What Are Featured Snippets And Why Are They Good For SEO?

You’ve spent time (and money) building your website. You’re proud of the content, the design is solid, and you’ve even done some SEO—but your traffic numbers barely budge. Sound familiar? Imagine your website appearing right at the top of a Google search—even above the first result. That’s exactly what a featured snippet can do for your business.

A featured snippet is Google’s way of answering a question quickly and directly within the search results. If your content is chosen, it appears in a highlighted box—what marketers call “Position Zero.” It grabs attention, builds trust, and drives more traffic than the top organic listing.

But how do you earn one, and what exactly makes your content snippet-worthy? This blog explains everything you need to know about featured snippets.

If your content isn’t getting seen, or you’re unsure how to structure it for better visibility, we’re here to help. Make Me Local works with businesses to improve their online presence through smart SEO strategies and content marketing that get real results.

 

Call 0800 772 0022 or email hello@makemelocal.com to find out how your business can reach the top of search results—right where your customers are looking.

 

“At Make Me Local, we believe being online isn’t enough—what matters is being found by the people who need you most. That’s what we help businesses achieve every day.”

 

What Is A Featured Snippet?

A featured snippet is a short excerpt pulled directly from a web page to answer a search query. You’ve probably seen one when Googling a quick question like:
“What is a heat pump?”
A boxed paragraph at the top of the page explains the concept—no need to click unless you want to learn more.

There are different types of featured snippets, including:

• Paragraphs answering a “what” or “why” question
• Numbered lists, like recipes or step-by-step guides
• Bullet lists, such as product comparisons or pros and cons
• Tables showing data like pricing, schedules, or statistics
• Videos, often pulled from YouTube when a visual answer is more helpful—especially for things like tutorials or DIY fixes

For example, if someone searches “steps to register a business in the UK,” and your website provides a clear, structured list (e.g. “1. Choose a business structure, 2. Register with Companies House…”), it’s exactly the kind of content Google may feature.

 

Why Are Featured Snippets Important For SEO?

Featured snippets can feel like a shortcut to the top of Google, but they’re more than that. Here’s why these matter for your SEO:

1. You Jump To The Top

Even if your page ranks third or fourth, a featured snippet can move it right to the top of the search results. This special placement—often called Position Zero—makes your content the first thing people see.

Example: Say you’ve written a blog answering “How to fix a leaking tap.” If your step-by-step list is clear and helpful, Google may pull that into a snippet. Your content appears above the #1 search result—even if your actual ranking was lower.

2. You Get More Clicks

Snippets can lead to a higher click-through rate because users see your content front and centre. Even if part of the answer is visible, many people still click to read more, especially if the snippet ends with a “…” or raises curiosity.

3. You Build More Trust

Google is selective! It means being featured shows your content is reliable. When users see your website in a snippet, it gives your brand more authority. Even if they don’t click right away, they remember the name.

4. You Attract The Right Visitors

Featured snippets respond to specific questions, often asked by people ready to take action. That means you’re not just getting traffic but reaching people actively searching for what you offer.

If someone searches “Best boiler for a 3-bedroom house” and your blog compares options clearly, your answer could be featured. That puts your business directly in front of homeowners looking to buy.

5. You Stay Ahead Of Competitors

Most businesses still don’t optimise for snippets. By structuring your content clearly and answering questions directly, you give Google exactly what it’s looking for, giving you a head start over others in your field.

 

How To Optimise Your Content For Featured Snippets

There’s no secret formula, but there is a smarter way to write your content. Here’s how to give your content the best chance:

1. Start With The Exact Questions People Search

Think like your customer. What are they typing into Google before landing on your site?

Example:
“What is structured data markup?”

Use this as a heading, and answer it in a short paragraph below. Around 40–60 words is the sweet spot.

2. Use Clear, Keyword-Based Heading

Google scans your headings to understand your content. Use questions your audience asks as your subheadings.

For example, instead of a vague heading like “Understanding SEO,” try: What is Position Zero in SEO?

3. Break Content Into Lists

Bullet points and numbered steps are easy to read—and Google loves them.

Example:

1. 5 ways to optimise for featured snippets:
2. Use short, direct answers
3. Add structured data markup
4. Write in bullet points
5. Include long-tail keywords
6. Add a summary or FAQ box

4. Go Niche With Long-Tail Keywords

These are more specific and often exactly what users are searching for.

Example:
Instead of targeting “SEO tips,” try:
SEO tips for local accountants
This focuses your content and improves the chance of being featured.

5. Add Structured Data Markup

Google prefers content it can easily understand. Use schema markup—like FAQPage or HowTo—to help it out.

Example:
Have a step-by-step guide? Use the HowTo schema.
Answer common questions. Add the FAQ schema.

6. Summarise At The End

Add a quick takeaway box or mini FAQ at the bottom of your blog. This also helps you appear in the “People Also Ask” section.

Example:

Quick Summary:

• Answer questions clearly
• Use proper headings
• Add schema markup
• Use bullet lists where possible

7. Back It Up With Trustworthy Sources

Linking to trusted, up-to-date resources shows Google that your content is reliable.

Example:

Quoting GOV.UK in a blog about “How to register a company in the UK” adds credibility and increases your chances of being featured.

 

Ready To Rank Higher? Let Make Me Local Help You Get Featured

You can follow every best practice, but earning a featured snippet takes more than well-written content. That’s exactly what Make Me Local specialises in.

As a content marketing agency that specialises in SEO optimisation services, we help businesses:

• Identify what their audience is searching for
• Write content that aligns with search intent and answers questions clearly
• Use structured data markup to give Google the information it needs
• Build a smarter content strategy for long-term visibility

If your website deserves to be more than just “one of many,” we’ll help position it where it belongs—front and centre. Call 0800 772 0022 or email hello@makemelocal.com to start a conversation. Whether it’s SEO, content strategy, or Google Ads, we help your business get found, not just seen.