What is Featured Snippet?
Definition
A featured snippet is a highlighted search result that appears above regular organic results, displaying extracted content that directly answers a user's query.
Why featured snippet matters
Featured snippets matter because they occupy prime search real estate above all organic results. Appearing in position zero can dramatically increase visibility and establish your content as the authoritative answer.
Featured snippets influence voice search results, as assistants often read the snippet content aloud when answering questions. Optimizing for snippets extends your reach to voice-based discovery.
While featured snippets can sometimes satisfy users without a click, they build brand recognition and trust even when users don't visit your page, positioning you as the expert source on a topic.
Key concepts and types
- •Snippet formats
Paragraphs, numbered lists, bulleted lists, and tables that match different query types. - •Position zero
The featured snippet placement above traditional position one in organic results. - •Query targeting
Focusing on question-based and how-to queries most likely to trigger featured snippets. - •Content structure
Formatting content with clear answers, headers, and structured data to improve snippet selection. - •Snippet volatility
Featured snippet positions change frequently as Google tests different sources.
Common misconceptions
- ✕Featured snippets always increase click-through rates
- ✕You need to rank #1 to earn a featured snippet
- ✕Any well-optimized content can earn a snippet
- ✕Featured snippets are permanent once earned
- ✕Opting out of snippets improves overall traffic
Related terms
FAQs
How do you optimize for featured snippets?
Structure content to directly answer questions, use appropriate formatting (lists for steps, tables for comparisons), place answers prominently, and ensure your page ranks on page one for target queries.
Do featured snippets help or hurt traffic?
It depends. Some snippets satisfy queries without clicks, but they typically increase brand visibility and often increase overall traffic compared to standard organic positions.
Can you target specific featured snippet formats?
Yes. Paragraph snippets suit definition queries, numbered lists work for processes, bulleted lists for feature lists, and tables for comparisons. Match your format to the query type.