Google’s “Read More” Snippet Links: What SEOs Need to Know

Google has quietly expanded how search snippets behave by introducing “Read more” links that take users directly to specific sections of a webpage. Recently, Google published official guidance explaining how these links are selected and what site owners can do to improve their chances of appearing in this format.

For SEO professionals, this is not a cosmetic update. It directly affects how users engage with search results and how efficiently they reach on-page content.

What the “Read More” link actually does

The “Read more” link appears within a standard search snippet and acts as a deep link. Instead of sending users to the top of a page, it can take them to a relevant section further down the content.

Google uses these links when it believes a specific part of a page better matches the user’s query intent. In practice, this means search visibility is no longer just about ranking. It is also about how well content is structured for direct navigation.

Google’s official best practice guidance

Google has now confirmed three core recommendations for improving the likelihood of “Read more” links appearing in search results:

1. Keep key content visible on page load

Content should be immediately accessible to users without requiring interaction such as expanding tabs or accordions. If important information is hidden behind UI elements, Google may be less likely to surface deep links.

2. Avoid forced scrolling behaviour

JavaScript that automatically adjusts scroll position on page load should be avoided. For example, forcing a page to jump to a specific section can disrupt how Google interprets page structure.

3. Preserve URL hash behaviour

If a site uses history API calls or modifies window.location.hash, the hash should remain intact. Removing or altering it during load can break deep linking and reduce the chance of “Read more” links being generated.

These points are straightforward, but they highlight an important theme: Google wants clean, predictable page structure.

Why this matters for SEO strategy

This update is not about chasing a new ranking factor. It is about improving how search engines interpret content hierarchy.

For SEO teams, the impact shows in three key areas:

• CTR potential shifts: A well-placed deep link can pull users directly into high-value sections of content
• Content structure becomes more important: Pages with clear headings and logical flow are easier for Google to map
• UX and SEO are now tightly linked: Poor interface design can reduce visibility in search features, even if rankings are strong

In short, visibility is no longer only about being listed. It is about how much of the page Google understands and can surface directly.

Practical steps for optimisation

To align with Google’s guidance, SEO teams should review:

• Whether key answers are hidden behind tabs or accordions
• Whether JavaScript affects initial page scroll position
• Whether URL hash changes are handled cleanly
• Whether headings clearly reflect on-page sections

These are technical checks, but they directly influence how search snippets behave.

What this means going forward

“Read more” links are part of a wider shift towards more interactive search results. Google is reducing friction between search intent and content consumption by linking users deeper into pages.

For SEO agencies, the focus should now extend beyond rankings and meta descriptions. Page structure, accessibility, and front-end behaviour all play a role in how content is surfaced in search.

Those who ignore these structural signals risk losing visibility inside the snippet itself, not just the ranking position.