When you Google something, you don’t just get normal links anymore. You’ll find additional results—such as quick answers, maps, or even images—on the page itself. These are called SERP features.

SERP, short for  Search Engine Results Page, are elements designed to enable people to find what they want more quickly. For website owners and service providers, this means a way to stand out among the competitors and be seen more swiftly, that too, without appearing at the top of the result page. 

If you’re clever about how you become visible in these elements, you can have more eyes on you, more clicks, and more visibility, all without paying extra for Ads. 

This guide will discuss what SERP features are, how they matter, and how to start showing up in them.

Where Do SERP Features Show Up in Google Results?

Yes, they are. SERP features now show up on most Google search pages. Whether you’re searching for a recipe, a nearby café, or how-to guides, chances are you’ll see something extra like a map, a quick answer box, or questions related to your query.

In fact, it’s become rare to see a search result page with just the usual list of blue links. Most pages now include at least one extra feature that grabs your attention.

To give you a clear idea:

A recent report from Semrush showed that only about 1.5% of search results appear without any SERP features. That means over 98% of searches now include things like Featured Snippets, People Also Ask, images, videos, or local packs.

And that’s just one type. For example:

• “Related Searches” show up on nearly 84% of results.
  
• “People Also Ask” appears in over 50% of searches.
  

So yes—SERP features are everywhere, and they’re only becoming more common. That’s why if your site isn’t showing up in these features, you’re probably missing out on a lot of free visibility.

Understanding where they appear is one thing—but knowing how to show up in them is where the real opportunity starts.

Why Should You Care About SERP Features in SEO?

Because they take up space where your website should be.

Today, when someone searches on Google, they don’t always click the first link. They might get the answer right from a featured box. Or they might tap on a map, a video, or a dropdown in the “People Also Ask” section.

If your site isn’t showing up in any of these, you’re probably losing traffic—even if you’re ranking on the first page.

SERP features can help you:

• Get seen before the regular links
• Stand out, even if you’re not in the #1 spot
• Look more trustworthy to people who are searching
• Bring more clicks to your page, especially when you appear in the featured areas

Let’s say your page is ranked #7 in Google—but your answer is picked up as a Featured Snippet. That one feature can put your content at the very top, above everyone else.

The point is that Google is always trying to give users answers faster. If your content can help with that, it deserves to be featured.

So yes, caring about SERP features isn’t optional anymore. It’s how smart SEO works in 2025.

16 Types of SERP Features & How to Get Featured

There are many types of results Google shows beyond normal blue links. This section breaks down 16 common SERP features and how you can get your content there.

1. Featured Snippet

A featured snippet is a short answer that Google shows right at the top of the search results — above the regular websites. It gives people a quick answer without needing to click any link.

For instance, if a user searches “How to boil eggs?”, Google may display a brief paragraph or a step-by-step guide straight at the top, answering the question directly. That box is called a featured snippet.

These snippets usually appear in different formats:

• 🟩 A short paragraph
  
• 🔢 A numbered or bullet list
  
• 📊 A simple table

And yes — Google pulls that info from a website. So, if your content gives a clear and helpful answer, your website can appear there!

Why Featured Snippets Matter

• They appear above all other search results (that’s called “Position Zero”)
  
• They get more clicks because people see them first
  
• They build trust because Google is picking your answer to feature
  

How to Get Featured in a Snippet

You can’t “apply” for a snippet — but you can make your content work cleverly so that Google is likely to choose it.

Here’s what you can do:

✅ Step 1: Find questions that already show featured snippets

Use tools like Semrush or Google’s own search results. Type in a question related to your topic, and see if Google shows a snippet.

If it does, you know that keyword gives you a chance to get featured.

✅ Step 2: Understand the format Google prefers

Check what type of snippet is showing:

• Is it a short paragraph?
  
• A list of steps?
  
• A table with numbers?

This tells you how to structure your own content.

✅ Step 3: Create your answer the same way (but better)

• 🟢 For paragraph snippets: Write a direct answer in 2–4 lines. Keep it clear, simple, and useful. Use the question as your subheading (like “How to clean a coffee machine?”) and answer it right after.
  
• 🟢 For list snippets: Use bullet points or numbered steps. Don’t add fluff — just give the steps or items clearly.
  
