Featured Snippet Optimisation.
Learn what Featured Snippet Optimisation means in modern search and SEO.
The practice of formatting content to win the featured snippet—the answer box Google displays above organic results for certain queries.
Featured snippet optimisation targets the 'position zero' answer box that Google surfaces above traditional organic results for definition, how-to, list, and comparison queries. Featured snippets extract and display a passage from an existing ranking page—typically between 40 and 60 words—alongside the source URL.
Types of Featured Snippets
Google serves four main snippet formats: paragraph snippets (definitions and short answers), numbered list snippets (step-by-step instructions), bulleted list snippets (items without sequence), and table snippets (data with row/column structure). Each format requires different on-page formatting to win.
Optimisation Tactics
To target a featured snippet: identify queries where Google already shows one (using Ahrefs or Semrush), then ensure your page ranks in the top 10 for that query. Structure the answer using the format Google already favours (paragraph for definitions, ordered lists for steps). Place the target answer immediately below an H2 or H3 heading that mirrors the query. Keep the answer concise—under 60 words.
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