In today’s competitive digital space, ranking on Google’s first page is no longer enough. Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) are evolving, and Google now displays SERP features that can significantly boost your visibility, traffic, and authority—if you know how to earn them.
In this blog, we’ll break down what SERP features are, the most common types, and actionable strategies to win them.
What is a SERP Feature?
A SERP Feature is any special element on a Google search results page that goes beyond the traditional blue title link and meta description.
Instead of just showing plain search listings, Google adds enhanced formats such as featured snippets, local packs, images, videos, and more—designed to quickly answer user queries.
Why they matter:
Grab more attention than regular listings
Improve click-through rates (CTR)
Position your brand as an authority
Drive targeted, high-quality traffic
Common Types of SERP Features
1. Featured Snippets
These are answer boxes at the very top of the search results. They can be in the form of paragraphs, lists, or tables.
Example: If you search “what is digital marketing”, you might see a short paragraph directly answering the query.
How to Win:
Answer questions concisely in 40–60 words
Use clear headings and bullet points
Target question-based keywords (Who, What, How, Why)
2. Local Pack (Google Map Results)
Shows a map and the top 3 local business listings related to a search query.
Example: Searching “best digital marketing agency near me” shows a local map pack with business names, ratings, and contact info.
How to Win:
Optimize and verify your Google Business Profile
Collect positive customer reviews
Use local keywords and location-specific content
3. Knowledge Panel
Appears on the right-hand side (desktop) with detailed information about a business, person, or topic.
Example: A brand search for “Osumare” might show company details, social links, and logo.
How to Win:
Create and maintain a strong Google Business Profile
Use schema markup (structured data)
Keep brand information consistent across the web
4. People Also Ask (PAA)
A dropdown list of related questions users frequently search for, each expandable with a quick answer.
How to Win:
Research related questions using tools like AnswerThePublic or Google’s own PAA boxes
Provide detailed, FAQ-style answers in your content
Use conversational language for better matching
5. Image Pack
A row of images that appears when Google detects visual intent in a search.
How to Win:
Use high-quality, relevant images
Add descriptive, keyword-rich alt text
Include images in XML sitemaps
6. Video Carousels
A set of video thumbnails, often from YouTube, related to the search.
How to Win:
Create engaging, keyword-optimized videos
Add descriptive titles, tags, and transcripts
Use timestamps for step-by-step guides
7. Top Stories
News-related content for trending topics.
How to Win:
Publish timely, newsworthy content
Submit your site to Google News
Use structured data for news articles
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning SERP Features
Optimize for Search Intent – Align content with exactly what users want.
Use Structured Data – Implement schema markup to help Google understand your content format.
Target Long-Tail Keywords – Specific, niche queries are easier to win.
Keep Content Clear and Well-Formatted – Use headings, lists, tables, and short paragraphs.
Regularly Update Your Content – Fresh content signals relevance to Google.
Final Thoughts
Winning SERP features isn’t about luck—it’s about smart, strategic optimization. When you understand how each feature works and tailor your content to match, you unlock the potential to capture more clicks, boost brand authority, and outshine your competitors.
At Osumare, we specialize in helping businesses secure and maintain SERP dominance. From technical SEO to content optimization, our strategies are designed to put your brand in the spotlight.
Contact us today and let’s take your search visibility to the next level.