The first page of Google search results has long ceased to be a simple list of relevant pages. As the search engine always strives to provide users with helpful information, there are new SERP features that are also useful for SEO.
In this article, we will show you how to step up your SEO game in 2025 with SERP features.
What are SERP Features
SERP features are a special search results element aside from the organic listings. Examples of these include featured snippets, knowledge panels, and local packs, among others, which aim to provide the user with a fast and accurate answer. Contrary to standard blue links, SERP features are more engaging since they're visually appealing and pop off the page.
Search engines like Google utilize some of these enhancements to improve user satisfaction by delivering direct responses without the need for a click. Understanding SERP features is important for businesses desiring to optimize their content and increase visibility in search results.
Why are SERP Features Crucial and How to Track Them
SERP features are a very important part of modern SEO strategies because of their capabilities to increase visibility, drive traffic, and boost CTR. Here's why they matter:
- SERP features increase visibility because featured snippets, local packs, and video carousels raise brand awareness and authority.
- SERP features ensure more traffic to your website with a higher CTR since users are more inclined to click on interesting search results, hence leading to increased organic traffic.
- SERP features guarantee higher user engagement since interactive features like FAQs and rich snippets allow users to see fast and useful information.
SERP feature tracking is important to understand how your target keywords are performing.
If ever you wonder which SERP features appear for your keywords, use the website position tracker by SE Ranking. Besides monitoring keyword rankings, it tracks 37+ SERP features, highlighting those your site has earned. You can analyze which keywords trigger them, along with their important SEO metrics.
Types of SERP Features and How to Win Each of Them
Below are the key SERP features, their descriptions, and the best practices to get featured.
Featured Snippets
Featured Snippets appear at the top of Google's search results, providing direct answers to user queries. These are extracted from web pages and displayed in paragraph, list, or table format.
How to get featured:
- Structure content with clear headings and subheadings.
- Use bullet points, tables, or numbered lists where appropriate.
- Answer commonly searched questions concisely within 40-60 words.
- Optimize content for long-tail keywords and question-based queries.
Featured Snippets are a great way to capture users' attention and establish authority in your niche. You increase your chances of being featured by crafting concise and informative responses.
Rich Snippets
Rich Snippets improve regular search results by adding extra information, such as ratings, prices, and product availability. Rich snippets use structured data markup.
How to get featured:
- Implement Schema Markup (e.g., Product, Recipe, Review, Event).
- Use structured data testing tools to validate markup.
- Ensure data is relevant, accurate, and up to date.
Adding rich snippets makes search results more visually appealing and informative. They increase the likelihood of higher click-through rates.
People Also Ask (PAA)
The People Also Ask section contains expandable questions related to the user’s query, displaying brief answers and links to sources.
How to get featured:
- Identify commonly asked questions using tools like Google’s autocomplete or AnswerThePublic.
- Format content in a question-answer style.
- Provide direct, concise answers followed by a detailed explanation.
- Use structured and logical content organization.
By optimizing content for the PAA box, you improve your website's visibility across multiple search queries, boosting engagement and credibility.
Knowledge Panel
The Knowledge Panel appears on the right side of desktop search results and provides authoritative information about brands, people, or organizations.
How to get featured:
- Optimize your presence on Google Knowledge Graph and Wikipedia.
- Ensure social media profiles and Google Business Profile (GBP) are complete and active.
- Use consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details across the web.
- Publish high-authority content and citations from trusted sources.
The Knowledge Panel helps build trust and brand recognition. It is an essential feature for businesses and public figures.
Video Carousels
Video carousels display a selection of videos relevant to the search query. They are often sourced from YouTube.
How to get featured:
- Optimize video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords.
- Add transcripts and closed captions for better indexing.
- Engage with viewers to boost watch time and user interactions.
- Use structured data (VideoObject schema) for better discoverability.
Videos are a powerful medium for engagement. Ranking in video carousels can drive significant traffic to your content.
AI Overviews
AI Overviews provide AI-generated summaries based on authoritative sources.
How to get featured:
- Focus on long-tail keywords and comprehensive content.
- Enhance E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
- Build high-authority backlinks and ensure your site has strong domain authority.
- Keep content up-to-date and informative.
AI-generated overviews are becoming more common, so optimizing content for them can improve visibility in search results.
Image Packs
Image Packs appear in Google’s search results when queries are visually oriented.
How to get featured:
- Use descriptive file names (e.g., "best-wireless-keyboard-2024.jpg").
- Add alt text with relevant keywords.
- Optimize images for fast loading speeds.
- Use structured data (ImageObject schema) where applicable.
Optimized images can significantly improve search visibility, especially for e-commerce and creative industries.
X (Twitter) Cards
X (Twitter) Cards enrich tweets with rich media previews when shared.
How to get featured:
- Implement Open Graph (OG) tags and Twitter Card meta tags.
- Optimize tweets with engaging headlines and media.
- Post consistently and interact with trending discussions.
Having well-optimized Twitter Cards ensures that your content appears attractive and clickable when shared on social media.
Top Stories Carousel
The Top Stories Carousel highlights recent news articles from authoritative sources.
How to get featured:
- Use structured data (NewsArticle schema).
- Publish fresh, timely content relevant to trending topics.
- Follow Google’s news content policies.
- Improve domain authority with trusted, high-quality journalism.
Appearing in the Top Stories Carousel can bring a surge of traffic, particularly for timely and news-related content.
Local 3 Pack
The Local 3 Pack displays the top local businesses relevant to a search query.
How to get featured:
- Fully optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP).
- Gather positive customer reviews.
- Include location-specific keywords in your website content.
- Build local citations and backlinks from reputable directories.
Securing a spot in the Local 3 Pack significantly improves local search visibility and attracts more customers to your business.
Summary
Gaining SERP features is crucial to maximizing online visibility and driving traffic to your website. By using schema markup, optimizing for long-tail queries, and maintaining an authoritative online presence, you are more likely to feature in Google search results.
Regular updates, strategic keyword usage, and continuous presence on YouTube, Twitter, and Google Business Profile will help your search rankings.
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