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How to Optimise Your Website for Featured Snippets
In the competitive world of SEO, everyone is striving for the coveted number one spot in the search results. But what if there was a way to rank even higher? Enter the featured snippet, also known as “position zero.” A featured snippet is a special box that appears at the top of the search results page with a concise answer to the user’s query. Winning a featured snippet can significantly boost your visibility, traffic, and authority. Here’s how to optimise your website for them.
What Are Featured Snippets?
Featured snippets are designed to provide users with a quick, direct answer to their question without them having to click through to a website. They typically appear for informational queries and can be in the form of a paragraph, a list (bulleted or numbered), or a table.
Why Are Featured Snippets Important?
Featured snippets are highly valuable for several reasons:
- Increased Visibility: They appear at the very top of the search results, above the traditional number one ranking.
- Higher Click-Through Rate (CTR): Studies have shown that featured snippets can earn a significantly higher CTR than the first organic result.
- Enhanced Authority: Winning a featured snippet positions your brand as a trusted authority on the topic.
- Voice Search Optimisation: Featured snippets are often used as the source for voice search answers.
How to Optimise for Featured Snippets
While there is no guaranteed formula for winning a featured snippet, there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances:
1. Target Question-Based Keywords
Featured snippets are most likely to appear for queries that are phrased as questions. Use keyword research tools to identify the questions your target audience is asking, and create content that provides clear and direct answers.
2. Provide Concise and Accurate Answers
When creating your content, provide a concise and accurate answer to the target question near the beginning of the page. This answer should be around 40-60 words long, as this is the typical length of a paragraph-style featured snippet.
3. Use Headings and Lists
Structure your content in a way that is easy for Google to understand. Use clear headings (H2, H3) for each section, and use bulleted or numbered lists to break down information into easy-to-digest steps or points. This will increase your chances of winning a list-style featured snippet.
4. Aim for the First Page of Google
To be eligible for a featured snippet, your page must already be ranking on the first page of Google for the target query. Therefore, you should focus on improving your overall SEO to get your pages ranking in the top 10.
Our Overall Thoughts
Optimising for featured snippets is a powerful way to gain a competitive edge in the search results. By understanding the types of queries that trigger featured snippets and creating content that provides clear, concise, and well-structured answers, you can significantly increase your chances of capturing this valuable real estate. Winning a featured snippet is not just about ranking higher; it’s about establishing your brand as a go-to resource in your industry.
Want to learn more about how to win featured snippets for your business?
Our SEO team at Validus Media can help you develop a content strategy that is optimised for featured snippets.