• 🟢 For table snippets: Show data in a small table (like price vs. features). Use proper HTML table tags if you can, so Google can read it easily.

Example

Let’s say you’re writing about “How to make cold coffee.”
To aim for a snippet, you could write:

Subheading

How to Make Cold Coffee at Home

Answer paragraph (snippet-style)

To prepare cold coffee, mix 1 cup of milk with 2 teaspoons powder coffee, sugar and ice cubes. Shake for 30 seconds and serve cooled in a glass.

That’s how you help Google pick your answer. It’s about being clear, helpful, and matching the format Google already prefers.

2. Local Pack (Map Results)

The Local Pack, also called the Map Pack, is the section in Google that shows nearby businesses on a map — right at the top of the page when someone searches for local services.

For example, if you type “dentist near me” or “pizza shop in New York City,” you’ll see a map and a list of 3 businesses just below it. That’s the Local Pack.

It usually includes:

• Business names
• Ratings and reviews
• Address and phone number
• Website link
• Open/closed hours
• And a clickable map showing locations

Why Is the Local Pack Important?

If you run a local business — like a clinic, salon, café, or law firm — showing up here can help you get:

• More calls
• More visits
• And more local customers without spending on ads

This section stands out on the search page. And many people don’t even scroll past it. So getting featured here can make a big difference.

How to Get Your Business in the Local Pack

There’s no trick — but you can follow these steps to improve your chances:

✅ 1. Set up your Google Business Profile (GBP)
It’s free and easy. Just visit google.com/business and fill in your business name, address, hours, and other info. Keep it updated regularly.

✅ 2. Use the same contact info everywhere
Make sure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are exactly the same on your website, social media, and directories (like JustDial, Sulekha, or Yelp).

✅ 3. Target local keywords
Use phrases people search for — like “best baker in Mumbai” or “AC repair in Noida” — in your page titles, service pages, and blog posts.

✅ 4. Ask for reviews — and reply to them
Happy customers? Ask them to leave a review on your Google listing. It builds trust and improves your ranking in local searches.

✅ 5. Get listed on local websites
Try to get your business mentioned or linked from other local blogs, news sites, or directories. These backlinks help boost your local SEO.

✅ 6. Add local schema markup
This is a small bit of code you add to your site that helps Google better understand your business. Ask your developer to add it or use plugins if you’re on WordPress.

3. Review Snippets (Stars)

You’ve probably seen search results with little yellow ⭐ star ratings under them. That’s a review snippet.

These stars show up when a webpage has review or rating data added through schema markup (a special code that helps Google understand what’s on the page). These reviews can be for products, recipes, software, local services, and more.

Here’s what a review snippet usually includes

• A star rating (out of 5)
• Number of reviews or ratings
• Sometimes the price, availability, or other product info

These results catch the eye quickly. Users often trust and click on pages with visible ratings because it shows credibility. That’s why review snippets are great for boosting click-through rate (CTR).

How to Get Review Snippets on Google

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to get your own review stars:

• Add review schema to your page: Use structured data markup like Product, Recipe, Book, SoftwareApplication, etc., depending on what your content is about.
• Use trusted sources for reviews: Google wants genuine feedback, so don’t fake reviews. Use verified reviews from real users or customers.
• Place the review visibly on the page: Don’t just add the schema in the backend—make sure the review or rating is actually visible to readers.
• Test your schema: Use Google’s Rich Results Test tool to check if your page is eligible for review snippets.

4. Sitelinks

Sitelinks are the extra links that appear under the primary search result for a website. They help individuals access important pages such as “About Us”, “Contact”, “Pricing”, “Blog” or “Log In” – without having to visit the website.

These are referred to as sitelinks, and they’re fantastic for both SEO and user experience. They assist users in locating what they need quicker and indicate that your site is organized.

How Do You Get Sitelinks?

You can’t ask Google to show site links. It picks them automatically. But you can increase your chances with these simple steps:

✅ Use clear navigation menus
Make sure your website has clean and simple menus that are easy to crawl and understand.

✅ Create internal links to your key pages
Link to your most important pages (like “Contact,” “Pricing,” and “Login”) from your homepage and other high-traffic areas.

