Counting SERP features killed a 22,000-vol target before we wasted 40 hours

Counting SERP features killed a 22,000-vol target before we wasted 40 hours

Before committing to a 22,000-vol head term, we measured how much of the result page organic links actually own.

— Query volume: 22,000/mo
— SERP real estate above first organic result: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ 78%
— Features present: AI overview, 4 ads, product grid, video pack
— Modeled organic CTR at position 1: under 6%

Even a number-one ranking would have intercepted a thin slice of a crowded page. We modeled it at roughly 1,300 clicks, not the 6,000 the volume implied.

We redirected the 40 planned hours to three feature-light queries totaling 8,000 volume and earned 2,900 clicks instead.

So what: volume is the size of the pie; SERP features decide your slice. Count the features before you commit.

Benchmark of the week: AI-overview SERPs in our sample cut position-1 organic CTR by a median 34%.