Featured Snippet

A featured snippet is a highlighted search result that appears at the top of a Google search results page, often referred to as “position zero.” It is designed to provide a quick, direct answer to a user’s query without requiring them to click through to a website. Featured snippets can appear in several formats, including paragraphs, numbered lists, bullet points, tables and videos. They are typically pulled from high-ranking pages that are structured to clearly and concisely answer common questions.

Featured snippets aim to improve the search experience by surfacing the most relevant and authoritative information. Google’s algorithms select content based on clarity, formatting, and how well it addresses the user’s intent. For example, a “how to” query may return a step-by-step list, while a definition query might show a short paragraph. Content that is eligible for a featured snippet often includes clear headings, concise answers, and semantic markup. Snippets may also feature images or links pulled from the source page.

Earning a featured snippet can significantly increase visibility and organic traffic. It helps position your brand as a trusted authority and may improve click-through rates, especially on mobile and voice searches. To optimise for featured snippets, content should directly answer target questions, use structured formats like lists and tables, and follow best practices in search engine optimisation. For nonprofits, B2B companies and educators, featured snippets offer a valuable opportunity to gain exposure and provide useful answers that align with your mission.