✅ Write clear page titles and headings
Each page should have a unique, descriptive title — so Google knows what the page is about.

✅ Use a clean site structure
Avoid messy URLs or too many nested folders. Keep things simple, like:
yourdomain.com/blog instead of yourdomain.com/2025/may/marketing/why-blogging-matters-today

Why Sitelinks Matter for SEO

• They take up more space on the search page, pushing competitors down.
• They help users click directly to what they want — which means better user experience.
• More click-throughs = better engagement = better rankings over time.

5. Video Results

Sometimes, reading about a topic just isn’t enough — you need to see it. That’s where video results come in.

When Google feels a video would explain something better than a blog post or article, it shows a video carousel. These are rows of videos, often pulled from YouTube, that appear right on the search results page.

When Do Video Results Show?

You’ll usually see them for searches like:

• How-to guides (e.g. “how to tie a tie”)
• Tutorials or walkthroughs
• Product reviews and demos
• Fitness or cooking instructions

Basically, anything visual or step-based is a good fit.

How to Get Your Video Shown on Google

If you make videos, here’s how you can get them noticed by Google:

✅ Make your videos actually helpful
Stick to one topic per video. Solve a real problem or answer a common question.

✅ Use clear titles and descriptions
Use your target keyword naturally. For example: “Beginner’s Guide to French Press Coffee.”

✅ Upload to YouTube
Most videos in search results come from YouTube. It’s easy to upload and gets indexed fast.

✅ Add video schema if it’s on your website
If you’re hosting the video on your site, adding VideoObject schema helps Google understand it better.

✅ Pick a strong thumbnail

 A clean, eye-catching thumbnail gets more clicks. Avoid clutter or blurry images.

6. Top Stories (News Carousel)

When something big is happening in the world — like a tech launch, political event, or sports final — Google often shows a “Top Stories” section right on the search page.

This section shows the latest news articles from trusted sources. They appear in a horizontal scroll box (called a carousel), usually at the top or middle of the results page.

What Shows Up in Top Stories?

Top Stories usually include:

• News headlines from reliable publishers
• A short snippet or summary
• Publisher name and logo
• A time stamp (e.g., “2 hours ago”)
• Sometimes a thumbnail image

You’ll see this for searches like:

• “iPhone 16 launch”
• “US election updates”
• “Earthquake in California”

It’s meant for users who are looking for current, trusted information—fast.

Can You Get Featured in Top Stories?

Yes — but it’s not easy for everyone. Google gives priority to well-known news websites and verified publishers. But here’s what you can do to improve your chances:

✅ Use Google News-approved formats
Structure your site and articles using proper schema markup (like NewsArticle) and follow Google’s news content guidelines.

✅ Write timely, accurate articles
Focus on real-time topics or trending stories in your industry or niche. Cover breaking news quickly with clear, well-structured writing.

✅ Use AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)
While not required, AMP helps with mobile loading speed — and Google still gives some edge to AMP pages in Top Stories.

✅ Get indexed fast
Use tools like Google Search Console to submit new URLs as soon as you publish.

✅ Build authority
Sites with solid domain authority, backlinks, and trustworthy content are more likely to be chosen.

Even if you’re not a traditional news site, you can still try covering fresh updates in your niche. Think “Google algorithm updates” or “industry-level trends” — anything useful and timely for your audience.

7. X Posts (Formerly Twitter)

Sometimes when you Google something — especially a trending topic — you’ll see recent posts from X (formerly Twitter) right on the search page.

This section usually shows real-time updates from public accounts. It appears when Google thinks fresh, social commentary will help answer the search.

For example, if you search for:

• “Apple event 2025”
• “NBA finals reactions”
• “Weather update New York”

You might see a few X posts pop up with opinions, breaking news, or live updates.

Why Does Google Show X Posts?

Because people often turn to X during:

• Live events
• Breaking news
• Public reactions
• Viral moments

It’s a fast way for Google to surface raw, timely content — directly from people, brands, and journalists.

Can You Appear in This Section?

Yes — but there’s no fixed trick. However, you can improve your chances by:

✅ Posting consistently on X
✅ Using trending hashtags
✅ Keeping your profile public
✅ Reacting fast to breaking topics in your niche
✅ Tagging relevant profiles or sources

If Google thinks your post adds value to a trending topic, it may include it in the X section.

