Competition in search is fiercer than ever. Ranking on page one is no longer enough, users are drawn to featured snippets, the box that appears above all other organic results. Often called Position Zero, this spot gives your brand unmatched visibility and brand authority.
This guide explores what featured snippets are, why they’ve become so crucial in 2025, and the strategies you can use to secure them.
Featured Snippets Explained
A featured snippet is a highlighted answer box that Google displays at the top of its results page. It pulls key information from a web page and presents it in a format that’s quick and easy to digest.
The formats you’ll see most often:
- Paragraphs: Short answers (40–60 words) defining a concept or process.
- Lists: Numbered or bulleted steps for guides and how-tos.
- Tables: Comparisons, schedules, or pricing breakdowns.
- Videos: Snippets pulled from YouTube tutorials, often with timestamps.
Example: Searching for “steps to reset an iPhone” might show a numbered list pulled directly from a tech site, saving you a click while spotlighting that brand.
Why Featured Snippets Are Essential in 2025
Search behavior and SEO trends continues to shift. With mobile-first browsing, AI assistants, and the explosion of voice search, snippets are no longer just a “bonus”, they’re often the only answer users see or hear.
Key benefits include:
- Instant credibility: Your brand becomes the authority at the top.
- More clicks: Featured snippets can drive an 8–10% higher click-through rate.
- Voice search reach: Assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant often read snippets aloud.
- Zero-click exposure: Even when people don’t visit your site, they notice your brand.
How Google Chooses Snippets
Google’s goal with featured snippets is to give searchers fast, accurate answers. To decide which content to highlight, it looks for these qualities:
Concise and Structured
Google favors quality content that is organized and easy to scan. Articles that use proper headings, short sentences, and clean formatting are far more likely to be pulled into a snippet.
If your answer is buried in a long block of text, Google may overlook it in favor of a competitor who presents the same information more clearly.
Accurate and Trustworthy
Authority matters. Google wants to feature information from reliable, reputable sources. This means citing credible references, using up-to-date data, and writing content that demonstrates expertise.
Websites with established trust signals, such as good backlinks, strong domain authority, and a professional tone, have a higher chance of being chosen.
Aligned with Search Intent
Snippets are only valuable if they directly match what the user is asking. Google uses natural language processing to understand whether your answer satisfies the query. If someone searches “how to boil an egg”, for example, a step-by-step guide will be favored over a long article about egg nutrition.
By focusing on search intent, you align your content with the exact needs of the searcher, increasing the odds of selection.
In other words, you need to anticipate the question behind the query and provide a clear, direct answer upfront.
Types of Snippets and How to Optimise for Them
Now that you’ve gained a better understanding of featured snippets, let’s move on to their various types and ways we can optimise them.
1. Text Snippets (Paragraphs)
- Best for answering “what is” or “how does” questions.
- Keep definitions between 40–60 words.
- Use subheadings like “What is X?” and answer immediately below.
2. Lists
- Great for processes, recipes, or guides.
- Format your steps in numbered lists or bulleted points.
- Each step should be brief and easy to scan.
3. Tables
- Perfect for data, rates, or comparisons.
- Use a clean HTML table with clear headers.
- Keep entries simple, Google favors clarity over clutter.
4. Videos
- Best for DIY or tutorial content.
- Upload to YouTube with strong titles, descriptions, and timestamps.
- Highlight key moments so Google can feature them directly.
Practical Strategies to Secure Featured Snippets
Below are a few main strategies you can use to secure featured snippets for your business’ online presence.
1. Target Snippet-Friendly Keywords
- Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or AnswerThePublic.
- Look for queries already triggering snippets, then aim to outperform them.
2. Deliver the Answer Fast
- Place a clear, concise answer in the first few lines of your section.
- Expand with more detail afterwards.
3. Structure for Easy Parsing
- Use H2s, H3s, lists, and short paragraphs.
- Add a table of contents for longer posts.
4. Add Schema Markup
Implement FAQPage, HowTo, or Article schema to reinforce context.
5. Answer Related Questions Together
- One page can win multiple snippets if it covers variations of a query.
- Example: “How to start a podcast” → also answer costs, platforms, and equipment.
6. Optimise for Voice & Mobile
- Write conversationally.
- Anticipate natural spoken questions like “Hey Google, what’s the best way to…”
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Being vague or wordy
- Ignoring search intent
- Poor formatting (no lists, headings, or tables)
- Writing overly technical or jargon-heavy answers
- Skipping mobile optimisation
Are Featured Snippets Worth It?
Absolutely. While some argue snippets encourage “zero-click searches,” the tradeoff is authority and visibility. Even when users don’t click through, your brand becomes the recognized source of truth.
For competitive industries, that recognition alone can be the edge you need.
Final Word: Owning Position Zero
Earning a featured snippet is more than an SEO tactic, it’s a branding opportunity. By producing clear, structured, user-first content, you increase your chances of owning Position Zero in 2025.
At Perth Digital, we help businesses dominate search visibility with content strategies that target featured snippets. If you’re ready to stand out where it matters most, let’s talk.
Don’t just rank—lead. Contact us today!
