What is the How-to SERP Feature?
The How-to SERP feature displays results that guide users through the steps needed to complete a task. It is designed to answer how-to queries by pulling in videos, images, or text directly from the source site. For example, a query like "how to tile a wall" will trigger a How-to result that outlines the steps involved in the process.
Placement and Status
- Placement: Organic
- Status: Active
- Device: All
- Ranking URL: Source site
Functionality:
- Visual and Textual Guides: The How-to feature can display various forms of content, including videos, images, and text, to provide a comprehensive guide.
- Step-by-Step Instructions: It aims to present clear, step-by-step instructions to help users complete the task they are searching for.
- Rich Results: Google suggests that including an image of the completed task and images for each step will enhance the richness of the result.
Benefits:
- User-Friendly: Provides users with easy-to-follow instructions directly in the search results, improving the user experience.
- Enhanced Visibility: Source sites benefit from increased visibility and traffic as their content is featured prominently.
- Engagement: Rich, visual guides can increase user engagement and the likelihood of users successfully completing the task.
Examples of Use:
- DIY Projects: Searches like “how to build a bookshelf” will display a How-to result with step-by-step instructions and images or videos.
- Cooking Recipes: Queries such as “how to bake a cake” will show a detailed guide, potentially including ingredient lists, preparation steps, and images.
- Technical Tasks: Searches for “how to install software” may bring up a How-to result with the necessary steps and screenshots.
Additional Notes:
- Content Optimization: To optimize content for How-to results, websites should provide clear, structured steps with accompanying images or videos for each step.
- Schema Markup: Using How-to schema markup can help Google understand and display the content effectively in the How-to SERP feature.
By incorporating the How-to SERP feature, Google aims to deliver immediate, practical solutions to users' queries, enhancing their search experience by providing step-by-step guidance right within the search results. This feature not only aids users in completing their tasks efficiently but also drives traffic and engagement to the source websites.
