strong signal of the importance of nearby text. Consequently, owning a featured snippet may lead to a significant increase in organic traffic.
Schema markup
There are many types of schema markup that you can implement in your content to be optimized for featured snippets. Some studies have even shown that pages with a featured snippet see an increase in organic traffic by up to 30%. But before you start optimizing your content for featured snippets, you should know what types of queries Google often displays in this position. You can find out by using a rank-tracking tool like SERPWatcher. Look for keywords that have a featured snippet, and then analyze the content on your website to determine which topics would make a good answer to these queries.
Try to provide a concise and direct answer that addresses the query directly in the body of your content. You can also include a list of steps or enumerated data points to help users easily access the information they are looking for. Ensure that your lists are well-organized and have descriptive headings.
Link building
Featured Snippets are one of the most prominent features on Google search results. If your content is featured, you will receive a significant increase in traffic. However, there are many factors that influence whether or not your page will be selected as a featured snippet. The most important factor is the content itself. It should be well-written and optimized for SEO.
You can also improve your chances of ranking for a featured snippet by creating content that is highly relevant to the searched query. This is especially important for listing-type featured snippets, such as tables and listicles. You should optimize your content for these snippets by using structured data markup and logically structuring your content with clear headings.
It’s also helpful to use a keyword tool that can show you a list of frequently-searched questions and queries related to your topic. This will help you identify the best queries to target. Additionally, you should include your targeted query in the H2 or H3 tag of your content to boost its visibility. Search engines weigh text in header tags more heavily than other text.
Staying ahead of SEO trends is essential for Google search rankings. “SEO Trends to Watch Out For in 2023” sheds light on SEO’s changing landscape. These trends can help you rank #1 and optimize for highlighted snippets. Voice search optimization, mobile-first indexing, and user experience improvements are important as search engines change. Aligning your content and website with these trends can boost visibility, organic traffic, and SEO results.