over 5 years ago
When it comes to Google ranking algorithm, your SEO efforts will never be enough. When you think you have got everything figured out, Google will invent something new to keep you on your toes. For a while now, the aim of most websites SEO has been to rank top on the first page of Google SERPS. There is a tweak in Google's algorithm in its efforts to provide its users with the best user experience that has been introduced. It goes by the name position zero. It took time before marketers learned how to rank for this coveted position, but finally, they got the breakthrough.
If you are completely new to this world of position zero, no need to worry! This article is about to help you discover the meaning of position zero, the different types, why it is so important, and lastly, how to achieve this position with your SEO efforts.
The term refers to the results returned by Google at the top of the normal search results. Many marketers refer to it as the 'featured snippet.' It is usually on top of the number one search result and thus the name. It provides concise answers for how/who/what /why questions. It is usually composed of a web page address, title tag, and a snippet of what the page contains. Google rolled out the featured snippet to provide users with results of whatever they are searching for as quickly as possible.
If you haven't figured out how ranking position 0 is crucial for your site, read on to find out how achieving that position can be relevant for you.
With that said, achieving position 0 should be a must for all websites. How do you achieve it using your SEO efforts?
Well-crafted SEO efforts are enough to rank your page higher on search results. However, there is a new number one these days, position zero. Can your SEO efforts still get you on that coveted spot? You are about to find out. Here are 7 ways your content can rank on the position zero;
1. Identify the opportunity for your site
Some search terms and markets do not return featured snippets. For instance, local businesses should focus on enhancing their local SEO to be visible on local search results, instead of throwing money away trying to get featured on position 0. However, if you are in a market that constantly uses terms that need explanation or deal with data, achieving position zero is a good opportunity for your site. If you can't identify the opportunity for your site to get featured snippets, here are a few ways you can find featured snippets;
2. Keywords research matters
Keywords are powerful for SEO, and in the same way, they are essential for featured snippets. Research and identify the right keywords that will get your site ranking for position zero. Generally, you need to come up with a well-researched list of all possible keywords that your site wants to be ranked. Use a tool such as Moz Keywords Explorer to test the difficulty of the keyword phrases as well as their competitiveness. Here is a list of types of keywords that will secure you a place at the position 0 spots of SERPs.
High volume terms
Long tail queries, for instance, those comprising of six or more words
Answers to questions such as who/why/what/how/where
Definition queries.
If you are already ranking top of SERP for a particular keyword, match a question to the content and tailor it to be your heading.
3. Create relevant content
With the Google algorithm, high-quality content is an all-time hack. There is no exception to achieving position zero using unique, relevant content. With the keywords you have come up with, especially those in featured snippets, use them to generate content ideas. Create texts of about 2000 words and use the following tips;
4. Format your HTML
Formatting optimizes your page for search results and increases your odds of ranking at position 0. Here is how to do it right;
Your H1 and H2 should be the question you seek to answer, a version close to it, or a formatted version of the question,
Use a single paragraph to summarize the answer to the question,
The paragraphs should be directly placed just below the heading,
The paragraph should contain 40—60 words,
Include helpful Alt tags on images,
Page titles and meta descriptions should also include keywords that have not been stuffed.
5. Rank high on search results
According to research by Ahref, 99.58% of position 0 pages are already on the first page of the results. You, therefore, need to work on your overall ranking for you to stand a chance at being position 0. Apply the techniques you use to optimize your content for search engines to rank at position 0.
For instance, make sure to link your content to other relevant ones. Request people to link their content to yours. Partner with influencers and other professionals, and invite them to share your content on their social media profiles. Optimize your site for mobile devices and ensure it performs seamlessly. These practices boost your SEO and give you a chance to rank on the first page of SERPs, thus increasing your odds of achieving position zero.
6. Consult an expert
A little help from an expert is never bad. Hire an SEO expert to ensure you are doing it right. There are many moving parts in the process of optimizing a site for position 0. A professional in this field will help you achieve position 0 with much ease. Although there are no guarantees since Google has its own discretion on what pages to include in featured snippets, your site will at least appear on the first page. It might cost you an investment, but it is worth every dime. You don't want to regret later.
Position 0 is not permanent. If you have already achieved it, that is not the end of your efforts. You need to keep an eye on how searches that are essential to your audience are ranking. You need to know how you are ranking when compared to your competitors. Tools such as Ahrefs or Content Ranking Indexing will help you monitor the queries for which your website featured.
Conclusion
It is no secret that keeping up with the Google algorithm is quite a task. However, Google is not to blame. It is only trying to give its users a seamless user experience, something that you should also be doing for your consumers. With position 0 becoming the new number one ranking, websites are working around the clock to achieve that favorite spot. After all, it is excellent in increasing your website traffic, conversion rates, and standing out from your competitors.
Follow the above guide to achieve position zero. However, you must remember that is a never-ending job. You don't want to be overthrown as soon as you have attained the spot. You have to keep an eye on your competition and maintain the relevance of your content through constant updates.
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