As the pinnacle of search engine optimization (SEO) aspirations, the Position Zero (P0) ranking is highly sought after by digital marketers worldwide. Those familiar with SEO services understand the significance of securing a P0 ranking. However, what exactly is Position Zero on Google, and why does it play a crucial role in your SEO strategy?
This article delves into the nuances of this prestigious SERP position, uncovering its implications for your business. To quickly identify why your website isn’t ranking for P0, input your URL here! Continue reading or reach out to us to begin ranking in Position Zero!
Position Zero (P0) denotes the first Google search result that appears above the organic SEO listings.
Also referred to as a featured snippet, P0 is designed to provide direct answers to searchers’ queries without the need to click through to the search result link. P0 is known by various names, including:
P0
Rank Zero
Featured Snippet
In this article, we will use these terms interchangeably to refer to the coveted search result position.
Featured snippet example
Let’s illustrate what Position Zero is with an example. When I search “how do I get a passport,” the Position Zero result, located just after the paid ads, appears as follows: 
The P0 result offers searchers a direct answer to the query, including a step-by-step guide on obtaining a passport and a link to the USPS website for further information. Now that we’ve covered what Position Zero is and what a P0 search result looks like, let’s explore the short history of the P0 result.
Over the past few years, Google’s search landscape has continued to evolve to provide users with quick, valuable answers to their search queries.
In an effort to directly answer search questions, Google introduced the Knowledge Graph, initially relying solely on human-curated information from databases such as Freebase and Wikidata. Searching the question “who is the CEO of Apple” yields this Knowledge panel or instant answer box, based on information from Google’s Knowledge Graph. 
Building upon this, Google now leverages the trillions of pages in its index to generate answers in real-time.
By evaluating relevance to the search query, Google launched Featured Snippets, which extract information directly from website content. For instance, searching “how to write a check” yields a P0 result from Huntington with a list of steps and a link to their site for more information. 
But how does Google determine where to pull the information for Position Zero results — and how can you secure a spot?
Read on to find out!
When users search online, Google’s algorithms identify pages that answer users’ questions — and display the top results as featured snippets or Position Zero results. In addition to directly answering the search query, P0 results display the URL and page title of the site containing the information. If someone searches for information related to your business, products, or services, you want to rank in the Position Zero spot — and you can!
Here’s why P0 is so vital for your business.
If you currently have an SEO strategy in place, you understand the importance of ranking at the top of search results. When you meet users at the top of results for keywords related to your business, you earn more clicks, leads, and ultimately revenue for your business.
Now, Position Zero allows you to capitalize on top rankings — above the first position — to drive relevant traffic to your website. Let’s examine a few reasons why SEO is crucial for your SEO strategy and business objectives.
Position Zero helps you occupy more SERP territory
Firstly, securing a P0 spot enables your business to capture more real estate in the SERPs. With more information than traditional search results, P0 results take up more space on results pages, pushing competitors further down the page.
P0 results allow your business to gain valuable exposure in SERPs and help searchers learn more about your business, products, and services.
Position Zero boosts your click-through rate (CTR)
It’s a well-known fact that the first SERP result receives the majority of clicks. And engaging P0 results allow you to leapfrog the first position to earn even more clicks and site traffic. While site owners have worried that direct answers would reduce clicks, research has shown the opposite, with P0 holders reporting a boost in click-through rates (CTR).
These clicks are the first step to earning more leads, conversions, and revenue — and they’re extremely valuable for businesses in any industry.
Position Zero results are essential for voice search
By 2024, voice searches will account for more than half of online searches. Since search engines use Position Zero information for voice search results, it’s crucial to optimize your content for P0. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on valuable voice search traffic, leads, and revenue.
Position Zero results are becoming more prevalent
According to Search Engine Journal, over 12% of search results contain P0 results. If you’ve earned top rankings for your target keywords, don’t get complacent.
P0 results continue to steal SERP territory and traffic — and if you don’t optimize for P0, competitors will likely surpass you in search results. As Position Zero results continue to gain prevalence, it’s more important than ever to optimize your site for P0 rankings. Wondering how to get started?
Here’s a quick guide to ranking in Position Zero.
Position Zero content takes on several formats — and if you are aiming for P0 rankings, you’ll want to incorporate these formats into your content strategy.
Position Zero formats
Featured snippets typically include the following formats:
Paragraphs
Numbered and bulleted lists
Tables
Videos
Images
Charts
In addition to adopting the content formats above, certain types of content work well for achieving Position Zero spots.
1. 5W answers (who, what, when, where, why)
Featured snippets exist to answer the 5W questions: Who, what, when, where, and why. If your content succinctly and accurately answers those questions, you’ll be more likely to appear in Position Zero — like this result for “why is the sky blue.” 
Struggling to answer the 5Ws? Take a look at Google’s “People also ask” feature to uncover common questions related to a topic.
Then, you’ll want to ensure that you answer the question in a short paragraph or list and dedicate the rest of your page to unpacking the topic more in-depth.
2. How-tos
How-to searches are also prime for triggering P0 results. For example, the age-old search “how to tie a tie” yields the following P0 information. 
Many “how-to” searches yield P0 results with step-by-step instructions to guide searchers through the process.
In the example above, Real Men Real Style supplemented the numbered list with a handy graphic showing disgruntled tie-wearers exactly how to tie the perfect knot.
3. Definitions
Definitions also work well for featured snippet takeovers. Searchers looking for definitions want quick answers — and P0 spots provide them with the information they need. This P0 result for “define hat trick” helps searchers score (see what I did there?) a snapshot of the term’s meaning. 
4. Comparisons
Searchers often seek a quick comparison when deciding on brands or products to purchase. This P0 result for “Nike vs. Adidas” gives an overview of the competing brands with a link for searchers to learn more. 
It’s extremely easy to format this type of content too with lists, bullet points, or tables — all great for capturing the P0 spot.
5. Price/cost information
Searches related to price or cost also yield P0 results, which provide searchers with helpful breakdowns of how much they should expect to pay. Want to know how much it costs to vacation in Alaska? Here’s a quick estimate in the form of a Position Zero result — and you can click the link to view a custom price calculator. 
Excuse me while I book a flight!
6. Top/best lists
Lists of the top or best products assist searchers in the purchase process — and you guessed it, they make great P0 results. Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out this list of the “best chocolate brands.” 
Shout out to my fellow Hershey’s lovers!
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Not to be confused with frequently asked question pages (FAQs) that typically contain answers to a wide array of questions, P0 FAQ content answers common questions about a particular topic. And it comes from pages that provide in-depth answers about topics like “dairy-free options at Ben & Jerry’s.” 
Dairy-free ice cream enthusiasts, no need to wonder any longer. Your beloved Ben & Jerry’s does indeed offer non-dairy options, and HuffPost is here to answer your burning questions.
With that, we’ve addressed your “what is rank 0” questions, and it’s time to get started optimizing for Position Zero.
At WebFX, our featured snippet creation & optimization services, custom SEO strategies, and content marketing plans are designed to enhance your search performance and help you secure P0 spots for top keywords. Don’t take our word for it, though. Learn what WebFX clients have to say about our work.
If you like what you see, contact us today to start capturing valuable P0 search territory!
