A Complete Guide On SERP Features

December 17, 2025

Traditionally, SEO professionals have to spend a lot of time optimizing keywords to reach the first position in Google search results. The current situation has led them to focus equally on organic results and the new AI overview section. SEO professionals must put in extra effort to secure their links in targeted ranking positions. But once they are on track with new SERP features, it will become easier to optimize these results. Google SERP feature will increase your brand’s visibility and drive more traffic to your page, thereby enhancing your business goals. In this blog, we will discuss the most essential SERP features and how to optimise them.

What are SERP Features?

A SERP Feature indicates an additional element found in Google search results, other than traditional organic results, depicted by blue links. You should know more about these SERP features to understand how to rank in the top positions in Google search results.

What Are Some Examples Of SERP Features?

There are several examples of SERP features. A few of them are listed below.

Local pack

The Local Pack is a SERP feature displayed when users search for a business in their area. This feature will display the user’s area on the map, their name, address, website link, and reviews in a local pack of businesses.

To rank in a local pack, never forget to create your Google Business Profile, add your business name, address, and phone number to your website, and encourage your customers to leave reviews. You can also implement local business schema markup on your website. You can also build backlinks from local business pages to your website to improve your site’s authority. You can also use location-specific keywords to improve your business’s visibility in the local pack.

Featured Snippets

Featured Snippets are simple answers to user queries. They are usually found near the top of the SERP, above the top organic results. Since it is treated that way, it is also referred to as position zero.
To optimise featured snippets, arrange your content strategically.

Use your target query as a subheading and give the answer as a paragraph.
Use numbered lists and bullet points in your content.
Use tables in your content.

AI Overviews

AI Overviews are the latest addition to the Google search results. In AI Review, there would be related content to your query, and most of them are AI-picked ones, and they will also provide the links from where that content is extracted. This is also a zero-click search, as the user receives an exact answer to their query in the AI overview rather than clicking a link. This is highly beneficial for many brands, helping them increase online visibility.

To Optimize AI Overviews,

Make your content more structured by using tables, lists, and bullet points.
Write high-quality content for better results.
Answer questions with clarity.
Optimize using intent-rich and long-tail keywords.

Knowledge Panels

Knowledge panels are those texts that appear on the search for a noun (like a place, person, or thing). For desktop search, it appears in the top-right corner; on mobile, it is at the top. A knowledge panel about a person can include certain biographical information, their works, etc.

If you want to cite your business in a knowledge panel, write details about your company on your business website’s About Us Page. You should also optimize the Google Business Profile. Appearing in a knowledge panel can increase your brand’s visibility to your target audience.

Rich Snippets

Rich Snippets display the meta title, meta description, and URL, along with additional information about a user query, such as ratings and reviews. Rich snippets like review snippets will also show the reviewer’s name and rating of that reviewer. To optimise rich snippets, you can add schema markup to your pages so that you can make them eligible for displaying rich snippets.

Image Packs

Image Packs are a series of images arranged in a grid in response to a user query. These are displayed horizontally and typically appear at the top of the SERP results. It is also sometimes seen in the middle and at the end of SERP results.

If you want your images to rank in the image pack, add images that are highly relevant to your content. Even when you are giving names to image files, provide an apt name suited to that image. You can also compress images without compromising quality to improve page speed. Always use structured data for images to help Google understand them. Remember to provide alt text under every image, as it is really necessary for Google to analyze your images.

Discussions & Forums

The Discussions and Forums Page can be accessed when a user types a query that is related to a question asked in that discussion. You have heard about discussion sites like Quora, Reddit, etc. You can also use forums on your website.

If you want to get ranked on this Google SERP Feature, use a forum that is relevant to the searched keyword, and also, the forums must have clear descriptive headings, so that Google can easily understand them and match them with the user query.

Jobs

The Jobs SERP feature appears in Google Search results when a user searches for a specific job title. You can see several job listings with each job’s name, the company that has this job vacancy, the salary amount (which is optional according to each company’s norms), and a Brief description of that job. There will be a filter option for candidates who want to separate fresher and experienced jobs.

