Featured snippet: write a paragraph or a list?

Featured snippet: write a paragraph or a list?

Today's lesson: a featured snippet — the answer box pulled to the very top of results — comes in formats. Matching the right one wins the spot.

Think of answering a question in one breath versus counting on your fingers.

1. If the question wants a definition or short 'what is' answer, write a tight 40-50 word paragraph right after the heading. One breath.
2. If it wants steps or a ranking ('best ways to...', 'how to...'), use a numbered or bulleted list. Fingers.
3. Look at what's already in the box for your query — that's Google telling you which format it prefers.

The tradeoff: forcing a list where a paragraph fits (or vice versa) usually loses. Copy the shape Google already rewards.

Try this: search your target question, note if the snippet is paragraph or list, then format your answer to match. 🎓