What Is “People Also Ask” And How to Optimize It?

How to optimize “People Also Ask” in Google SERP By BrightBrain

If you’ve ever used Google (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), you’ve probably noticed the “People also ask” section that appears on the search results page. It’s that little box that pops up with related questions that Google thinks you might be interested in.

Now, you might be thinking, “Who are these people that Google is talking about? Are they my long-lost internet friends?” Well, we can’t say for sure who these people are, but we do know that optimizing the “People Also Ask” section can be a game-changer for your website’s SEO.

But wait, there’s more! Each answer in the section comes from a web page that you can click through for more information. From paragraphs to lists, tables, images, and sometimes even videos – you name it, they’ve got it covered.

It’s like unlocking a Pandora’s box of endless curiosity. You click on one question, and suddenly, a dozen of related queries and their corresponding answers appear before your eyes on the search engine results page.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, we don’t judge) and let’s get started. We promise to make it as fun and informative as possible. Let’s get started!

How often do “People Also Ask” Results appear in SERPS?

So, here’s the scoop from our research: “People Also Ask” (PAA) results were spotted in around 49.37% of desktop searches and 52.27% of mobile searches. But hold on, these numbers aren’t set in stone! They can vary across different industries, ranging from as low as 9.5% to as high as 64.2%.

Now, why is this important, you ask? Well, these variations give us a sneak peek into what people are really searching for in each industry. You can understand their search intent, and it tells us what search features Google might fancy for that particular field.

For instance, in the wild world of “News,” where freshness is the name of the game, Google likes to jazz up the search results with “Top Stories” and Twitter card features. You’ve got to stay on top of the latest buzz, you know?

Although when we shift gears to the “Real Estate” realm. When folks are hunting for apartments in a specific location, their intent is crystal clear. These searches usually bring forth good old traditional “ten blue links” search results. We did some snooping around and found that only 2.5% of “apartments in [location]” queries resulted in a “People Also Ask” (PAA) popping up.

So, why should you care about all this “People Also Ask” (PAA) jazz? Well, understanding the prominence of it within your industry’s search landscape can be quite the gem. It helps you tailor your content and SEO strategies to match the search behavior of your target audience.

With the help of “People Also Ask” you can optimize your website’s visibility and give your audience what they’re searching for.

Why is “People Also Ask” Important?

You’re sitting there, unsure of how to express your query properly. You might even doubt what you’re really looking for. That’s when “People Also Ask” swoops in to save the day!

Here are a few examples to see how this feature could be useful to you:

• “People Also Ask” provides related questions to assist users in refining their search queries and finding the information they need.

• Website owners can benefit from appearing in the “People Also Ask” suggestions, gaining additional clicks and potential web traffic.

• SEO enthusiasts can use “People Also Ask” results to uncover valuable keyword and topic ideas for content creation.

• It offers opportunities to generate fresh blog topics or expand existing articles with relevant subsections.

• It enhances the overall search experience by providing valuable information and improving search result relevance.

• It can increase visibility for websites and improve their chances of attracting organic traffic from curious users.

Digging through these results will also help you understand user behavior, internet search trends, and how you can optimize your website in order to make the most out of your resources.

Or, they could just be interesting if you’re looking for some fast facts or additional information about a specific topic.

It also fosters a more effective search experience while offering opportunities for enhanced visibility and content expansion.

How to Optimize for “People Also Ask”?

If you’re eager to optimize your content for the “People Also Ask” (PAA) section, we’ve got some top-notch tips just for you. These strategies will help you stand out and make the most of this valuable search feature. Let’s begin!

Answer the burning questions:

To make it to the top of the People Also Ask section, focus on providing concise, yet informative answers to the related questions. Be the problem-solver, the wise sage who knows exactly what users are seeking. Sprinkle your content with engaging and well-crafted responses that address these queries.

Structure for success:

Organization is key, my friend! Structure your content in a way that caters to both users and search engines. Break down your article into sections or subheadings, each focusing on a specific question from the People Also Ask section. This way, you’re not only optimizing for search engines but also making it easier for users to find what they’re looking for.

Use structured-data mark-up:

By implementing structured data markup, you can provide additional information about your article, such as its sections, subheadings, and their corresponding questions and answers. This not only helps search engines comprehend and index your content more effectively but also enhances the visibility of your article.

Keywords are your companions:

Ah, those lovely little keywords! Identify the keywords that are frequently associated with the People Also Ask questions and sprinkle them throughout your content. But remember, don’t go overboard and stuff your content with keywords. Keep it natural and let them flow like a river of understanding.

Be the ultimate guide:

Imagine yourself as the tour guide in the world of People Also Ask. Go beyond just answering the questions and provide additional insights and valuable information. Become the trusted source that users turn to for all their queries. Show off your expertise, my friend!

Keep it fresh and updated:

The digital landscape is ever-changing, and so should your content. Regularly update your articles to ensure that they remain relevant and up-to-date. By staying on top of the latest trends and developments, you’ll increase your chances of appearing in the ever-evolving People Also Ask section.

Don’t just stop there! To really stand out, you should also aim to inject some personality into your answers. After all, nobody wants to read dry and boring content!

Conclusion

Now that you’re armed with the latest knowledge on “People Also Ask” optimization, it’s time to put it into action and create content that will leave both Google and your target audience grinning from ear to ear. But hey, if you feel like you could use some extra support on your search engine optimization journey, feel free to reach out to us at BrightBrain.

We’ll guide you in structuring your content strategy for maximum impact, optimizing your website’s technical aspects, and keeping up with the ever-evolving SEO landscape. With our expertise, you can rest assured that your content will shine brightly amidst the competition.

Bright Brain is a Digital Marketing and Advertising Agency with a focus on building digital solutions for Branding and Increased Sales efficiency. Our expertise includes Digital Advertising, Campaign must-have Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Web Development, and Online Branding. Our Google Partnership brings a unique opportunity to work with the internal team at Google, adding even more value to our team & clients.

Suhail Bajaj

Suhail Bajaj is the CEO of BrightBrain Marketing Technologies LLP that has now grown into a full-fledged digital marketing agency with 55+ employees and clients from 7+ countries – all under his supervision. Graduated with an MBA from the esteemed Cass Business School, he brilliantly puts his learnings into practice, helping brands meet their business goals and succeed in a digital-first world.

Suhail Bajaj