Getting a featured snippet in Google still feels a bit like winning the SEO lottery. One day, your blog post is sitting quietly on page one, and the next, it’s in the box. Front and centre. Above everyone else.
But what’s changed in 2025 is how Google chooses that winner. Back in the day, you could slap a question in your subhead and answer it in a sentence, and chances were decent; you’d get that spot. Now? It’s more competitive, more structured and surprisingly, still very achievable if you focus on what matters.
Here’s what we’re still doing to win featured snippets today and what’s no longer worth your time.
What Hasn’t Changed
Google still wants quick, direct answers. Whether someone’s asking, “What is a good credit score?” or “How do I clean white sneakers?” the goal is the same: provide a clear, trustworthy response that solves the query fast.
So yes, featured snippets are still alive and well in 2025. But the way to earn them has gotten a little more intentional.
1. Answer First, Elaborate Later
This is the golden rule. If you’re targeting a question-based keyword, answer it in the very first sentence or two, then explain or expand.
For example:
Bad:
“You might be wondering what a healthy resting heart rate is. Well, before we get to that, let’s talk about why heart rate matters…”
Better:
A healthy resting heart rate for adults typically falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. This can vary based on age, fitness level, and overall health.
After that, you can explain what impact it has. But the direct answer needs to come first.
Why this works: Google pulls snippets from content that answers fast. It wants to satisfy the search intent in the first few seconds.
2. Use Snippet-Friendly Formatting
Some searches trigger different types of snippets:
- Paragraph snippets (most common)
- List snippets (for steps, rankings, tips)
- Table snippets (for comparisons, pricing, stats)
- Video snippets (more common in 2025, especially for how-tos)
The trick is to format your content in the way Google wants to display it.
Example:
If you’re writing “Steps to Make Cold Brew,” structure it like:
Steps to Make Cold Brew Coffee:
- Coarsely grind your coffee beans
- Mix coffee with cold water
- Steep for 12–24 hours
- Strain the coffee
- Serve over ice
Not only does this help readers, but it also gives Google exactly what it’s looking for.
3. Use Precise Subheadings That Mirror Search Queries
Google often pulls snippets from content that uses clear, question-style subheadings.
So instead of writing:
“Understanding Credit Scores”, try:
“What Is a Good Credit Score in 2025?”
This minor tweak tells Google: “Hey, I’m answering this exact question right here.”
Bonus tip: Use <h2> and <h3> tags properly. Clear content hierarchy still matters.
4. Update Old Posts with Better Structure
If you have high-ranking content that isn’t pulling a snippet, check how it’s structured. You might just need to reformat it.
We’ve seen posts jump into the snippet spot by:
- Breaking long paragraphs into bullet points
- Rewriting intros to include the answer early
- Updating outdated stats or language
- Adding a clearer subheading above the key answer
Sometimes, it’s not about writing something new; it’s about helping Google understand what you’ve already written.
Bonus: Snippets Aren’t Everything
Yes, they’re great for visibility. But they don’t always lead to higher clicks, especially when Google answers the query so well that no one feels the need to visit your site.
So when writing for snippets, also consider:
- Adding a teaser after your answer (“Want to see the complete guide? Keep reading.”)
- Using content that invites curiosity
- Optimising the rest of the page for real conversions, not just traffic
Because traffic is great, but traffic with intent is better.
Final Thoughts
Winning a featured snippet in 2025 isn’t magic. It’s about understanding what the searcher wants and giving it to them fast, clearly, and in a format Google can easily parse.
You don’t need to be technical. You don’t need fancy tools. You just need to respect the reader’s time and structure your content with care. If you do that, your chances of landing that coveted snippet spot go way up. And in this crowded search world, even a small edge counts.
