How to Adapt SEO in a Zero-Click World

The search engine results page is always evolving. Google continually adds more features that allow people to get answers to their queries without ever clicking through to a website.

Is this the end of SEO? Absolutely not! We can still compete in the search results. Here’s how:

• The rise of zero clicks
• So how do you adapt SEO to zero clicks?
• FAQ: How can I adapt my SEO strategy to thrive in a world dominated by zero-click search results?

The Rise of Zero Clicks

In 2019, Rand Fishkin at SparkToro published data that showed 50 percent of all searches resulted in zero clicks.

A zero-click result happens when Google is able to answer a search query or facilitate an action right within the search results page. Thus, no click to a third-party website occurs.

Research from SparkToro and Jumpshot

For mobile devices, the number of searches that resulted in no clicks to third-party sites was even higher:

Research from SparkToro and Jumpshot

Why is this happening? A number of reasons could be at play. One of those reasons is that Google wants to offer the best experience for its search engine users.

And if a person can find the answer to their query faster, they are presumably happier. And if Google can keep users on one of its properties longer, Google is happier.

All reasons aside, you might be wondering how exactly a zero-click search works. One example is when Google gives a direct answer to a question.

A direct answer, aka “answer box,” is derived from Google’s Knowledge Graph. Answer boxes usually display for queries whose answer is definite, like: “What time is it?”

Google’s direct answer to the query “what time is it”

Another zero-click search may happen when a featured snippet shows up as the answer to a query.

Featured snippet in Google results for the query “how to bake a cake”

Appearing in a featured snippet is otherwise known as Position 0 in the search results. It’s an organic listing but has the ability to show up above all other features on the search engine results page (SERP).

In many cases, you may not get a click from a featured snippet even though it is the top result. That’s because it can provide the full answer right in the results from a snippet of your content.

But as you can see from the example above, it would be very hard for a person to bake a cake using just the featured snippet in the SERP.

Another reason for zero clicks is Google’s SERP functionality. Google Search is now allowing users to complete certain tasks without ever having to leave the SERP. One example is flight comparisons.

Note how Google’s functionality appears above the well-known travel site, Kayak, in the screenshot below.

Google SERP for the query “flights from Los Angeles to New York”

Yet another reason for a zero-click could be the “People also ask” feature, which shows up about 94 percent of the time according to some reports. This section acts much like a featured snippet in its stickiness. The user might derive the full answer from toggling the arrow and never clicking through to the sites being quoted.

“People also ask” on Google SERP for the query “how to bake a cake”

So How Do You Adapt SEO to Zero Clicks?

There are always opportunities to succeed in SEO. Here are three strategies to keep you mindful of searcher intent and how to deliver it with great content. This will increase visibility in a zero-click world.

Strategy 1: Keyword Combinations

Research and target long-tail keyword combinations that won’t easily be answered by Google directly or result in a zero-click. For example, if direct answers are common for a keyword combination, you’ll want to reconsider putting effort into them. Put another way, if the query will probably result in zero clicks, it may be unwise to spend much time optimizing for that result. Yes, optimize for Position 0 as the featured snippet. But no, do not optimize for the zero click.

Data shows that every industry is different when it comes to prompting answer boxes. (And every query would be different, too.)

“Google Answers Your Queries: Research,” SEOClarity.net

Strategy 2: Featured Snippets

With all the talk about snippets potentially resulting in no clicks, you might think opting out is a good idea. But it’s not recommended for SEO. First, you want to see how much traffic you can get from a featured snippet.

According to the search features monitor by Searchmetrics, featured snippets are less common than other types of elements on the SERP. But they do occur frequently for queries that include questions, prepositions, or comparisons.

Data from SEMrush’s Large-Scale Study on How to Rank for Featured Snippets

But there’s speculation that featured snippets may be getting a boost as a result of Google’s BERT (deep learning algorithm), which would mean more of them showing up for queries.

For more on ranking for featured snippets, see my article on surprising on-page techniques.

Strategy 3: Whole-SERP Strategy

You want to diversify your rankings. And what I mean by that is looking at your whole-SERP strategy. A whole-SERP strategy analyzes the features that show up most in search results for your target keywords. Then you optimize for them.

For example, you might have some keywords where featured snippets are common, but what else is common? Perhaps it’s YouTube videos (which are the most common type of video for any search).

