Introduction
Google is constantly striving to improve its search engine. This is to ensure users can access the most valuable information as quickly as possible.
The results page of Google looks a lot different now than it did even a few years ago. Searching for something on Google presents you with more information than ever. This includes business pages, Google Maps, reviews and ratings, bolded text, and info snippets.
Rich results are a useful tool for websites. This article will discuss what they are and how to implement them.
What Are Rich Results?
Rich results are a specific type of search result that includes additional information in a visually appealing and enticing way. These results are designed to be distinctive. They can assist users in achieving their objectives or making decisions more easily. In 2016, Google introduced rich cards, which have been ever-evolving into what we know today as rich results.
There are a ton of different rich result types, but the most prevalent include:
- Articles
- Events
- FAQ’s
- How To’s
- Local Business
- Product
- Recipes
- Star Ratings/Review Snippet
Rich results have made content categories more interesting. They provide users with a clear idea of what to expect before visiting a website.
How to Implement Rich Results
In order to increase your chances of getting a rich result, you need to implement structured data into your web pages. Structured data standardized the information on your website, which allows Google to better understand the content of each page.
The vocabulary that Google uses to incorporate structured data is called Schema, which can be found on Schema.org.
Google Search Central documents provide a good overview of how to implement structured data into your code. It is always best to refer to these documents on the topic, as well as Schema.org since some attributes might not be necessary for Google’s algorithms.
The JavaScript format that Google prefers is JSON-LD because it is easy to read for both humans and machines.
While you are developing your structured data, be sure to always check the progress using Google’s Rich Result Test Tool.
How Rich Results Help With SEO
Although rich results don’t directly influence a site’s SEO, it does improve it in a more indirect way. The main goal is to give better, and more thorough information to the searcher.
Rich results improve user experience. They are more engaging, which can increase organic traffic to your site. Increasing visibility and credibility is another way sites benefit from a rich media strategy.