Article
A Guide to SEMrush SERP Features
By Larry Norris
SEO Expert
Published: 1/21/2025 • SEO
Key article takeaways
- SERP Feature icons in SEMrush indicate specific types of search results associated with keywords on Google's SERP, beyond traditional organic listings.
- Understanding and optimizing for SERP Features, like featured snippets and video carousels, can significantly enhance content visibility and drive more traffic.
- SEMrush provides a variety of SERP Feature icons, each representing unique search result types such as Featured Snippet, Local Pack, Reviews, Site Links, and more.
- The presence of a SERP Feature icon next to a keyword in SEMrush suggests the existence of that feature for the keyword, offering opportunities to optimize content accordingly.
Understanding SEMrush SERP Feature Icons
What are those icons next to your keywords?
If you’re analyzing organic research reports with SEMrush, you might have noticed small icons appearing alongside your keywords. These icons, known as SERP Feature indicators, provide valuable insights into the types of results displayed for a keyword on Google’s Search Engine Results Page (SERP). These results differ from the traditional organic listings you’re used to seeing. When one of these icons appears next to a keyword, it signals that a specific type of search result is present for that term. Let’s explore what these icons mean and why they matter.What Are Organic Results?
To understand SERP Features, it’s essential to first grasp what qualifies as an organic search result. An organic result is simply a non-paid listing that a search engine delivers because it’s deemed relevant to the user’s query. These results are ranked based on factors like content quality, keyword relevance, and backlinks, not through paid advertising campaigns. However, search engines like Google have evolved beyond traditional organic listings. SERP Features represent additional elements—both paid and unpaid—that enhance the search experience and often stand out more prominently than standard organic results.Why Do SERP Features Matter?
SERP Features, such as featured snippets, video carousels, and knowledge panels, are designed to grab user attention and deliver quick answers. They are increasingly crucial for driving traffic because they often appear at the top of the results page or in visually engaging formats. By understanding these features and optimizing for them, you can improve your content’s visibility and capitalize on valuable opportunities to attract more clicks. This guide will help you decode these icons and understand how they reflect the search behavior and result types for each keyword, allowing you to refine your strategy and achieve better outcomes.Decoding SEMrush SERP Features: Icons and Their Meanings
SEMrush employs a variety of SERP Feature icons to help you identify the types of search results associated with specific keywords. Each icon corresponds to a unique result type, offering opportunities to optimize your content and improve visibility. Here’s an updated and detailed explanation of these icons and what they represent:SEMrush SERP Features Icons Explained
Featured Snippet
This result provides a concise answer to a question directly within the search results, often in a highlighted box at the top of the page. It’s designed to give users a quick solution without requiring a click-through.Local Pack
A group of listings showcasing local businesses or points of interest near the user’s location. These results often include maps, addresses, and reviews, making them vital for location-based businesses.Reviews
Ideal for commercial businesses, this feature displays your star rating and the number of reviews directly beneath your listing. Reviews add credibility and encourage clicks.Site Links
This feature includes additional internal links to key sections of your website, alongside the main page. It enhances navigation and provides quick access to important pages.Featured Video
Appearing prominently at the top of the results page, a Featured Video is highly engaging and often garners significant attention.Video Results
Unlike Featured Videos, these appear farther down on the page but still offer a visual way to capture user interest.Top Stories
A curated collection of current news articles related to the keyword, tailored to the user’s location and interests. This feature is highly relevant for trending topics.People Also Ask (PAA)
An expandable box displaying related questions that users commonly search for. Clicking a question reveals additional answers and links, encouraging further exploration.Images
A carousel or grid of images relevant to the keyword, often displayed near the top or middle of the results page.Tweet
Includes real-time Twitter content that matches the search query, showcasing popular or relevant tweets.Instant Answer
When Google determines a clear and definitive answer, it displays it directly on the results page without requiring a click.Knowledge Panel
This comprehensive panel offers detailed information from trusted sources, often appearing on the right-hand side of the results page. It’s commonly used for well-known entities like businesses, public figures, or organizations.Showcase Shopping Ads
These ads appear above standard paid search ads and display a collection of relevant products for non-branded search terms. They are visually appealing and tailored for e-commerce.AdWords Top
Paid advertisements that appear at the very top of the SERP, above the organic results.AdWords Bottom
Paid advertisements that appear at the bottom of the SERP, below the organic results.How to Leverage SERP Features
If you see a SERP Feature icon next to your keyword, it doesn’t necessarily mean your website is featured in that way. Instead, it indicates that this type of result exists for that keyword somewhere online. Use this insight as inspiration to optimize your content for these features and boost your online visibility. Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Contact the RedSEO for a customized SEO strategy and start optimizing your content for SERP Features today!Share
Key article takeaways
- SERP Feature icons in SEMrush indicate specific types of search results associated with keywords on Google's SERP, beyond traditional organic listings.
- Understanding and optimizing for SERP Features, like featured snippets and video carousels, can significantly enhance content visibility and drive more traffic.
- SEMrush provides a variety of SERP Feature icons, each representing unique search result types such as Featured Snippet, Local Pack, Reviews, Site Links, and more.
- The presence of a SERP Feature icon next to a keyword in SEMrush suggests the existence of that feature for the keyword, offering opportunities to optimize content accordingly.