What Are SERP Features? (2025 Guide + Tips to Optimize)

As SEO professionals, we invest countless hours fine-tuning our content to win that coveted #1 spot on Google. But even when you rank high, your link might still sit below other eye-catching elements that crowd the search results page.

These elements are called SERP features—and in 2025, they’re more important than ever. If you want to increase visibility, boost traffic, and build brand authority, you can’t ignore them.

Let’s break down what SERP features are, why they matter, and how you can optimize your content to take advantage of them.

What Are SERP Features?

SERP features are everything on a Google Search Results Page that isn’t a traditional blue organic link.

They’re designed to give searchers quick answers and richer experiences—from instant definitions to product carousels and AI-generated overviews.

Optimizing for SERP features can:

• Drive more qualified traffic to your website
• Boost brand awareness, even without a click
• Position your brand as a trusted authority

If you’re serious about SEO, understanding which SERP features show up for your keywords—and how to appear in them—can be a game-changer.

The Most Common SERP Features in 2025

Here are the SERP features you’re most likely to encounter (and should consider optimizing for):

Featured Snippets

These appear above all other results—often called Position Zero—and display short answers in a paragraph, list, or table.

How to Optimize:

• Identify what format Google prefers for your target query.
• Structure your content accordingly.
• Use clear headings and concise explanations.

AI Overviews

A newer feature, AI Overviews provide comprehensive, AI-generated answers to informational queries. They often cite multiple sources, but research shows over 40% of users rarely click these links.

How to Optimize:

• Answer related questions clearly in your content.
• Use FAQ schema markup.

Google Ads & Popular Products

These paid placements and shopping grids often appear at the top.

Tip: For e-commerce, high-quality product images, structured data, and competitive bids are essential.

Local Pack

Crucial for local businesses, this shows a map and a list of nearby locations.

How to Appear:

• Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile.
• Collect positive reviews.
• Keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistent across the web.

Video Carousels

Video results (usually from YouTube) are shown in a swipeable carousel.

Tip: Consider launching a YouTube channel to increase your chances of ranking here.

Rich Snippets & Sitelinks

These enhancements display extra details—like ratings, cooking times, or internal site links—directly in your result.

How to Optimize:

• Use structured data (Schema markup).
• Write clear headings so Google can generate sitelinks to sections of your page.

Image Packs

Rows or grids of images pulled into the main search results.

How to Optimize:

• Add descriptive alt text.
• Use relevant filenames.
• Ensure images are high-quality and compressed for fast loading.

At Earn SEO, we specialize in helping New York businesses stand out in search results—whether that means winning Featured Snippets, showing up in Local Packs, or maximizing visibility across all SERP features. If you’re ready to drive more qualified traffic and grow your brand’s authority, our team is here to help. Explore our SEO services today and discover how we can elevate your search presence.