Featured Snippet
Quick Definition
A featured snippet is a special search result that appears at the top of Google's organic results (position zero) displaying a direct answer extracted from a web page. Formats include paragraphs, lists, and tables.
Why It Matters
Featured snippets appear above all other organic results (called "position zero"), giving you maximum visibility. Winning a featured snippet can dramatically increase your CTR, even if you are not the #1 ranking result. In the age of AI search, featured snippet content is often what AI assistants cite.
Real-World Example
Search "how to boil an egg" on Google. The featured snippet shows step-by-step instructions extracted directly from a website, displayed prominently above all other results. That website gets massive visibility without the searcher needing to click through.
Signal Connection
Presence -- Featured snippets are the most prominent form of search presence. Owning a featured snippet puts your brand and content front and center, above even the #1 organic result.
Pro Tip
To win featured snippets, structure your content with clear question-and-answer formats. Use the question as an H2 heading, then immediately answer it in 40-60 words in a paragraph below. Google loves this format for paragraph snippets.
Common Mistake
Beginners think featured snippets always increase clicks. Sometimes they reduce clicks because the user gets the answer directly in the SERP without visiting your site. Track your CTR before and after winning a snippet to measure actual impact.
Test Your Knowledge
Where does a featured snippet appear in Google search results?
Show Answer
Answer: C. Above all organic results (position zero)
Featured snippets appear at the very top of organic results, even above position #1. This prominent placement is why they are called "position zero" and why they can drive significant traffic.