Definition: A SERP feature encompasses elements beyond the standard blue link, title tag, and meta description found on Google’s search result pages. Examples include featured snippets, news boxes, and image packs.As the vast majority of users, you’ve undoubtedly leveraged Google extensively, often for years, and have encountered numerous search engine result pages (SERPs) in response to your queries.Understanding that Google SERPs are more than a list of links is crucial. They offer a variety of SERP features tailored to your search, which can be valuable marketing tools.Delve into the essence of SERP features and their potential benefits in this comprehensive overview. Stay informed by subscribing to Revenue Weekly, our newsletter, for further digital marketing insights from an agency with over 28 years of expertise!A SERP feature refers to any element on a Google search results page that deviates from the traditional organic listing, a single blue link accompanied by a title tag and meta description. Notable examples of Google SERP features include featured snippets, knowledge panels, and news boxes.When Google began in 1998, its SERPs were straightforward. A search term would yield 10 blue links per page, each with a brief description. However, today’s SERPs are far more sophisticated, incorporating various elements like paid ads and “People Also Ask” boxes.Over time, Google has introduced an extensive array of SERP features, some nestled among regular results and others in sidebar boxes, all designed to enrich the search experience.Given the multitude of SERP features Google displays and continues to develop, listing them all in detail is impractical. Yet, some are particularly prevalent and impactful. Below are nine of the most prominent search result features on Google!1. Featured snippetFeatured snippets are organic results elevated to the coveted “position zero,” prominently displayed at the top of the search results. They present an excerpt from a page answering the user’s query. 
These snippets are ideal due to their prime placement on the page.How to appear in a featured snippet: Aim for a heading that poses a direct question and follow it with a concise answer in a short paragraph.2. Local 3-packLocal 3-packs are SERP features that appear in response to local searches, featuring a Google Maps embed with local businesses and three Google Business Profile listings. 
How to appear in a local pack: Ensure your Google Business Profile is comprehensive, with detailed business information and relevant categories to appear in the correct local packs.3. People Also AskGoogle often includes a “People Also Ask” box, offering additional questions related to the user’s query. Selecting an option in this box presents a featured snippet-like response. 
To be featured here, use direct headings and concise answers in your content, targeting relevant keywords!How to appear in “People Also Ask”: Just as for featured snippets, use direct headings and short paragraph answers, focusing on the right keywords.4. Paid search adsNot all SERP results are organic; pay-per-click (PPC) ads are also present, typically at the top or bottom of the page. These ads look like organic results but carry an “Ad” label. They operate on a bidding system, making PPC cost-effective when managed effectively. 
How to appear in paid search ads: Create a Google Ads account and bid on targeted keywords to display PPC ads for your business, ensuring high relevance to your chosen keywords and custom landing pages for each ad.5. Shopping resultsShopping results are image ads at the top of the screen for specific physical products, previewing the “Shopping” tab. Like PPC ads, these are paid placements, typically originating from product pages on your online store. 
These ads display product details such as:
Product name
Image
Price
Seller
How to appear in Shopping results: Pay to promote your product listings through Google Ads, much like regular PPC ads, but based on product information provided, not keyword targeting.6. Knowledge PanelThe Knowledge Panel is an encyclopedia-like feature providing basic information on a person or place. When searching for an informational query, this panel often appears on the right-hand side. 
This information is compiled from various sources to answer fact-based queries.How to appear in a Knowledge Panel: While this isn’t a marketable feature, it’s worth noting for businesses targeting informational keywords, as it may draw traffic away from you even if you rank highly.7. Image packImage packs are groups of images intended as a preview of Google Images results. They appear for simple keywords with numerous related images. 
How to appear in an image pack: Include relevant images on your website with appropriate alt tags to inform Google of the searches for which they should be ranked.8. News boxA Google News box provides a preview of recent news articles related to the user’s query. This feature appears when a search pertains to a recent news event. 
How to appear in a News box: This feature can offer an additional ranking opportunity if your site is structured to feature industry news articles, potentially qualifying some posts for inclusion in the News box.9. Video resultsVideo results highlight videos relevant to the user’s query, usually from YouTube. This is an excellent way for businesses with a YouTube channel to gain visibility in Google search results. 
How to appear in video results: Optimize your YouTube videos with relevant keywords in titles and descriptions to appear in these search results.Ready to enhance your SEO through Google SERP features? WebFX is the agency of choice for superior online marketing results, with over 1,100 client testimonials. Our SEO services will optimize your presence for all listed features and more, with a dedicated account representative to keep you updated. Get started by calling 888-601-5359 or contacting us online today!