If you’re active on X, this is a great SEO bonus. Just stay relevant, real, and helpful with your content — and the reach will follow.

8. Knowledge Panel

A Knowledge Panel is that big box you often see on the right side of Google’s search results — especially when you search for something well-known, like a famous person, company, place, or event.

It usually includes:

• A short description
• Key facts (like date founded, location, CEO, etc.)
• Official website link
• Social media profiles
• Related images or people

You’ll notice it when you search things like:

• “NASA”
• “Oprah Winfrey”
• “Apple Inc.”

Google pulls this info from its Knowledge Graph, which is basically its huge fact database.

Why It Matters

Showing up in a knowledge panel builds trust. It makes your brand or name look authoritative, and it helps people quickly learn who you are and what you do — without even clicking a website.

Can You Appear in a Knowledge Panel?

If you’re a public figure, business, or organization, yes — it’s possible.

Here’s what helps: 

✅ Create a solid About page on your website
✅ Use consistent info across the internet (like name, logo, contact)
✅ Add Organization Schema to your site (this helps Google understand your brand better)
✅ Claim your Google Business Profile (especially if you’re a local business)
✅ Be mentioned on trusted sites like Wikipedia, Crunchbase, or major news platforms

If Google finds reliable, consistent information about you or your business, you’re more likely to get a panel.

9. FAQs (Expandable Questions)

You might’ve seen search results that show a few expandable questions right below a webpage — these are called FAQ snippets.

These questions aren’t picked by Google randomly. They come straight from the website itself using something called FAQ schema. This lets you add your own questions and answers, and if Google likes them, it shows them right under your page listing.

What do they look like?

Let’s say you search for “how to file taxes online.”
You might see a result with dropdown questions like:
❓ What documents are needed to file taxes?
❓ Can I file taxes online for free?

Clicking on them reveals the answer — all without visiting the page.

Why should you care?

• They take up more space on Google, which means more attention.
• They help people quickly find answers — and increase the chances of them clicking.
• They give you an edge, even if you’re not ranking #1.

How to show up with FAQ snippets

✅ Add a short FAQ section on your blog post or landing page.
✅ Make sure questions are real — things people actually search.
✅ Answer clearly in 1–2 short sentences.
✅ Use FAQ schema markup (your dev or an SEO tool can help with this).
✅ Don’t stuff it with keywords — keep it helpful and natural.

10. People Also Ask (PAA Box)

When you search for something on Google, have you noticed a box that shows extra questions like:

That’s called the PAA box (People Also Ask).

Each question expands with a short answer pulled from a webpage, along with a clickable link to that source.

How to increase your chances of showing up?

✔ Find real questions people ask about your topic. Use tools like AnswerThePublic, AlsoAsked, or even Google autocomplete.

✔ Add those questions naturally to your content — especially as headings (H2/H3) with direct, clear answers below.

✔ Keep answers short, to the point, and helpful (usually 40–50 words).

✔ Use plain language — avoid jargon. Write like you’re explaining it to a friend.

✔ Use proper formatting: bullet points, lists, or quick summaries — Google loves easy-to-read content.

11. Hotel Pack

When you search for something like “hotels in Los Angeles” or “best stays near Times Square,” Google often shows a special box at the top of the page. That’s called the Hotel Pack.

It usually shows:

• Hotel names with prices
• Star ratings and guest reviews
• Photos of the hotel rooms
• A small map with the hotel’s location
• Filters like dates, budget, and amenities

It’s designed to help people compare hotels quickly without leaving the search page.

How do you show up in the Hotel Pack?

✔️ List or claim your hotel on Google
Make sure your business profile has the right name, address, phone number, and photos. Keep everything updated.

✔️ Be on travel websites
Google gets pricing and availability info from booking sites like Booking.com or Expedia. You need to be listed on at least one of them.

✔️ Get more reviews
Good reviews and ratings help you stand out. Ask happy guests to leave a review, and respond politely to all feedback.

✔️ Use local keywords
Write content using city-based terms like “budget hotel in Boston” or “family hotel near Central Park.” It helps people find your hotel in local searches.

