Position Zero / SEO

Position zero refers to the topmost spot in Google’s search results, where a featured snippet appears above all organic listings. This prime location is often referred to as the featured snippet box, and it is designed to quickly answer a user’s question by displaying a summary of content pulled directly from a relevant webpage. Position zero stands out due to its visibility and can significantly increase click-through rates, authority and traffic.

Featured snippets can take several formats, including paragraphs, lists, tables or videos. For example, a user might search “how to write a press release” and see a bullet-point summary at the top of the page that outlines key steps. That content is pulled from a site that ranks well and is structured clearly for search engines. Earning position zero does not require being the number one organic result, but it usually involves being within the top five and having content that directly and concisely answers a query.

For B2B and SaaS companies, capturing position zero can boost thought leadership and lead generation by positioning the brand as a trusted resource. For nonprofits, it can elevate visibility for mission-driven topics and drive action through increased organic reach. To optimise for position zero, use clear headers, answer questions directly, format content with lists or tables where appropriate and include targeted keywords. Tools such as Google Search Console, SEMrush and Ahrefs can help identify opportunities and monitor featured snippet performance.