For the first time, the majority of browser-based searches on Google resulted in zero clicks. These findings were published by Rand Fishkin, founder of SparkToro, where data was sourced from the research done by clickstream data company Jumpshot.

Since the launch of featured snippets on the Google search engine results page ( SERP), digital marketers, content developers, and many others have witnessed the rise of no-click search results. As everyone started to wonder how this would impact website traffic, conversions, and revenue for companies of all sorts, this provided some reason for concern. Now well into 2020, the trend of zero-click searches continues and marketers are looking to navigate this evolving landscape.

While no-click searches may be cause for alarm for many, understanding, embracing, and adapting to the ever-changing search landscape remains an essential component of any digital marketing strategy. Google has evolved countless times over the past several decades and like all things, failure to adapt usually means we get left behind.

So let’s explore here what no-click search results are, their pros and cons, and how we can shift our digital marketing strategies to make the most of emerging trends.

What are zero-click searches?

In essence, a zero-click search is a search query where the answer is given directly to the SERP, removing the need for a user to click on a website at any time. Here is an instance of looking for the local weather forecast.

In times of old, Google would display organic listings for websites that provided the forecast, however, you’d need to click through to the website to obtain the information. Now, the query is answered right in the SERP with organic listings below it.

To take this a step further, Google even offers the answer in the address bar before it’s even finished being asked (and I didn’t even spell “forecast” correctly).

This is essentially what zero-click searches mean: a search query in which the searcher never needs to click away from the SERP to find the answer.

The controversy of zero-click searches

There is a lot of controversy surrounding zero-click searches and what that means for websites everywhere. Many believe Google is furthering its attempt to monopolize the SERP and other Google-owned properties or “steal” website traffic. Others, however, see it as a necessary evolution of the SERPs. Whether anyone likes it or not, the reality is zero-click searches are on the rise and it’s unlikely that they will reverse or plateau anytime soon.

So the best question to ask is how will the ever-changing search environment develop and adapt to it? Although in some cases, no-click searches may mean less website traffic, lower reviews, and less clicks, new unique opportunities that did not exist before could also be provided. Let’s take a peek.

The pros of no-click searches

Improving the user experience

While many see Google as trying to carve out a bigger piece of the pie for themselves, the reality is that Google is in the business of providing information to answer search intent. It only makes sense that they would continually work to improve and refine the user experience by making it as seamless and frictionless as possible.

As SEOs, we should be mindful of this and make sure we emphasise enhancing user experience wherever possible. With the advent of rapidly evolving emerging technologies and user behaviour, failing to adapt or optimise for such items is an invitation to failure. So the introduction of zero-click searches seems to simply be Google’s way of continuing to provide a great user experience (at least that’s what it looks like on the surface).

Featured snippets are now position 1 in the SERP

Prior to January of 2020, the featured snippet was counted as “position zero” on the SERP. This is because the featured snippet appeared at the top of the page and then was followed by the classic 10 organic listings. Additionally, if you owned the featured snippet position, you could “double-dip” so to speak, by also appearing in the first 3 organic listings.

Then Google decided that in most cases, the SERP would display a featured snippet (if it existed), followed by 9 organic listings for a total of 10 (this is not taking into account other SERP features that might be present on the page).

So basically, position zero became position one. Google also removed that “double-dipping” element that existed before by removing your organic listing on the first page of the search results if you owned the featured snippet.

However, if you own the featured snippet on the SERP, what this means is that you hold one role and work on that desirable prime real estate. Although you can have less clicks on your website, other benefits are that you have high exposure, increased brand recognition, enhanced authority, and confidence between your website, Google, and searchers.

All of these can work together to boost your brand and revenue indirectly.

The cons of no-click searches

Fewer impressions and clicks from the SERP
Perhaps the most apparent cause of concern about the increase in zero-click searches is the decreased number of clicks from the SERP to the website, indicating less traffic and potentially less revenue. No one on the first page is likely to see several clicks for those questions with information and answers supplied right there.

Basically, if you don’t own that featured snippet position (or other on-page SERP features), ranking on the first page for those queries offers little to no direct value.

Creating top level content offers reduced value

Once upon a time, informational top-level content wasn’t always as easy to come by but now, this kind of content is one of the leading types that results in zero-click searches. Currency conversions, time zones, weather forecasts and most “what is” questions are good examples of top-level informational content that will most likely result in no clicks and no real added value beyond that.

With this in mind, marketers should shift to focus on more mid-level content or constructing deeper long-form content. While you can still optimize for these featured snippets, they are highly competitive and the value of gaining them may not be worth the time, money, and effort to get there.

Ways you can optimize for zero-click searches

Whether you feel zero-click searches are good or bad, the reality is they are seemingly here to stay and the best way to move forward is to evolve, adapt, and capitalize on opportunities as they come. Here are a few ways in which you can implement SEO strategies to fight back against zero-click searches on the SERP.

Target relevant featured snippets

Identifying and going after the featured snippets and other SERP features that are most important to your business is still important. Even if it means receiving fewer clicks from the SERPs. Not only do featured snippets now count as position one on the page, but it’s the best seat in the house. Owning these snippets offers value for improved visibility, brand awareness, demonstrating authority, and building trust between Google and users. All of these will work together to indirectly recycle value back to your website and your business.

Create deeper content

The results page of the Google search is not designed to house in-depth content which is why it shows only “snippets” of information. This suggests that searchers can click through to a website for that information for search queries that require a more detailed description. For featured snippets positions, if the user already feels that the snippet has begun to provide the information they are looking for, they will be more inclined to click the snippet to view that content from the source page, as opposed to scrolling down the SERP.

So long-form content that offers strong value in that sense, can possibly reap both the benefits of:

a.) owning a featured snippet position and

b.) receiving a decent CTR from the SERP via that snippet by optimizing deep content to entice searchers to see more

Monitor the metrics that matter

When it comes to no-click searches, monitoring your CTR from the SERP might not be one of the best metrics to focus on. Instead, consider how zero-click searches might indirectly impact you in other ways and what metrics might be more useful to keep an eye on.

Perhaps you’ve noticed an increase in branded search terms since obtaining ownership of a featured snippet that displays for high search volume keywords. Maybe there’s been an improvement in the average time spent on-page. These are just a couple of examples of other metrics to monitor that might help to prove a certain value from zero-click searches, namely—when there initially seemed to be none.

Final thoughts
While the value of no-click searches might still be highly debated, it’s futile to fight against the ever-changing search landscape. Instead, marketers should begin to strategize on ways they can align themselves with this momentum and look for new innovative ways to capitalize on it. Google will continue to prioritize constantly improving its user experience. As SEOs, it is our job to do the same.

Even though overall clicks and impressions from the SERP might be lower for those zero-click searches, there is still tremendous value in operating within that prime first spot on the results page and that will continue to contribute positively to your overall SEO efforts.