What are Google SERP Features?
Google SERP features are the enhanced search results displayed on Google’s Search Engine Results Page (SERP) that go beyond the traditional blue organic links.
While the blue links represent the standard organic search results related to a query, SERP features include a variety of additional elements such as snippets, images, videos, FAQs, ads, and more. These features enrich the user experience by providing quick, relevant information directly on the results page.
The most common types of Google SERP features
Here are some of the most frequently seen Google SERP features:
Google Ads (Top & Bottom)
Knowledge Card (Knowledge Panel)
Image Pack
Videos
Top Stories
Featured Snippet
Shopping Results
Tweet Box (Twitter Cards)
Local Map Pack (Local Pack)
Related Searches
Recipe Block
Reviews
Job Listings
Google Flights Pack
Hotel Pack
Detailed Overview of Popular SERP Features
Google Ads
Google Ads are paid advertisements distinct from organic listings. They appear both at the top and bottom of SERPs.
Top Ads: Positioned above organic results, these ads usually target commercial queries such as “buy running shoes” or “best smartphones.”
Bottom Ads: Displayed below organic results when keyword demand is high. While visually similar to top ads, they generally have lower visibility and click-through rates.
Knowledge Card (Knowledge Panel)
Located on the top right of the SERP, the Knowledge Card offers detailed information about people, places, companies, or events. It sources data from Google’s Knowledge Graph, which aggregates information from places like Wikipedia and authoritative databases.
Image Pack
This is a horizontal collection of images relevant to a search query. Clicking an image leads users to the source website. Google sometimes displays image packs even for unexpected queries by predicting user intent.
Videos
Video carousels appear when Google detects relevant video content, often from YouTube or embedded videos on websites. Typically, three videos are displayed with an option to browse more.
Top Stories
These are news articles featured in a special box for trending topics. Content is pulled from Google News and other trusted sources, providing timely updates on current events.
People Also Ask (PAA)
PAAs present a list of related questions to the search query, often appearing below organic results or featured snippets. Clicking a question expands an answer snippet sourced from relevant websites.
Featured Snippet
Also known as “position zero,” featured snippets appear above organic results and provide concise answers in formats like paragraphs, lists, tables, or videos. Components typically include:
A brief, precise answer (3-4 lines)
Page title and URL
Sometimes an image
These snippets help users get quick answers without clicking through.
Shopping Results
Displayed as a product carousel with images, prices, reviews, and links, Shopping Results are paid ads helping users quickly compare products without visiting multiple sites.
Tweet Box (Twitter Cards)
These display recent and relevant tweets from notable individuals, brands, or organizations, appearing near the top or within organic results.
Sitelinks
Sitelinks are additional links under a website’s main search result that guide users to key sections or pages, improving navigation and user experience.
Local Pack (Map Pack)
When location-specific queries are made, Google shows a “Local Pack” with three local business listings, including details like:
Business name and address
Operating hours
Popular times
User reviews
Contact info and map location
This pack draws data from Google Business Profile (GBP) and is crucial for local SEO success.
Related Searches
Found at the bottom of the SERP, these are alternative or additional search queries Google suggests, helping users refine or expand their search.
Recipe Block
Recipe blocks showcase key information such as ingredients, cooking time, calories, and user ratings, usually enriched by structured data markup on recipe websites.
Rich Snippets
Rich snippets enhance standard search results by adding extra details like ratings, cooking time, event dates, or product prices. They improve visibility and click-through rates by providing more informative previews.
Reviews
Star ratings and review summaries often appear between the URL and snippet, increasing trust and attracting clicks, especially for products, services, and entertainment.
Google Flights Pack
This feature aggregates flight schedules, prices, and booking options directly on SERP, allowing users to compare and book flights easily.
Hotel Pack
Shows a curated list of hotels with prices, ratings, images, and locations based on the user’s query or current location.
Job Listings
Job listings compile openings from multiple portals and company sites, improving job search convenience. Proper structured data markup helps job postings appear in this feature.
Tools to track SERP features for your website
To understand which SERP features your site appears in and monitor their performance, consider these tools:
SEMrush Position Tracking:
Tracks keywords triggering SERP features and monitors your site’s presence within them.
Moz Keyword Explorer:
Offers detailed SERP feature tracking and ranks websites with featured snippets as #1.
SE Ranking:
Provides keyword research, SERP tracking, and site audit tools in a user-friendly interface.
Ahrefs Rank Tracker:
Identifies when keywords trigger SERP features, highlighting them in your reports.
How to Win Google SERP Features?
To improve your chances of appearing in SERP features:
Conduct thorough keyword research focused on queries that trigger specific features.
Implement schema markup to help Google understand your content context.
Use a mix of content types (text, images, videos, lists, tables, FAQs, reviews).
Optimize page speed and ensure a fast-loading website.
Format content with bullet points, short paragraphs, and clear headings.
Regularly check Core Web Vitals using Google Search Console.
Continuously optimize and track your content’s SEO performance.
Takeaway
Google SERP features greatly enhance the search experience by delivering targeted information quickly and conveniently. From paid ads to knowledge panels and local map packs, each feature serves a unique purpose.
By strategically optimizing content, using structured data, and focusing on user intent, businesses and creators can boost their visibility and traffic through these features.
As Google evolves, new SERP features will continue to emerge, offering fresh opportunities to stand out in search results.