What Is Google's "Page Includes" Feature?
The "Page Includes" feature is an experimental addition that Google’s been quietly testing since early 2025. You’ll spot it under some search results as a small, extra line highlighting specific topics or sections from the webpage. For example, you might see something like:
“Page includes: Services, Pricing, Testimonials.”
The goal is to give users a clearer picture of what’s on the page—without having to click first. Instead of relying on just the title or meta description, Google pulls out extra details to help people decide if the page has what they need.
However, since it’s still in the testing phase, it’s not perfect yet. Sometimes, it pulls irrelevant or unrelated content from the page, which can lead to confusion for users and frustration for site owners. As Google keeps refining it, the hope is that it will become a more accurate and helpful tool.
Why Does "Page Includes" Matter?
Even though this feature is new and experimental, it has some real potential to shake things up—for users and site owners alike. Here’s why you should keep an eye on it:
- Helps Users Find What They Need Faster: People get a quick snapshot of your page’s content before clicking. This can improve their search experience and help them zero in on exactly what they’re looking for.
- Can Boost Click-Through Rates (CTR): If Google accurately highlights key sections of your page, it could convince more people to click through. Showing off the most relevant parts of your content upfront might be the nudge users need.
- Increases the Importance of Clear Content Structure: The better your content is organized, the more likely Google will pull out relevant sections for "Page Includes." If your page is a jumbled mess, you risk Google showcasing the wrong information.
- Early Optimization Can Give You an Edge: Since this feature is still in testing, there’s a chance to get ahead of the curve. If you prepare your content now, you could benefit from higher visibility if (or when) Google rolls it out widely.
Best Practices to Optimize for "Page Includes"
While Google hasn’t officially rolled this feature out yet, it’s a smart move to get your site ready. Here are some best practices to help your content shine in those snippets.
1. Use Structured Data (Schema Markup)
First things first—help Google understand your content better by using structured data. Adding schema markup to your pages gives search engines more context about what’s on your site. Think of it as providing Google with a map of your content.
You can use schema for things like articles, products, services, FAQs, and more. Once you’ve added it, use tools like Google’s Rich Results Test to make sure everything’s working properly.
2. Organize Your Content with Clear Headings
Content structure matters—big time. If your page is easy to scan, Google is more likely to pull relevant sections for "Page Includes." Here’s how you can tighten up your structure:
- Use Proper Headings: Stick to a clear hierarchy. Use H1 for your main title, H2s for big sections, and H3s for sub-sections within those.
- Be Descriptive: Your headings should clearly explain what each section covers. Instead of “More Info,” try “Pricing Breakdown” or “Product Features.”
This not only helps Google but also makes your page more user-friendly.
3. Keep Your Content Fresh and Relevant
It’s easy to let content go stale, but outdated information can hurt your chances of showing up in search results—or worse, lead to irrelevant "Page Includes" snippets. Regularly update your content to ensure it aligns with current user needs and stays accurate.
Make sure your pages are answering the questions users are actually searching for, and tweak your content based on keyword performance and traffic data.
4. Craft Descriptive Meta Titles and Descriptions
Even though "Page Includes" pulls content directly from your page, your meta title and description still matter. They help Google understand what your page is about and can influence how your content shows up in search results.
Focus on writing clear, engaging meta descriptions that summarize your content’s main points. Keep them concise—ideally under 160 characters—and naturally include important keywords.
5. Test Your Content with Real Users
You can guess what works, or you can ask your audience directly. Testing how users interact with your content can reveal what’s working and what needs improvement.
- Run Surveys: Get direct feedback from users about whether they found what they were looking for.
- Track User Behaviour: Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor bounce rates, time on page, and click patterns.
- Gather Direct Feedback: If possible, offer users a simple feedback tool on your site to understand their experience better.
Listening to your audience gives you the insights needed to tweak your content for clarity—and that could help Google pick out the right info for future "Page Includes."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I influence what appears in the "Page Includes" snippet?
No, you can't directly control what Google highlights in "Page Includes" for now. However, you can increase the chances of relevant content being pulled by using clear headings, structured data, and well-organized page layouts. Google’s algorithms automatically select what they believe is most relevant, so the best approach is to create content that’s easy for both users and search engines to understand.
2. Is "Page Includes" similar to featured snippets?
Not quite. While both aim to provide users with quick information from a webpage, featured snippets pull specific answers to a user's query and display them at the top of search results. In contrast, "Page Includes" highlights specific sections or topics covered on the page but doesn’t attempt to answer a direct question. It simply gives users a preview of what the page discusses.
3. How can I track if my site appears with "Page Includes"?
Since "Page Includes" is still in testing, there isn't an official tool to track it yet. However, you can monitor search engine results manually by searching for your target keywords and checking if any of your pages display this feature. You can also use SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to track how your pages appear in search results—though they may not yet track this specific feature.
4. Could "Page Includes" affect SEO rankings?
At the moment, there’s no evidence that "Page Includes" directly influences SEO rankings. However, it could indirectly affect your performance by improving click-through rates (CTR) if users find the highlighted sections relevant. Optimizing your content for clarity, relevance, and structure could help your page appear more attractive in search results, which may lead to better engagement metrics.
5. Will "Page Includes" work for all types of content?
It’s too early to say for sure, but based on early tests, it seems "Page Includes" works best for content-heavy pages that cover multiple subtopics—like service pages, blog posts, or product listings. Pages with well-defined sections and clear headings are more likely to trigger this feature. Simpler pages with limited content may not benefit as much from this snippet format.
