What are Zero-Click Searches?
So, here's an interesting statistic for you. Did you know that 49% of searches in Google result in no clicks whatsoever? But, what exactly does that mean and how does it impact you? Well, this is all down to Google's featured snippet.
As you may know, Google has a featured snippet at the top of the page that it deems to be the best answer to your question. Let's take a look. Say you are searching for "what plant is best for a bathroom"
On the results page, at the top is the featured snippet. See the image below. So, a zero-click search occurs when that snippet fully answers the question and the user doesn't need to click on any results, because they have found what they are looking for.
In this example, the featured snippet contains a list of the best houseplants for a bathroom. If that list gives the user all the information they need, then they won't click on any results.
So, what does that mean for you? Well, once you have found a great keyword for your next post, you should always cross-reference it in Google, to really check out the competition. But, you should also look at the featured snippet.
Does the featured snippet for that keyword fully answer the question? If so, then no matter how good your keyword is, then you might not get any clicks because the user can see the answer without clicking on a result.
Just another aspect to consider that makes our lives more difficult! However, always being optimistic, look at it from another point of view, 51% of people will still click on a result. That's a huge audience out there, so go and get them!
Recent Comments
42
Diane, this is so helpful. My first thought on a targeted niche was self employment but i quickly ran into this fact as i searched in google. Without knowing much about it, i asked myself a simple question, do i think i have captivating content other than what pops up when some searches? Your post is very confirmatory to me. I am still trying to settle on a targeted niche.
Very interesting Diane, I was unaware of the statistics you mention here.
Please excuse my ignorance in this matter, but where does the snippet come from?
Hi - the content that appears inside of a Featured Snippet is automatically pulled from web pages in Google’s index.
In other words, Google decides if a website has a definitive answer to a specific question, and if so, it features that list or definition as a snippet.
Realistically, you need to be already ranking on page 1 of Google to stand a chance of having your content used as a Featured Snippet.
Nick, good question.
Here's a great article by Neil Patel to help you understand.
https://neilpatel.com/blog/rank-google-featured-snippets/#:~:text=All you've got to,option to include featured snippets.
Cassi
Yes very accurate with the snippet so when we make a snippet, makes sure to make it relevant to your audience. Good explanation of the snippet and how google views it and your articles. While you answer there question they can to look for.
Cheers,
Mathew&Deloris;
See more comments
I guess we are all searching for answers, and if the answer is presented without us having to look any further, it is a win for us, a win for the content creator, and a win for Google.
It really comes into its own when searching on mobile.
If we think about it and do some research before we create content, we can tip the scales in our favor; I think your suggestion to cross-reference is top of the range, Diane.
We all do those types of searches multiple times a week.
So for content creators giving a full-bodied answer can create opportunities for us.