If you are in the content marketing business, then you already understand the importance of SEO and Google rankings. You should also know that Google algorithms change regularly, and these changes come with new opportunities for content marketers and online business owners. Google Answer Boxes was introduced in 2013. The Answer Box is what you see in the middle of the ad and organic searches on the SERP.
In 2014, it was upgraded to include Featured Snippets, also known as position zero, to display relevant information from third party websites. This new feature created a new place on the SERP for businesses to rank organically, making it a priority for businesses and marketers to appear on the Answer Box. If you are not an SEO expert achieving this ranking might be challenging. However, you can hire an affordable SEO service like seoTurners to help you.
- Optimize your keywords for the Answer Boxes
Google Answer Boxes aim to answer a user’s question directly. The aim here is to make Google get that answer from your website content instead of its internal knowledge bank. To win Google Answer Boxes, you must focus on keywords that imply a medium or long question. Keywords starting with the word how and what is rated the highest in triggering the Answer Boxes. Avoid short answer questions like those asking for age, date, or location. Go for questions that require a detailed answer. A searcher will probably click on your link to get more information.
- Accuracy and proper formatting
Google chooses the best summary for the Answer Boxes, so to win it, you must provide an error-free, clear, and concise answer with searcher intent in mind. Update the content on your website regularly and include relevant facts. Most of the answers in the Google Answer Boxes are in paragraphs. However, it depends on the type of question. Lists and charts are also answering formats that rank higher when it comes to being featured on Google Answer Boxes.
- Maximize on lists
Most ‘How to’ content is formatted in a list. With such content, you might get lucky to get a featured snippet on Google Answer Boxes. You can rewrite the content you already have and put those tips and tricks in list format to increase your chances. Another trick is to ensure that your list is longer than four or five steps. A long list will exceed the Answer Boxes word limit forcing the searcher to click on your website’s link to continue reading.
- Research the competition
What keywords are your competitors using? What strategy are they using to get slotted in the Answer Boxes? Researching the competition will help inform your marketing strategy and learn new keywords and formatting styles you can use in your content.
It is important to note that you don’t have to rank first on the SERP with Google Answer Boxes. What is important is your target keywords, accuracy, formatting, and clarity of your content. According to a report by Getstat, 70% of Answer Boxes don’t come from websites that rank first, so focus on your content and enjoy the value of Google Answer Boxes.