How I Use Google Autocomplete to Snag the Featured Snippet Spot (And You Can Too)
- Cheri Tracy
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Let’s talk about one of my favorite SEO hacks—so good I almost don’t want to share it. But I will.
Because I love you.
Did you know that Google’s autocomplete can help you nab that coveted featured snippet spot in search results?
Yep. That little dropdown of predictive phrases that shows up when you type something into the search bar? It’s gold. It’s basically Google whispering in your ear, “Hey babe, this is what people are searching for.”
The Trick: Let Google Finish Your Sentence
Here’s what you do:
Type a snippet-style sentence using the keyword you want to rank for. Something natural and helpful—think “The best way to clean makeup brushes is…” or “How to price handmade products for profit…”
Pause. Let Google autocomplete it.
Take note of the suggested phrases that pop up. These are real-time, frequently searched queries.
Pick the one that fits your content (and your brand voice).
Use that exact sentence—yes, verbatim—under a heading tag (like <h2> or <h3>) in your blog post.
Why? Because Google loves handing out featured snippets to pages that answer direct questions in the exact words people are already typing.
Why I’m Obsessed (And Why You Should Be Too)
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m a content and SEO junkie. Like, wake-up-at-3AM-in-a-cold-sweat-thinking-about-meta-descriptions kind of obsessed.
But it works.
Blogging is the secret weapon that’s put all my itty bitty brands on the map—without playing the high-stakes PPC game or shelling out for ads just to stay visible.
You know who I have to thank for that? Tony Hsieh. He was one of the first people to tell me, “Start a blog.” So I did. Back when I launched Orglamix, I started writing blog posts from the heart—about beauty, business, and behind-the-scenes. And guess what? Beauty editors all over the world found us.
That blog? It became my best unpaid employee.
Because Let’s Be Real...
In my industries—beauty, fragrance, wellness—there are celebs with deep pockets who can play the long game and lose money on customer acquisition for years. That’s not me. I’ve got to be smart, nimble, and creative. Every organic click matters.
So I check my stats. All. The. Time. And lately? I see ChatGPT creeping up the ladder every week. You too?
Whether you're seeing it or not, here’s a tip you can start using today. No budget needed.
TL;DR: How to Use This SEO Hack
Pick a keyword you want to rank for.
Start a sentence that answers a common question.
Let Google autocomplete it.
Use that full sentence in your blog post under a heading.
Watch what happens.
It’s seriously that simple.
If you’re trying to grow your brand on a budget—or you’re just plain tired of feeling invisible online—give this a shot. It’s easy, it’s free, and it’s crazy effective.
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