Featured Snippet Optimization
01 Definition
Featured Snippet Optimization meaning: Structuring content to win Google's highlighted answer box above results.
Featured Snippet Optimization is the practice of formatting content so Google selects it for the featured snippet, the highlighted answer shown above organic results. Tactics include concise answers, clear question headings, and lists or tables. Google chooses snippets automatically, so selection is never guaranteed and can change at any time.
Also called
Why it matters
How Featured Snippet Optimization fits the work
A featured snippet places content in a prominent spot and can build authority, making it a common target for question-based queries.
In context
By adding a 45-word definition directly under a question heading, the article won the featured snippet for that query the following month.
Practical note
Winning a snippet can reduce clicks if users get the full answer on the results page. You cannot force selection; you can only format content to make it a strong candidate.