You might have heard quite a few times snippets can be used to improve a website's visibility on Google's search results. But do you know the right strategy to do so? As we all know, featured snippets are results displayed above the main organic results. The positions where the snippet is shown are referred to as "position zero." These snippets provide short answers to users' search queries. If you want to rise to Google's top search results, focusing on featured snippet optimization could be the right approach. Let's discuss the types of featured snippets, how to identify them and how to optimize content to appear in these snippets.
Advantages of Prioritizing Featured Snippet Optimization
To be in position zero it means more people are going to see your content. It's very clear that featured snippets can make your content show up at the very top, even above the regular first results. Moreover, these are bigger and grab more attention than the regular links. So, when it appears, your content gets noticed easily by more people. Google picking your content for a featured snippet is the same as vouching for your website. It indicates that Google trusts your information and considers it reliable. A good number of searches have these featured snippets.
Also, almost a third of these snippets are the very result. In simple words, going after the featured optimization can give your website a big advantage in Google searches. Focussing on this aspect means putting your content front and centre and getting more trust from both users and Google.
You can find more such educational blogs on the SEO Toronto website.
Types of Snippets
There are four types of snippets that appear in Google’s search results.
Paragraph snippets
List snippets
Table snippets
Video snippets
Let’s learn some crucial details about them.
Paragraph snippets
Paragraph snippets are more like concise answers to a particular topic. These can be frequently encountered by you on Google. There is a recent feature where the important content within paragraph snippets is highlighted in blue to focus on the key point of the snippet.
List snippets
List snippets are commonly seen when the information is laid out in a sequence of steps. They are particularly helpful when explaining how to do something in a structured way. So, in simple terms, list snippets are either numbered or bulleted lists, and you usually find them when there's a step-by-step guide or instructions on how to do something. These kind of snippets come in two types:
Ordered Lists: These are numbered lists.
Unordered Lists: These are bulleted lists.
3. Table snippets
These snippets are less common than the other types. They show for a specific topic when information is best presented in table form rather than in any other form.
4. Video snippets
The video snippet has a screenshot taken from a video. It's placed directly within the search results. Instead of just showing a link to a video, Google captures a still image from the video and displays it alongside the search results. In simpler terms, video snippets are like a preview of a video that appears directly in the search results, showing a screenshot from the video.
Uncommon Featured Snippets
Double Snippets
This type features two snippets that appear together for a single query on Google. Generally, Google does this when a query has multiple meanings or when the intent of the user is unclear. The purpose is to provide more information to users in situations where a query could have different interpretations or meanings. When Google shows double-featured snippets, it suggests that there is an opportunity for your webpage to rank for that particular query. In simpler terms, double-featured snippets are when you see two highlighted answers on Google for one question.
This happens when a question can mean different things, and Google wants to make sure it gives you information that matches what you're looking for. If your page shows up in a double-featured snippet, it means there's a good chance it could rank well for that query.
Carousel Snippets
Carousel Featured Snippets are like a rotating showcase of information. Each bubble with a keyword gives you another chance to see different answers and search results. Google uses these when a question needs more investigation or when the answer might change depending on the details available. If your page is featured in one of these bubbles, you have multiple opportunities to rank for related searches.
How to Optimize for Featured Snippets
Acquiring a snippet in Google search engines is the most interesting part of SEO, although it is difficult to implement. Although there is no warranty for this, ecommerce businesses equally work to optimize their content for highlighted snippets just like they try for first-page rankings for the relevant keyword.
Preserving Existing Featured Snippets
It is necessary to protect your content as a valuable asset if it already occupies a featured snippet. To protect it, ensure you frequently update your content, concisely present the query and answer, and align the content with the current featured in SERP.
Expanding Featured Snippet Opportunities
One featured snippet increases the likelihood of more. Optimize strong articles that are already ranking well for keywords. Examine featured snippets as Google SERPs for queries even without them, they may add one in future.
Audience-Centric Approach
Collect queries that your audience utilizes to comprehend their search behaviour. Check the “People also ask” section on the SERP for helpful long-tail keywords. Arrange your content in the way it is presented in existing featured snippets for relevant queries.
Creative Query Formulation
Experiment with different queries. Without a doubt, many featured snippets occur from long-tail keywords without question words. Go for generic questions such as “ecommerce best practices” to tap the numerous daily Google searches.
Leveraging Question Words
Due to the countless Google searches per day, even a tiny amount comprising of question words would give a great number of prospective opportunities. In your content optimization strategy, ensure you pay attention to question words like who, what, why, where, when, how, does/do, can/should, and is/are.
Keyword Research Tools
Take advantage of powerful keyword research tools such as Ahrefs and Semrush to gain deeper insight into search queries of your audience. Type in the relevant topics, and these tools will produce keywords that act like queries in the search for highlighted snippets. Utilize search volume, traffic potential, and keyword complexity metrics to guide your optimization process.
About The Author: Amir Waheed is the co-founder & CEO of SEO Toronto Experts. He intends to bring a massive transformation to eCommerce SEO Services. His team of talented IT professionals knows the secret of getting huge conversions.
Social Profile Links
Comments