Google appears to have expanded its Featured Snippets to include Google Suggest navigational buttons, a function previously announced in January. When users enter a vague search query that has more nuanced variations, the featured snippets now display navigational "chiclets" style buttons to help users find a more specific response. This type of featured snippet is showing up more frequently in searches.
Featured Snippets with Google Suggest Buttons
The navigational buttons seem to be an extension of the Google Suggest feature, acting like search suggestions in a navigational element.
For example, a search result for the phrase "how to zip a file" now includes Google Suggest buttons that clarify how to zip a file on different operating systems like Mac, Linux, or Windows.
Here is another example: How to Catch Trout
When searching for "How to Catch Trout," the traditional Google Suggest drop-down menu appears.
However, if you search "how to catch trout" without engaging with the drop-down suggestions, Google provides featured snippets with the Google Suggest navigational buttons.
This change does not yet have an official announcement but appears to be live on many searches and works across multiple browsers. You can test it yourself with the queries mentioned or try your own that initially trigger a Google Suggest drop-down.
Takeaway: Positive Impact on Search Traffic
Previously, search results did not feature these navigational elements. With this update to the featured snippets, Google can now drive traffic to sites providing more precise information, benefiting both users and websites with specialized content.
Hat tip to Leanna Kelly for noticing the feature and highlighting it!
