Ever wonder how some websites show up in that special box at the top of Google? The one that gives a short answer before the usual list of links? We call that box a featured snippet, and it can bring you more clicks than even the first result.
If you own a business or work with SEO, getting your content in that spot matters a lot. This is true, especially in a local market like Chicago. In this guide, you will learn how to set your web pages up for a better chance of winning those top spots.
What is a featured snippet?
It’s the answer box at the top of some search results. Google pulls a short bit of content from a web page to quickly answer a question someone searched for. These can show up as:
- A paragraph
- A list
- A table
- A short video.
For example, if someone types, “What is on-page SEO?” they might see a few sentences pulled from a page that provides a clear explanation of the term.
If your site gives direct, clear answers, you could land in that box—even if you’re not ranked #1 in the search results.
Why Featured Snippets Matter for Your Business
Getting picked for a featured snippet does two things:
- It puts your page above everyone else (even big names).
- It makes your content look like the most trusted answer.
That means more people will click on your page. If you offer services like on-page SEO in downtown Chicago, being the first thing searchers see gives you a huge edge.
Who Should Care About Featured Snippets?
- Local business owners who want more traffic without spending on ads.
- SEO agencies are looking to help clients stand out.
- Freelancers are trying to rank service pages.
- Bloggers who write how-to or question-based content.
If you fall into any of these groups, this is for you.
Step 1: Find Questions Your Audience Asks
Start with common questions related to your services or products. People ask things like:
- What is on-page SEO?
- How do I improve my website’s SEO?
- What are the top on-page SEO tools?
You can use free tools like:
- Google’s “People Also Ask” box
- AnswerThePublic
- Reddit or Quora threads
- Google Search Console (look under “Queries”).
Let’s say you provide local on-page SEO services in Chicago. Consider the questions small business owners in your area may have. Then, make a page that answers them clearly and directly.
Step 2: Write clear, simple answers.
Google pulls short answers from pages that get to the point.
Let’s look at an example.
Bad answer: “On-page SEO involves a multifaceted strategy that includes content optimization, technical improvements, and keyword targeting to increase organic rankings.
Too wordy. Hard to understand.
Good answer: “On-page SEO means fixing things on your website—like titles, text, and images—so search engines can understand what your page is about.”
See the difference? Short and simple wins.
Try to keep your answers between 40 and 60 words.
Step 3: Use Headers to Organize Your Page
Use H2 and H3 tags to break your content into clear sections. Each section should answer one question.
Example:
- What is a meta description?
- How do title tags affect SEO?
- Steps to Improve On-Page SEO
Each of those headers can give your page a better chance of showing up as a snippet.
Ensure that your title tag includes your keyword in a natural way. Something like:
“How to Improve On-Page SEO – Tips for Businesses in Chicago”
Step 4: Use lists when possible.
Google loves lists. If you’re explaining steps or tips, number them.
Example: Steps to Improve On-Page SEO
- Use your main keyword in the page title.
- Add a strong meta description.
- Break content into clear sections.
- Add internal links to related pages.
- Compress images so they load quickly.
This structure helps Google grasp your content. It also makes it easier for people to follow. This content shows you are a leader in on-page SEO in Chicago. It proves your value before clients contact you.
Step 5: Add tables for easy comparisons.
Tables help Google understand comparisons and provide a clean way to present data. They also stand out in snippets.
Example:
Task
Purpose
Title tag update
Helps Google know your topic.
Meta description edit
Get more people to click.
Header tag structure
Improves page clarity.
Use them when you need to explain differences or show value.
Step 6: Keep sentences short.
Don’t try to sound fancy. Write like you’re talking to someone face-to-face. That’s the kind of writing that earns featured spots.
Example:
“A title tag is the name of your web page. It shows up in search results and should include your main keyword.”
That’s simple and easy to read.
Long, complicated sentences confuse both readers and search engines.
Step 7: Add Related Questions on the Same Page
One page can answer many small questions, giving you more chances to rank. For example:
- What is a title tag?
- How long should it be?
- Where does it show up?
Answer each one in its own section, using headers and short paragraphs.
Step 8: Match the Format Google Likes
If a current snippet uses a list, your content should too. If it’s a short paragraph, write one that’s even clearer.
Search the keyword and see what kind of snippet Google shows. Then format your answer in a similar way, better.
If you’re targeting on-page SEO in Chicago, search for that term. Look at what kind of content ranks. Copy the structure—but improve the writing.
Step 9: Make Content for Real People
Avoid writing for search engines. Google can tell if content feels unnatural.
Here’s what works:
- Real questions
- Clear answers
- Natural keywords
- Helpful tone
If someone lands on your page and finds a fast answer, Google notices—and rewards you with higher spots.
How local businesses can use snippets to win.
If you’re based in Chicago, this strategy helps you stand out even in a crowded market.
Let’s say someone types: “The best on-page SEO providers in Chicago.”
If your content says:
“We help local businesses in downtown Chicago boost their on-page SEO. We do this by providing better titles, faster load times, and clear content.”
Google may pull that sentence into a featured snippet.
Now your business is at the top, even above bigger sites.
That’s the power of writing for snippets.
Local Keywords That Fit Naturally
Here’s how to work in your keywords without stuffing:
- “Looking for local on-page SEO services in Chicago? Start by fixing your meta tags and speeding up your site.”
- “If you’re in downtown Chicago and your site isn’t getting clicks, rewrite your title tags. This can improve your on-page SEO.”
- “The best on-page SEO providers in Chicago focus on real results, not fluff. That means faster load times, better mobile views, and clean code.”
Each sentence feels natural, adds value, and doesn’t overdo the keywords.
Final Tips to Win a Snippet
Let’s wrap up with a quick list:
- Focus on one question per section.
- Keep answers under 60 words.
- Use lists and tables when they make sense.
- Keep the language clear and casual.
- Incorporate your keywords in a way that feels organic.
- Answer questions that people are asking out of genuine curiosity.
- Format your content based on what Google already shows.
Want more clicks without paying for ads?
You don’t have to rank #1 to show up first. A featured snippet can put you above the competition—even big companies.
If you’re running a business in Chicago and want help creating content that gets seen, we can do that.
At Chicago Digital Marketing Experts, we help businesses get more clicks. We create content that answers real questions in the best way.
