Google Downgrades Visibility of HowTo and FAQ Rich Results
Introduction
In a recent announcement, Google revealed that it will be implementing changes to the visibility of two types of rich results: HowTo and FAQ. These changes are aimed at providing users with a cleaner and more consistent search experience. While the FAQ rich results will be phased out for most websites, they will still be shown for high authority government and health websites. On the other hand, HowTo rich results will be completely removed from search results on mobile devices but will still be displayed on desktop devices. In this article, we will delve deeper into these changes and their implications for website owners and publishers.
Understanding Google Rich Results
Before we discuss the changes to HowTo and FAQ rich results, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what Google Rich Results are. These are search features that prominently feature webpage content, providing enhanced listings that often drive additional traffic. Rich results can take various forms, such as carousels, larger images in recipe cards, sidebar listings, or star ratings. To trigger these rich results, publishers need to use structured data, which requires additional work but can be highly beneficial in terms of driving visibility and engagement.
The Importance of HowTo Rich Results
HowTo rich results are a specific type of structured data that displays images and step-by-step instructions for completing a task. They are particularly valuable for websites that provide instructional content, as they allow users to easily follow along and complete tasks. However, with the recent changes announced by Google, HowTo rich results will no longer be shown in search results on mobile devices. This means that website owners and publishers need to adapt their strategies to ensure their content remains visible and accessible to users.
The Phasing Out of FAQ Rich Results
Google has also announced a reduction in the visibility of FAQ rich results. These rich results, which require publishers to create question and answer content specific to an FAQ, will no longer be shown regularly for most websites. However, they will still be displayed for high authority government and health websites. This change is aimed at improving the search experience for users by providing more reliable and trustworthy sources of information. Publishers who have invested time and effort into creating FAQ content will need to reassess their strategies and consider alternative ways to showcase their expertise.
Impact on Website Owners and Publishers
The changes to the visibility of HowTo and FAQ rich results have significant implications for website owners and publishers. Those who heavily rely on these rich results to drive traffic and engagement may experience a decline in visibility and click-through rates. It’s important to note that while Google is downgrading the visibility of these rich results, structured data is still valuable for other purposes, and its removal is not necessary. Publishers should consider the following steps to adapt to these changes:
- Evaluate the impact: Website owners and publishers should monitor the impact of these changes on their organic traffic and engagement metrics. This will help them understand the extent of the changes and make informed decisions regarding their content strategy.
- Optimize for other rich results: While HowTo and FAQ rich results may be less visible, there are other types of rich results that can still drive traffic and visibility. Publishers should explore optimizing their content for other rich result opportunities, such as recipe cards or reviews.
- Focus on content quality: With the emphasis on providing a cleaner and more consistent search experience, website owners and publishers should prioritize the quality of their content. By creating valuable and reliable content, they can establish themselves as trusted sources of information and improve their chances of being featured in rich results.
- Consider alternative formats: If the removal of HowTo and FAQ rich results significantly impacts a website’s visibility, publishers should explore alternative formats for presenting instructional or Q&A content. This could include creating video tutorials or hosting live Q&A sessions on social media platforms.
- Stay updated: Google’s algorithms and guidelines are constantly evolving. Website owners and publishers should stay updated on any further changes or announcements related to rich results and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to downgrade the visibility of HowTo and FAQ rich results will undoubtedly have an impact on website owners and publishers. While the changes may result in a decline in visibility for some, it also presents an opportunity to reassess content strategies and explore alternative ways to showcase expertise and drive engagement. By focusing on content quality, optimizing for other rich results, and staying updated on Google’s guidelines, website owners and publishers can adapt to these changes and continue providing valuable information to users.
