Featured snippets
Featured snippets are answer boxes that Google displays at the very top of the search results — above the classic organic listings. For this reason they are often called position zero. A snippet presents a selected fragment of content (a paragraph, list or table) together with the page title and its URL, giving the user an immediate answer before they even click. Winning such a spot noticeably increases a site's visibility and builds its authority in the eyes of the audience.
How featured snippets work
Google generates a featured snippet automatically: the algorithm analyses the pages already ranking near the top for a given query and selects the one that answers the user's question best and most concisely. You cannot submit content directly for the snippet — you can only prepare it to improve your chances. Matching the search intent and appearing within the top results for the phrase are both crucial.
Types of snippet
The most common are paragraph snippets (a concise definition or answer), list snippets (instruction steps, rankings) and table snippets (comparative and numerical data). Video snippets also appear. The type depends on the nature of the query.
Practical applications
In an SEO strategy, optimising for featured snippets means identifying question-style queries, crafting clear and direct answers, and organising content with headings, lists and tables. It is worth connecting this work with the People Also Ask section and data from the SERP. Bear in mind, though, that featured snippets encourage zero-click searches, so the content should still entice users to click through for deeper information.
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How do you win a featured snippet?
You need to answer a specific question accurately in a concise, well-structured form — a paragraph, list or table — and already rank near the top for that query. Google chooses the snippet itself, so question-style headings and clear, direct answers help.
Does a featured snippet increase traffic?
It depends on the query. The highlight boosts visibility and prestige, but when the snippet fully satisfies the user's need it can lead to a search without a click. For complex topics, the snippet usually encourages users to click through for the full answer.