✔️ Add proper tags to your website
If you have your own website, using the right code (called schema) helps Google understand your hotel info better.

12. Job Listings

When someone searches for a job on Google — like “graphic design jobs” or “sales manager positions” — they often see a box with real job openings listed right in the search results. This is called the Job Listings feature.

It pulls real job ads from websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and company career pages. You can:

• See job titles, companies, and locations
• Check when the job was posted
• Apply directly through the listed platform
• Filter by job type (full-time, part-time, remote, etc.)

How Can You Get Your Jobs Listed on Google?

If you own a business and wish your job postings to show up in Google’s Job Listings, this is what you must do:

✔️ Post Jobs on Trusted Platforms
Use popular job platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Google already pulls listings from these places.

✔️ Use Job Posting Schema on Your Website
If you list jobs directly on your website, you’ll need to add special code (called JobPosting schema). This helps Google read your listings correctly.

✔️ Keep Job Info Accurate and Updated
Only include jobs that are actually open. Remove expired listings and update anything that changes (like location or salary).

✔️ Add Key Details
Ensure each job ad has a concise title, location, type of job, job description, and application instructions. The more information, the better.

13. Google Ads

Google Ads are the sponsored results that show up at the very top (and sometimes bottom) of the search results page. Businesses pay Google for these placements for specific keywords.  

You will usually see them marked with a small “ad” mark next to the link.

For example, if someone is searching for “Link Building Services,” the first results are likely to be Google ads from link-building agencies that build links.

Why Google Ads Matter on the SERP

Because they show up before any organic (non-paid) result, Google Ads can grab a lot of attention — and clicks. If you’re running a business and want fast visibility, Google Ads can help drive traffic to your site almost immediately.

How to Get Your Ad Featured

✅ Create a Google Ads account
You can choose the keywords you want to target, write your ad, and set your daily budget.

✅ Write a clear, catchy ad
Your ad headline and description should match what people are searching for and offer a reason to click — like a discount or free shipping.

✅ Use relevant landing pages
Make sure the page people land on is directly related to your ad. If someone clicks on “buy red sneakers,” don’t send them to a generic homepage.

✅ Improve your Quality Score
Google looks at your ad’s click-through rate, relevance, and landing page experience. Higher scores = better placement and lower costs.

14. Shopping Ads

Shopping Ads (also called Product Listing Ads or PLAs) are the product boxes you often see at the top or side of Google when you search for something like “wireless headphones,” “Playing Cards,” or “running shoes.”

They show product images, prices, store names, and sometimes reviews — all before you even click. These ads help shoppers compare options quickly.

How to Get Your Products Shown in Shopping Ads

✅ Create a Google Merchant Center account
This is where you upload product details — like name, price, photo, and stock status.

✅ Link it to your Google Ads account
You’ll run your Shopping campaigns through Google Ads.

✅ Use clear, high-quality product images
No blurry or messy photos. Make your product look its best.

✅ Keep prices and availability updated
Google checks if the info in your ad matches your site. If it doesn’t, your ad might not run.

✅ Write clear product titles and descriptions
Google uses these to decide when to show your ad. Include important keywords naturally.

If you sell goods online, Shopping Ads are among the best means to target willing-to-buy customers directly from the search results.

15. Image Pack

The Image Pack is a collection of images that shows up in Google’s search results when images can better respond to what a person is searching for.

For instance, if you search “kitchen backsplash ideas” or “types of coffee machine,” you will find a string of images above or in the middle of a page. This section is pulled from Google Images and helps people visually explore their queries.

How to Get Featured in the Image Pack

✅ Use high-quality, original images
Avoid stock photos when possible. Real, clear, and useful images perform better.

✅ Write descriptive file names
Replace “IMG123.jpg” with “espresso-machine-with-milk-frother.jpg.”

✅ Add descriptive alt text
Google uses alt text to understand what your image is about. Keep it simple and relevant.

✅ Place images near relevant text
If your image is about a “vegan burger recipe,” include that text near the image, too.

✅ Use structured data (ImageObject schema)
This makes the search engines have a better sense of your pictures.

If you are in a niche where picture is important, optimizing your picture is not just good SEO – it’s the best way to be noticed when people search.”.