To rank for this Google SERP Feature,

You must follow the Google Job Posting Schema when setting up job listings in portals.
You also have to use long tail keywords in jobs to make sure that when users search for that particular post, that job listing could come in the top position.
Submission of job listings to large job portals like Indeed and Naukri increases the chance for more visibility of the jobs.

vector image showing google serp feature

Sitelinks

Similar to rich snippets, Sitelinks are links typically found beneath the main search result. These sitelinks also appear in-line below the meta description. It enables navigation to different pages on the same website. This will save the user valuable time and increase customer satisfaction.

To rank your sitelink,

You must keep a clear heart on your webpage.
You should also submit an XML Sitemap to Google.
You must also implement Schema Markup throughout.
Always ensure that your website’s sitelinks have a clear hierarchy.

Image SERP Feature

There are two types of image SERP features. They are Image SERP Features that appear next to the traditional organic listings and certain image carousels. You must have seen image listings coming along with organic search results. You can see this image SERP Feature on the right side of the title tag and meta description. You can also view image carousels arranged in a grid by grid style or horizontally placed style.

If you want to optimize Image SERP Features, you have to use a high-quality image with correct alt text. Use proper title tags, and use long tail keywords for better visibility on user searches.

Video Carousel

The Video carousel SERP Feature is loaded when Google detects high visual intent keywords. Google answers your query with a helpful video.

If you wanted to get ranked in video carousels,

Give users certain videos they expect from you when typing a particular query.
Give descriptive names for videos and file names, and insert keywords in them.

Create matching thumbnails that can make an effect.
Most video carousels are hosted on YouTube, but other party videos are also promoted.
If you host video on your website, use Video Object Schema Markup
Encourage viewers to like, share, and comment to increase video engagement.

Events

When a user searches for a particular event, the Events SERP Feature may appear. This usually depends on the user’s location or topic. Usually, these events show Name, Date and time, Venue, and a brief description of that event on search. If you want your event to be ranked,

Include the Event Schema within your event page.
Use relevant keywords to get better visibility on user searches.
Try posting events on large platforms such as Facebook Events.

Google Ads

When a user searches for a particular keyword, Google will show related ads at the top and bottom of the SERP. These are usually noted under the word “Sponsored”.

Instead of organically ranking, Google will rank your website in paid SERP features when you pay money for it. To know more about these techniques, consider learning a course on digital marketing in Calicut with placement assistance, so that you can acquire knowledge and a promising career at the same time.

Good Practices To Win SERP Features

Do the following steps to secure your SERP Features.

Give clear, simple answers to questions people ask.
Use lists, tables, and bullet points for easy reading.
Add schema or structured data so Google understands your content.
Cover related questions that people also search for.
Include images, videos, or charts to make content stand out.
Keep your content updated and genuinely helpful.

Conclusion

SERP features are special elements on Google search results that make your website more visible and helpful to users. Using them wisely can increase traffic, improve clicks, and give your content a better chance to stand out. Even small changes like adding FAQs, images, or reviews can make a big difference in how people find your site. To know more about SERP Features, join a course on digital marketing in Calicut.

FAQs

What are SERP features?

SERP features are special results on Google, like snippets, maps, or reviews, that show more than just a regular link.

Why are SERP features important?

They make your website more visible, attract clicks, and can bring more visitors to your site.

How can I get my site in SERP features?

Use structured data, answer questions clearly, add images or videos, and follow Google’s best practices.

Do SERP features cost money?

No, they are free. But sometimes paid ads appear in special sections.

Which websites usually appear in SERP features?

Websites with helpful, clear, and well-organized content have a better chance of appearing in SERP features.

Author Info

Abin Varghese

Abin, a tech savvy business consultant with 12 years of diverse experience across digital and traditional marketing, software development, cybersecurity services, promotions, events, and campaigns. He has worked with several organizations, bringing a unique blend of experience, quick thinking, and vision to the Finprov team. As our Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Abin leads the development and implementation of advanced technology solutions including artificial intelligence, ensuring Finprov stays at the forefront of innovation. His strategic approach and problem-solving mindset help to create efficient, world standard systems, making Finprov a leader in the industry.