Going back to the “how to bake a cake” query from earlier, we saw a featured snippet at the top of the SERP, but YouTube videos further down on the page.

Video results on Google SERP for the query “how to bake a cake”

Research shows that search engine users will do an initial scan of the entire SERP quickly before choosing a result to click. So you want to create content that’s going to be able to compete with the most common features in the SERP for your target queries.

In summary, SEO is still alive and well in a zero-click world. SEO has always been about evolving with the Google SERP while at the same time understanding searcher intent and delivering it with great content.

Need help with your SEO strategy? Contact us for a free consultation.

FAQ: How can I adapt my SEO strategy to thrive in a world dominated by zero-click search results?

Zero-click search results have become a dominant force, significantly impacting the way SEO professionals approach their strategies. To thrive in this evolving SEO ecosystem, it’s crucial to adapt and embrace innovative techniques.

Understanding Zero-Click Search Results

Zero-click search results occur when users find the information they need directly on the search engine results page (SERP) without clicking on any specific search result. This is often facilitated by featured snippets, knowledge graphs, and other SERP features. To adapt your SEO strategy effectively, start by optimizing your content for these features. Focus on creating concise and informative content that answers user queries in a structured format.

Leveraging Structured Data Markup

Structured data markup, such as Schema.org markup, plays a vital role in optimizing your content for zero-click search results. By providing search engines with structured information about your content, you increase the chances of being featured in rich snippets and knowledge panels. Implement structured data markup for key elements on your website, including articles, reviews, and FAQs.

Voice Search Optimization

With the rise of voice-activated assistants like Siri and Alexa, optimizing for voice search is essential. Users often use natural language when conducting voice searches, so focus on long-tail keywords and conversational content. Create FAQ sections on your website to answer common voice search queries concisely.

Local SEO and Zero-Click Searches

For businesses with physical locations, local SEO is paramount. Optimize your Google My Business profile and ensure that your business information is accurate and up to date. This enhances your chances of appearing in local knowledge panels and map packs, which are common zero-click search results for local queries.

Monitoring and Analytics

Continuously monitor your SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console. Pay attention to click-through rates (CTR), organic traffic trends, and keyword rankings. By analyzing this data, you can refine your SEO strategy and adapt to changing search patterns.

Adapting your SEO strategy for the era of zero-click search results requires a multifaceted approach. Optimize your content for featured snippets, embrace structured data markup, focus on voice search, and prioritize local SEO. Regularly monitor your performance and stay updated with industry trends to stay competitive in this evolving landscape.

Step-by-Step Procedure: Adapting Your SEO Strategy for Zero-Click Search Results

1. Understand the concept of zero-click search results and their impact on SEO.
2. Identify featured snippets and other SERP features relevant to your niche.
3. Create high-quality, concise content that directly answers user queries.
4. Implement structured data markup using Schema.org to enhance your content’s visibility.
5. Optimize for voice search by using long-tail keywords and conversational content.
6. Develop FAQ sections to address common voice search queries.
7. Prioritize local SEO by optimizing your Google My Business profile.
8. Ensure your business information is accurate and up to date.
9. Monitor SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console.
10. Analyze click-through rates, organic traffic trends, and keyword rankings.
11. Use the data to refine your SEO strategy and adapt to changing search patterns.
12. Stay updated with industry trends and algorithm changes to remain competitive.
13. Continuously tweak your content to align with featured snippet opportunities.
14. Focus on providing valuable, actionable information in your content.
15. Engage with your audience through social media and other channels to build brand authority.
16. Seek expert advice or consultation if needed to fine-tune your SEO strategy.
17. Regularly review and update your structured data markup to stay in sync with search engine guidelines.
18. Collaborate with other industry professionals to share insights and strategies for dealing with zero-click search results.
19. Monitor the effectiveness of your voice search optimization efforts and adjust as necessary.
20. Stay patient and persistent, as adapting to the world of zero-click search results may take time and ongoing effort.

Bruce Clay is founder and president of Bruce Clay Inc., a global digital marketing firm providing search engine optimization, pay-per-click, social media marketing, SEO-friendly web architecture, and SEO tools and education. Connect with him on LinkedIn or through the BruceClay.com website.

See Bruce's author page for links to connect on social media.