What’s the most effective way to increase your content’s visibility in Google’s ‘People Also Ask’ (PAA) feature?
This is a key question for SEO professionals and content creators seeking to maximize their organic reach. To provide answers, we turned to the experts.
In this post, we’ve compiled insights from leading SEOs, asking them to share their go-to strategies for PAA optimization.
Their responses offer a range of practical approaches, providing valuable guidance for anyone looking to leverage this powerful SERP feature to enhance their content’s visibility and attract targeted traffic.
Read on!
Sahil Kakkar
We use FAQ and How-To schema to tell Google exactly where our answers are. Adding structured data signals increased our PAA appearance rate by 2x.
For a client in SaaS, implementing schema markup landed them three new PAAs within weeks. If you’re not using structured data, you’re making Google work harder—help it, and you’ll rank faster.
Sahil Kakkar
Founder & CEO, RankWatch
Ryan Jones
At SEOTesting, optimizing for Google’s PAAs is a key part of our visibility strategy.
I start by analyzing SERP data to identify trending PAA questions related to our niche. Using our platform, I track which queries drive traffic and test different content structures to increase our chances of appearing in PAA boxes.
I provide concise, direct answers (40-60 words) in a structured format, often in FAQs or clearly labeled subheadings, which significantly improves our content’s discoverability based on tests that we have conducted previously.
Additionally, I monitor PAA performance in Google Search Console to identify opportunities for further optimization. By consistently refining our approach and testing different answer formats, I can ensure that our content remains relevant and highly visible in search results.
Ryan Jones
Marketing Manager, SEOTesting
Deepak Shukla
Ranking in PAA requires structuring content for quick, direct answers. Identifying common PAA queries through keyword research and crafting concise, well-formatted responses using clear headings, bullet points, and FAQs increases the chances of appearing.
Matching search intent is crucial—Google favors content that provides immediate value.
Optimizing for featured snippets, using schema markup, and regularly updating content to stay relevant all contribute to long-term ranking success.
Vaibhav Kakkar
One mistake we make is burying the answer under the fluff. We train our writers to lead with the answer in the first sentence before providing supporting details.
A simple reformatting boosted our PAA visibility by 40% for one high-competition query. Google scans quickly—if it doesn’t find a clear answer immediately, it moves on.
I am happy to provide a response to your query, you can make edits as per your suitability.
Iqbal Ahmad
To optimize your content to rank in Google’s “People Also Ask or PAA” feature, design your content in a question-answer format.
I usually design my blogs into question answers format and write content in such a way that it provides direct answers to the questions. This technique not only provides to-the-point information for your audience but also increases impressions and engagement time on your website.
Another added feature of designing your content into a question-answer format will help you get featured snippets, which are often called position “0”.
Iqbal Ahmad
Founder & CEO, Britannia School of Academics
Tabish Ali
I’ve spent countless hours trying to crack the Google ‘People Also Ask’ (PAA) feature, and one strategy that consistently works for me is answering questions in a concise, structured, and natural way.
Instead of overcomplicating things, I write clear, direct answers within the first 2-3 sentences of a paragraph, followed by a deeper dive if needed.
Another trick that I use the most is using Google itself as a guide. I type my target keyword, check the PAA results, and study the structure of already-ranked answers. Then, I replicate that style while ensuring my content adds something extra.
Lastly, I always optimize my headings with question-based formats because Google loves content that directly mirrors user queries.
It’s a constant learning process but it’s worth it!
Tabish Ali
Celebrity Content & Outreach Executive, Champions Speakers
Firdaus Sateem
I usually focus on Targeting Question-based Keywords. Because PAA is basically a Q&A machine, and Google loves serving up content that matches the exact questions people are typing in.
I start with figuring out what questions my audience is asking. Then I create content that directly answer those questions quickly and clearly. However, I don’t skimp on quality while keeping it concise.
Here is the best part, I sprinkle those question-based keywords naturally throughout my headings and copy. I’ve used this strategy countless times, and it just delivers.
Firdaus Sateem
Founder, VoidSEO
Jasmine Charbonier
Comprehensive Content Creation Strategy: First, we gotta understand what makes PAA tick.
- Think about how real people ask questions… y’know?
- Gotta keep things natural and conversational (just like we’re chatting)
- I’ve found that answering multiple related questions in one piece works great
Data-Driven Question Research: Here’s how I dig up those golden PAA opportunities.
- Check out the existing PAAs in your niche (they’re like breadcrumbs)
- Use tools like AnswerThePublic (it’s a game-changer, trust me)
- Watch those auto-suggest results in Google (they’re pure gold)
Format Optimization: Let’s talk about making your content PAA-friendly.
- Keep answers short and sweet (40-50 words seems to hit the spot)
- Structure with clear H2s and H3s (Google loves that stuff)
- Use simple language… like, really simple
Question-Based Headers: This is where the magic happens, folks.
- Format questions exactly as they appear in PAA
- Include natural variations of the same question
- Start with “what,” “how,” “why” (these are PAA magnets)
Technical Implementation: Here’s the nerdy-but-necessary stuff.
- Add FAQ schema markup (it’s easier than it sounds)
- Keep paragraphs short and snappy
- Use those HTML tags right (they matter more than you’d think)
Value-First Content Strategy: This is probably the most important part.
- Answer the main question in the first paragraph
- Give detailed, practical examples
- Provide actionable steps (people love that)
Writing Style Adjustments: Let’s make it super digestible.
- Break complex ideas into bite-sized chunks
- Use everyday language (like we’re having coffee)
- Write like you’re explaining it to a friend
Jasmine Charbonier
Multichannel Fundraiser, jasminecharbonier.com
On behalf of the BoostMyDomain community of readers, we thank these leaders and experts for taking the time to share valuable insights that stem from years of experience and in-depth expertise in their respective niches.
BoostMyDomain invites you to share your insights and contribute to our authoritative publication. Reach a wider audience, build your credibility, and establish yourself as a thought leader in an industry that caters to every business with an online presence!
