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    Passage Ranking

    Search engines can rank based on relevant passages within a page. Clear headings and answer-first sections improve extractability.

    Definition

    Passage ranking refers to search engines identifying and using the most relevant passages within a longer page to evaluate relevance and create snippets. This rewards clear structure: descriptive headings, answer-first paragraphs, and well-organized sections.

    Why it matters

    • Long-form pages can capture multiple long-tail sub-questions
    • Clear passages support featured snippets and AEO extraction
    • Improves scanning and engagement

    How to implement

    • Use clear H2/H3 sections for each sub-question
    • Start sections with a direct answer, then add details
    • Add an FAQ section to reinforce answerability

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