Get an instant answer to your question on Google without having to filter through the search results? That is now possible! Google understands your questions and will therefore show the answer directly at the top of the search results.
These snippets are also known as Featured Snippets. ( Featured excerpts ) mentioned. It is a standard organic search result, but one that is highlighted. The content used for this comes from third parties. This is a major advantage, as it is possible that a snippet from your website is displayed.
The image below shows how Google displays the Featured Snippets:
As you can see in the image, the website where Google retrieves the content to answer the question is also displayed immediately.
Naturally, the most important thing for Google is to make it as easy as possible for the end user. Google has indexed many websites. The answer to your question is retrieved from this index and subsequently displayed as the Featured Snippet in the search results. The only thing shown above this are the advertisements.
How do you qualify for Featured Snippets?
Google decides for itself whether your website contains a good answer to a search query. But of course, you can give Google a helping hand with this.
Many search queries start with what of howYou therefore need to ensure that Google recognizes that your content is informative so that questions can be answered. A good way to do this is by adding a knowledge base to your website. The word says it all, of course: 'knowledge'. With a knowledge base, you aim to inform your website visitors about specific topics so that many questions can be answered.
So give your knowledge base articles a title with what of how in it. This way, you ensure that Google might select your website as a Featured Snippet due to your informative content. Of course, you also always have to deal with competition. Therefore, it does not always offer a guarantee.
Pages selected as Featured Snippets also have the following similarities:
- The page title has very high relevance to the question being used.
- A comprehensive and clear answer is available on the page.
- The pages are very structured and well-organized.
- They contain 'clean' HTML and contain microdata.
Can you also unsubscribe from the Featured Snippets?
You may not appreciate the Featured Snippets. Google Indicates that there is an option to let us know that you do not wish to be considered for this. This can be done with the tag to mention on your page.
Do you have questions about featured snippets or how a knowledge base is actually structured? Feel free to contact us!