16. Related Searches

At the bottom of most of Google’s search pages, you will find a section marked “Related Search.” These are several keywords that individuals tend to search for after searching for something similar to yours.

For instance, if you type in “best budget coffee makers,” you may find related searches such as:

• “best drip coffee maker under $100”
• “coffee maker with grinder”
• “single serve vs drip coffee”

These recommendations provide users with additional concepts to search for and enable them to refine what they are actually seeking.

How to Use Related Searches for SEO

✅ Search your main keyword on Google and scroll to the bottom
✅ Note the related search terms — these are gold for blog ideas, FAQs, and subheadings
✅ Include them naturally in your content where they fit
✅ Use them to build internal links between related blog posts or product pages

How to Know Which SERP Features You’re Missing

If you want more visibility in Google’s search results, it’s not enough to just rank. You also want to know where your content could appear but currently doesn’t.

Here’s how you can figure out which SERP features your site is missing — without getting too technical:

📝 Step 1: Create a List of Your Target Keywords

Start by collecting a list of keywords you’re already targeting on your site. You can:

• Pull them from your blog post titles
• Check Google Search Console
• Or even use a free keyword research tool to find common searches in your niche

🔍 Step 2: Search Those Keywords on Google

Take each keyword and search it on Google manually.

Now, observe the page carefully:

• Do you see a featured snippet?
• Is there a People Also Ask box?
• Are there star ratings, videos, maps, or product carousels?
• What shows up before the regular 10 links?

Now, check if your site is showing up in any of those areas.

If not, it means you’re missing out on that SERP feature for that keyword.

⚙️ Step 3: Want a Faster Route? Use a Tool (Like SEMrush)

If you’d rather not do this manually, tools like SEMrush make it quicker.

Here’s a quick idea of how it works:

1. Enter your website in SEMrush’s Position Tracking tool

2. Set your target keywords

3. Head to the SERP Features report

4. You’ll see which features you already appear in—and which ones are available but you’re not ranking in yet

It’s like having a list of “hidden” SEO chances handed to you.

🎯 Step 4: Turn That Gap Into an Opportunity

Once you know where you’re missing out, focus on creating or updating content that fits the format of that feature.

For example:

• No snippet? Try writing clearer definitions or lists.
• Not in “People Also Ask”? Add common questions as headings in your content.
• Missing in the local pack? Improve your Google Business Profile.

One SERP feature at a time can bring you closer to the results you want.

📌 Curious to Know Which SERP Features Your Competitors Rank In?

If you want to appear in SERP features, it is useful first to observe where your competitors already appear. Why? Because it tells you two important things:

• What types of features show up for your keywords
• What kind of content is already working for those spots

Here’s how you can check this without overthinking it:

🔍 Step 1: Google It Like a User

Search your target keywords just like a regular user would. Look at the results page:

• Is there a featured snippet?
• A map?
• A video?
• A “People Also Ask” box?

Now check if your competitors are listed in those spots.

🧰 Step 2: Use a Tool Like Ahrefs (Example)

Here’s exactly how to use Ahrefs to see which SERP features your competitor ranks in:

1. Go to Ahrefs and log in.
2. Enter your competitor’s domain in the Site Explorer tool.
3. In the left sidebar, click “Organic Keywords.”
4. You’ll now see a list of all the keywords your competitor ranks for.
5. Look at the “SERP features” column — this tells you which keywords trigger a feature, and if your competitor appears in it.

For example, if you see a keyword like “how to optimize meta tags” and the SERP feature says “Featured Snippet”, that means your competitor is ranking in that snippet.

Now visit that specific page on their site, and check:

• How they structured their content
• How they answered the question
• Whether they used headings, lists, short answers, etc.

That’s your inspiration (not to copy — but to create something better).

Conclusion

You don’t need to rank #1 to get noticed anymore.

Google now gives you many chances to show up through different features—whether it’s a quick answer box, a map, or a video. These spots are often easier to reach than the top organic result, and they still drive clicks, traffic, and trust.

What matters most is this: Be helpful. Be clear. Be relevant.

If your content gives people what they’re actually looking for—and you structure it in a way Google understands—you’ve already taken the first step toward getting featured.

Don’t chase tricks. Focus on value. That’s what gets rewarded today.

FAQs on SERP Features