Zero Click Search

The Rise of Zero-Click Search: 5 Actions You Can Take RIGHT NOW

Why this matters now

“Nearly 65% of searches now end without a click.” If you rely on clicks alone to fuel funnels, you’re falling behind. Be the answer.
Google AI Overview explaining zero-click searches—answers shown on the results page without a site click
Example: AI Overview/featured snippet answering directly on the SERP (zero-click).
What’s changing

Search engines and AI models act as the middleman. Users get answers earlier—often on the SERP.

The risk

You lose pageviews even when your content is used. Visibility ≠ clicks.

The opportunity

Own snippets and answer boxes to gain brand equity, trust, and demand—then earn the deeper click.

5 moves to dominate in a zero-click world

1

Answer Box

  • Lead with a one-sentence answer.
  • Use bullets, steps, short tables.
  • Define terms at the top.
Snippet-readyPAA-friendly
2

Schema

  • FAQ for Q&A blocks.
  • Article / HowTo / List schema.
  • LocalBusiness: NAP (address, hours, services).
Machine-readableAnswer eligibility ↑
3

Voice

  • Conversational phrasing (“how to fix leak near me”).
  • Question H2/H3s; FAQs like natural speech.
  • Local + intent (“…in Charleston”).
Assistant-readyLong-tail win
4

Deep Answer

  • Give the snippet answer, then tease depth.
  • Answer → Context → Example → Next steps.
  • Anchor links keep detail onsite.
Scroll-to-learnBounce ↓
5

Monitor

  • Track snippet/PAA queries in GSC, Ahrefs, SEMrush.
  • List & refresh winning zero-click pages.
  • Maintain a freshness cadence.
Freshness cadenceSpin-off content

Key takeaway

Zero-click isn’t the end of traffic—it’s the evolution of visibility. Become the answer, then earn the deeper click with compelling next steps.

Go deeper

Get the full zero-click & AEO tactics, structured data playbook, and snippet-winning templates.

Quick on-page layout

  • Top: 1-sentence answer + definition
  • Middle: bullets / table / steps
  • Bottom: examples + next steps + anchors

📘 FAQ: Zero-Click Search & AEO

What is a zero-click search?

A query answered directly on the SERP—via featured snippets, knowledge panels, PAA boxes, or local packs—so no site click is needed.

How do you optimize for AEO?

Prioritize clarity, structure, and schema. Answer conversational questions, use lists/tables, and map content to user intent.

Will zero-click reduce my traffic?

Possibly at first—but brand visibility and trust rise. Tease deeper content and convert scanners into readers.

What content types win?

Short FAQs, “how-to” lists, definitions, comparison tables, and structured guides: snippet-ready up top, detail below.

Talk to Us



Digital Marketing

What is Digital Marketing?

What is ‘Digital Marketing’? 

If you’re a business owner, you hear this a lot.  In short, digital marketing is the term for your company’s online marketing efforts.

Tools To Use 

Google search, social media, email, online advertising, and your website are all examples of tools you can use to enhance your company’s digital presence. 

Do I Have to Pay For All of Those?

While social media, email marketing, and your website are not technically paid advertising. Each avenue contributes to the overall online presence of your business. 

When people naturally come across your social media posts, for example, the sharing of that content helps reach an even larger audience without any cost to you!

Is Social Media and a Website Digital Marketing?

It is important to have a website and social media profiles to be an information location for potential and continuing customers.

A great example of digital marketing is having a review section on both your website and social media for customers to tell others how great your business is. 

A website is also key to having your company on the digital map. 

By having a well-put-together website, your business will be found easily by potential customers via Google search. It is also a place for online ads to be linked to when seen by potential customers in other areas of the internet.

How Does My Investment Help Me With Future Marketing? 

Another reason to invest in digital marketing is that it is the easiest way to reach your target audience: online. 

This will allow you to see real-time, measurable results from your marketing efforts. You can adjust as you need to, and using that data to create future advertising. 

Using your website and social media, you can funnel money into your marketing to best reach your target audience. 

Paid digital marketing efforts include displays and banners, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and boosted social media posts and Facebook Ads. 

 

Find out how you can apply digital marketing to your business with the Post and Courier here!