What Featured snippet means
Featured snippets give one page prime placement for a question. Pages that answer clearly and concisely, often with a short paragraph, list or table, are more likely to be chosen. The same habits help with AI answers.
Why it matters for your website
A featured snippet puts your answer above the usual results, which can bring visibility and authority for the question. Some searchers get their answer without clicking, so not every snippet brings traffic. Pages structured to win snippets also tend to be easier for AI answer tools to quote.
Example
A pest control company's article starts with a clear two-sentence answer to how to get rid of carpenter ants, followed by steps. Google shows that answer as a featured snippet.
Tips
- Answer the main question in a short paragraph right below a matching heading.
- Use numbered lists for steps and tables for comparisons.
- Target questions you already rank for on page one.
Common mistakes
- Burying the answer under a long introduction.
- Chasing snippets for questions that bring no business value.
Questions about Featured snippet
What is Featured snippet?
A highlighted answer box Google sometimes shows at the top of results, quoted from one web page.
How do I get a featured snippet?
There is no markup that guarantees one. Answer common questions clearly and concisely, structure content with headings and lists, and keep it accurate.
Can I stop Google from showing my page as a featured snippet?
Yes. Google supports the nosnippet and max-snippet controls, though they also limit how your page's text appears in regular results.
