Featured Snippets: A Complete Guide to Be On Top SERP

Being on the first page of Google is no longer sufficient—now, the true goldmine is Position Zero, also referred to as the Featured Snippet. These attractive, content-rich boxes occupy the very top of the Search Engine Results Page (SERP), providing users with answers immediately.

Have you ever asked Google something and got a brief answer at the top of the search engine results? That is a featured snippet. Since Google continues to focus on serving faster, more accurate answers, Featured Snippets have become key to driving traffic, increasing visibility, and establishing authority. In this step-by-step guide, we’re going to explain everything you must know to get your content onto that highly coveted top spot.

What are Featured Snippets?

Google displays Featured Snippets as distinct content blocks that appear above organic search results at the beginning of search pages. These search segments search for requested information and supply direct answers through one interface without needing complete website exploration. Google extracts this content from pages that it believes are the most relevant and trustworthy to the search term.

These clips normally come up for query-based searches and are displayed in various formats, including definitions, lists, tables, and videos.

According to Ahrefs, over 12% of search queries now display a Featured Snippet. That’s a huge opportunity for content creators, marketers, and business owners alike.

Types of Featured Snippets

Understanding the different types helps you better tailor your content. The four main types are:

1. Paragraph Snippets

These are short, direct answers—usually 40–60 words. Great for definitions, explanations, and summaries.

Example:
Q: What is digital marketing?
A: Digital marketing promotes products or services by using search engines, together with websites, social media platforms, as well as email and mobile app platforms.

2. List Snippets

Can be either ordered or unordered. These appear most often for “how-to” or “best of” queries.

Example:
Q: How to clean a coffee machine?
A:

• Unplug the machine 
• Remove parts 
• Clean with vinegar 
• Rinse and reassemble 

3. Table Snippets

Used when information can be best displayed in rows and columns—like product comparisons or statistics.

Example:
A table showing nutritional values for different fruits.

4. Video Snippets

Short video clips (often from YouTube) that directly answer the query. Google may highlight the specific timestamp for relevance.

The Rise of No-Click Searches (And Why Featured Snippets Are Key)

According to a study by Semrush, 57% of mobile searches and 50% of desktop searches now end without a single click—also known as “no-click searches.”

Why? Because users are finding the information they need directly in Featured Snippets or other SERP features.

Thus, optimisation for Featured Snippets is particularly important. Even without the user clicking, your brand is front of mind, increasing awareness and credibility.

How to Identify Snippet Opportunities

Here’s how to spot which queries you can target for Featured Snippets:

1. Use SEO Tools

Platforms like Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, or Ubersuggest let you discover keywords that trigger snippets, and whether your competitors rank for them.

2. Check “People Also Ask” Boxes

These suggest common follow-up queries users are searching for, giving you insight into what to include in your content.

3. Look for Long-Tail Keywords

Longer question-type queries have a higher probability of returning a Featured Snippet, especially when delivered with properly structured content.

15 Strategies to Secure Featured Snippets

Want to win that top spot? Follow these proven strategies:

1. Answer the Question Clearly and Early
   Include the answer within the first 100 words of your content. 
2. Use Proper Formatting
   Bullet points, numbered lists, subheadings, and tables help Google understand your content’s structure. 
3. Target Question-Based Queries
   Use tools like AnswerThePublic or Google’s autocomplete to find what people ask. 
4. Optimize for Voice Search
   Voice search queries often trigger Featured Snippets. Use natural language and question-based phrasing. 
5. Use Header Tags (H2, H3)
   Structure your content logically. Each section should have a clear heading. 
6. Add Schema Markup
   This helps Google better understand the content on your site. 
7. Focus on Quality and Relevancy
   Google wants the best answer—not just a keyword-stuffed response. 
8. Keep Paragraphs Short and Sweet
   Aim for 40–60 word answers to increase your chances. 
9. Use High-Authority Sources
   Cite data and link to reputable websites where necessary. 
10. Add Q&A Sections to Blog Posts
    Include a FAQ section using real user questions. 
11. Create Step-by-Step Guides
    Google loves instructions broken into clean, numbered steps. 
12. Update Old Content
    Fresh content has a better chance to rank in snippets. 
13. Optimize Page Speed and Mobile Usability
    Fast, responsive pages rank better overall. 
14. Leverage Internal Linking
    Helps Google crawl and understand your site better. 
15. Analyze What’s Already Ranking
    Check existing snippets for your target keywords and see how you can improve on them. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keyword Stuffing: Trying to game the algorithm hurts your credibility. 
• Ignoring Mobile Optimization: Most snippets appear in mobile search. 
• Overly Technical Language: Use plain English—Google prefers clarity. 
• Neglecting Content Updates: Outdated info won’t rank in snippets. 
• Forgetting About UX: A poor user experience reduces dwell time and credibility. 

Additional Insights

Here are some stats and insights to help shape your Featured Snippet strategy:

• Paragraph snippets make up around 70% of all Featured Snippets.  
• Videos are being shown more frequently, especially for DIY or how-to content. 
• Snippet CTR is often higher than even the first organic result, depending on the keyword. 
• You can steal a Featured Snippet from a competitor even if you don’t rank #1—many snippets are pulled from sites ranking #2 to #5. 

Conclusion

Featured Snippets are more than a vanity metric—they’re an SEO powerhouse. When your content receives a snippet, you own the SERP, drive more visibility, and pull in more qualified traffic. By executing the proper strategies, shunning common pitfalls, and keeping current with SEO trends, you can set your content up for long-term success.

At Matebiz, we are experts in performance-driven digital marketing and SEO solutions, adapted to make your business stand out—whether you’re looking to target local consumers or international markets. Our professional team has helped clients in Australia, the USA, India, and more to rank better, generate more traffic, and expand their business online.

Need help optimizing your site for Featured Snippets and climbing to the top of Google?
Contact Matebiz Pvt Ltd today, and let’s put your brand in Position Zero.

• What is zero position in SEO?

Position Zero (P0) is the first Google search result that appears above organic SEO listings. It is also called a featured snippet, which directly answers searchers’ queries without the need for clicking the search result link.

• How to win a featured snippet?

Featured snippet optimization

1. Insert a “What is” heading.
2. Structure your answer as an “is” sentence.
3. Completely define the subject.
4. Mirror the format of the featured snippet.
5. Do not include your brand name.
6. Do not write in the first person.
7. Optimize featured snippets.
8. Prioritize when you are in the top five.

• What does 0 position mean?

Position zero is a direct and straightforward answer to the question that a user has queried in a search engine.

• How to find featured snippets?

You can find featured snippets:

• Within total search results.
• Within the “People also ask” area.
• Along the Knowledge Graph facts.

• Are featured snippets paid?

No, featured snippets are obtained through organic SEO strategies and cannot be bought using paid ads.