In featured answers, prioritization is a key factor in how Google’s algorithms select the right content. However, it’s not the only factor. According to a 2016 survey, 70 percent of featured answers were pulled from the first three Google search results. But the remaining 30 percent were selected from lower results, even as low as 71st. This shows that Google’s algorithm goes beyond the limitations of the initial results to identify featured answers.
Featured Answers and Content Length
As mentioned earlier, one of the essential characteristics of a featured answer is that it answers the questions posed by Google in a concise and complete manner. This shows that the algorithm is looking for content that is neither so short that it doesn’t provide a good answer nor so long that it seems confusing. If you look at a few answers, you’ll notice that their average length is around 50 words. In such a space, tailoring your content to answer the target question is another way to increase your chances of being selected.
Quality of Information in Featured Answers
When it comes to featured answers, the issue of optimal content length leads to another crucial discussion: the actual quality of your content. Because answers are designed to provide quick and accurate answers, winning an answer means convincing the algorithm that your content is the best option for answering relevant questions. In essence, your content should be detailed enough without being too long.
How do you know if your content has enough detail for a good answer? The following tips can help improve the quality of information:
- Present information in a way that a novice audience can understand, not an expert.
- Use step-by-step instructions or explanations to convey the content.
- Use visual tools like infographics to organize and make the content more engaging.
Google’s Featured Answer Selection
According to John Mueller, a trend analyst at Google, structuring your content can significantly increase its chances of being selected as a featured answer. This requires creating a logical and formal structure. For example:
- Each paragraph should include an introduction, explanation, and conclusion.
- Using headings to categorize content and show the relationship between different sections helps with clarity.
- Using tables and lists also plays an important role in effectively organizing content.
In addition, answering common questions can increase the value of your content. Creating a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or tutorial section can cover frequently asked questions related to your topic. This is a great way to combine multiple targeted questions and attract visitors to your site.
How to prepare your site for featured answers and better rankings in search results?
According to Google, featured answers are usually selected from the initial search results. While prioritization is not the only influencing factor, it plays a very important role in the content selection algorithm. Featured answers often come from the initial results, which highlights the importance of optimizing for these rankings.
Why don’t site improvements show results right away?
It’s important to note that the improvements and changes you make to your site don’t show their effect immediately. Even if you make major changes quickly, it can take several months for them to show their impact on search results rankings.
Optimization as an ongoing process
To achieve higher rankings in search engine results (SERPs) and increase your chances of being selected as a featured answer, the optimization process must be done continuously. Focusing on long-term strategies such as:
- Improving content structure
- Using relevant keywords
- Creating high-quality, valuable content for your audience
can yield sustainable results and propel your site to a higher position in search results. Therefore, continuous optimization and patience are essential to succeed in catching the attention of Google’s algorithms.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): The Key to Success in Google’s Featured Answer Ranking
One of the most important measures to improve your site’s ranking is search engine optimization (SEO). This process involves the proper use of keywords with a reasonable density. Note that excessive use of keywords, rather than improving your ranking, may cause it to decrease in Google’s algorithms.
Also, the use of copied content, especially for linking to other sites, has a negative impact on your ranking. Google provides specific guidelines and valuable tips for webmasters to make the most of its ranking system.
Checking and correcting site errors: an essential step in optimization
Another step that should be taken is to carefully check the site and correct the errors. Errors such as:
- Broken links
- Duplicate content
- Images of inappropriate size
can reduce the number of visitors and your site’s ranking in the search results page.
How to optimize your site?
- Use relevant and optimized keywords.
- Create valuable and unique content.
- Check the site regularly and fix possible errors.
By focusing on these actions and following Google’s guidelines, you can improve your site’s ranking in search results and attract more visitors.
Other Key Factors in Improving a Site’s Ranking in Search Results
In addition to keyword optimization and fixing site errors, other factors also affect your site’s ranking in search engines. Some of the most important of these factors are:
- Page loading speed: Sites that load faster provide a better user experience and rank better on Google.
- Unique and catchy titles: Using descriptive and targeted titles helps to grab the attention of users and Google’s algorithms.
- Mobile compatibility: Responsive and mobile-friendly design is a major ranking factor.
In conclusion
Although there is no guaranteed way to win a featured answer contest, following the tips explained above can significantly increase your chances. You certainly won’t lose by doing them, as all of these steps will help with SERP prioritization, user satisfaction, and other important metrics. As Google continues to refine its algorithms and introduce innovations, the way Featured Answers work may eventually change.
In the fast-paced world of online advertising, it’s important to stay on top of changes. Working with experts in the field can help you update your strategies and keep up with complex algorithms.
Originally published: 06/20/2021
Updated: 10/27/2021