Strategies to Get Your Content Into a Featured Snippet
Now that you understand how content becomes featured in a snippet, you can implement these strategies.
1. Structure Content With Clear, Descriptive Headings
A foundational strategy for optimizing content to appear in a featured snippet is to use descriptive headings. Google’s algorithm relies on well-organized content to identify content that matches search queries, and headings are signifiers of what your article covers.
Start by ensuring your article follows a logical hierarchy using H1s for the main title, H2s for primary sections and H3s for subsections. For example, if you’re writing a post on how to buy a home, you would use H2s for each major step and H3s for breaking down supporting details.
In addition to hierarchy, focus on creating descriptive headings and answering a specific query. Rather than vague headings like “Financing Options,” use precise phrasing such as “What Financing Options Are Available for First-Time Buyers?” This approach clarifies the content’s purpose and aligns with common search queries.
2. Use Numbered Lists and Bullet Points
Numbered lists and bullet points are another effective strategy for capturing a featured snippet. Google often favors this structured format because it lets users quickly absorb key information. Lists and bullet points condense complex topics into digestible steps or items, which also makes for snippet-friendly content.
You have many opportunities to use lists. For instance, a post that provides steps to buy a home could outline each phase in a numbered list. By breaking down the process into specific steps, you make it easy for readers and Google to see a logical sequence of actions.
Similarly, bullet points can be useful for presenting key points or concise tips. For instance, you might have a section on tips for first-time home buyers — each tip can be a bullet point for readers to skim through. This layout is also appealing for snippets, as Google tends to pull bulleted content into “how-to” or “tips” snippets.
3. Align Content With User Intent
Google prioritizes content according to its Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) guidelines. This criteria is how the search engine ranks content quality, and part of that requires sites to publish content that meets users’ needs. Users who type a query into the search bar often look for specific information, such as a step-by-step guide or a detailed explanation.
You can align your articles with user intent by understanding what your target audience is searching for online. Look into how they’re phrasing questions by using keyword research tools. Doing so helps you identify popular queries, allowing you to create highly relevant content in a snippet-ready format.
4. Optimize Keywords
Keywords are critical to getting Google to notice your content. Traditional keyword strategies focus on short phrases, but optimizing for snippets often involves targeting longer, specific queries.
This approach aligns with Google’s evolving search patterns, where longer queries are more likely to trigger AI-generated summaries. According to recent research, queries with at least 10 words trigger AI Overviews 19.10% of the time.
To optimize for snippets, you can start by identifying long-tail keywords formatted as questions or phrases users will likely search for. For example, a phrase like “how much does a home appraisal cost” is more specific than broad keywords like “home appraisal cost.” This specificity aligns better with user intent and increases the likelihood of Google recognizing your content as valuable.
Finally, it’s best to ensure these key phrases appear naturally in your headings, subheadings and content. Doing so allows Google to understand what your article covers, increasing its snippet potential.
5. Choose Keywords That Commonly Appear in Snippets
Another key way to increase your chances is to target keywords already generating snippets in the search results. When selecting keywords, it’s essential to think locally, as 69% of real estate searches begin with location-specific terms.
This could include local keywords, like “homes for sale in [city].” By optimizing your content with these types of keywords, you can increase its relevance for those looking for local information.
To find keywords that currently trigger snippets, conduct some initial searches related to your content topics. Google’s “People Also Ask” section on SERPs can help you identify popular queries and show you which have snippet potential. For example, a term like “average home price in [city]” will likely attract local buyers while meeting snippet criteria.
6. Use Competitor Blogs for Inspiration
Consider studying how successful blogs structure content, optimize keywords and address user intent. Leveraging this strategy can give you valuable insights into what Google favors for snippet selection.
A great example in the real estate niche is ActiveRain, a platform with over 300,000 active members and 4 million blog posts. Browsing ActiveRain or other high-ranking blogs can give you ideas on how to form your content, select keywords and format answers.
Note how these posts use headings, incorporate lists and address common queries that appeal to Google’s algorithm. Pay attention to specific phrases they use to attract snippet positions. This tactic saves time on keyword research and provides a blueprint for crafting competitive and snippet-optimized content.
