Optimizing for 5 TOP SERP Features. Tips and Advice

Getting seen on Google isn’t just about ranking first anymore. If you’re not optimizing for SERP features, you’re reducing your Share of Voice in the SERP, making your brand invisible where it matters most. As search results get busier and more competitive, winning a place in key SERP features is critical to growing your share of voice, and if you don’t, your competitors will.

The Role of SERP Features on Your Share of Voice and Why You Should Optimize for Them

SERP features are elements on the search results page that go beyond the traditional blue links. They include:

• Featured snippets,
• People also ask boxes,
• Images,
• Local packs,
• Knowledge Panels
• Etc

→ See our complete guide on Google SERP Features

These features are designed to provide users with quick, relevant information directly on the search page. The more features your Brand controls, the more real estate you will occupy on the Search Results Page. And optimizing for SERP features is the fastest way to expand your visibility and push competitors further down the page.

The 5 TOP SERP Features and how to Optimize for them

Optimizing for SERP Features is not just about getting more space in the results page. As of 2024, SERP features account for approximately 65% of a search result’s visibility.

Here are the 5 TOP SERP Features you should be optimizing for:

Featured Snippets

Also known as “Position 0,” featured snippets are highlighted boxes that provide direct answers to search queries. They usually appear above the first organic result and can include paragraphs, lists, tables, or videos. When present, they achieve a 42.9% CTR, surpassing the traditional first organic result.

→ Monitor your featured snippets and your competitors

How to optimize for featured snippets in the SERP?

• Structure your content to directly answer common questions.
• Use clear, concise sentences and organized formatting (bullet points, tables, numbered lists).
• Include the target query in your headings (H2, H3) and close to the answer.
• Focus on answering “what is,” “how to,” and definition-based queries.
• Use proper HTML markup to explain to the search engines exactly how your content is structured

→ Read more about how to optimize for featured snippets

People Also Ask (PAA)

People Also Ask boxes display expandable related questions and answers, offering users additional quick information. They allow users to dive deeper into a topic without leaving the search results, making them an opportunity for extended visibility across multiple queries.

→ Read more about how to optimize for PAA

How to optimize for People Also Ask?

• Research related questions around your main keywords.
• Provide clear, conversational answers within your content.
• Use FAQ sections on your pages targeting common follow-up questions.
• Mark up your content with the FAQ schema where relevant.

Local Pack

Local Packs are a map-based SERP feature showcasing businesses relevant to the search query. In addition to location, they display reviews, opening hours, and other key business information, making them essential for businesses that rely on local customers.

→ Monitor your local SERP appearance

How to optimize for the Local Pack?

• Create and optimize a Google Business Profile with up-to-date information.
• Collect and manage customer reviews (quantity and quality matter).
• Use local keywords and location-specific pages.
• Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are consistent across the web.

→ Read more about how to optimize for the local pack

AI Overviews

The most talked-about feature in Google Search today, AI Overviews (formerly SGE — Search Generative Experience) are AI-generated summaries that provide comprehensive answers to complex queries. They often replace traditional featured snippets and demonstrate how well Google understands a brand, service, or product.

→ Read more about how to optimize for AI Overviews

How to optimize for AI Overviews?

• Focus on building strong topical authority across your site.
• Use schema markup to clearly define entities, relationships, and offerings.
• Maintain accurate, high-quality, and in-depth content that covers topics comprehensively.
• Build a solid online brand presence beyond your website (mentions, profiles, media)

Knowledge Panels

Knowledge Panels display a curated box of verified information about entities like people, companies, or organizations. It’s one of the most powerful SERP features. Knowledge Panels pull from trusted sources like Wikipedia & Wikidata, official websites, and major publications, showcasing your brand as a verified authority directly on the search page.

→ Monitor your share of voice on the SERP

How to optimize for Knowledge Panels?

• Create consistent, verified profiles across trusted platforms (e.g., Wikipedia, Crunchbase, official websites).
• Use structured data on your site (especially Organization, Person, or Product schema).
• Build brand mentions and connections across high-authority sites.
• Correct any inaccurate information in public sources and claim your panel via Google.

Optimizing for SERP Features: Final Tips to Increase your SOV

Optimizing for individual SERP features is powerful, but the truth is: many of the best practices overlap. Whether you’re targeting Featured Snippets, AI Overviews, the Local Pack, or Knowledge Panels, certain strategies will always help you gain more visibility, authority, and ultimately, a greater Share of Voice (SOV) in search.

Here are the key principles you should focus on:

• Prioritize clear, structured content
  Use headings (H2, H3), bullet points, tables, and lists to make your content easy for search engines to understand and extract.
• Answer user questions directly and early
  Always aim to provide a concise, direct answer at the beginning of your paragraphs, especially when covering common queries.
• Use schema markup to structure your data
  Add relevant structured data (FAQ, Article, LocalBusiness, Organization) to help Google recognize your content and brand relationships.
• Strengthen your brand’s authority across the web
  Build consistent and accurate profiles on trusted platforms, earn mentions in reputable sources, and keep your online presence active and credible.
• Optimize for topical authority, not just keywords
  Cover related subtopics comprehensively to show expertise on the subject: this helps for AI Overviews, Knowledge Panels, and even PAA boxes.
• Maintain accurate and updated information
  Make sure your site, profiles, and external mentions all reflect the same, up-to-date information about your brand, services, and offerings.
• Focus on user experience and clarity
  Easy-to-read, fast-loading, mobile-friendly content not only pleases users but also improves your chances of being featured.

→ See our Guide to New SERP Features in 2025

Conclusion: How to Succeed When Optimizing for SERP Features

Optimizing for search features is essential for succeeding with SEO in the future of AIs and LLMs. By focusing on Featured Snippets, People Also Ask boxes, Local Packs, AI Overviews, and Knowledge Panels, you can significantly boost your brand’s visibility, authority, and traffic.

Implementing the strategies outlined above will position your content to appear in the most valuable real estate on Google’s search results, ensuring you stay ahead of your competitors and maintain a strong Share of Voice.