Google Clarifies: Structured Data Does Not Directly Influence Search Rankings
Knowing Google’s Position on Structured Data and SEO
Google’s John Mueller recently made a statement about a myth within the SEO community: that using structured data will improve a site’s search rankings. Mueller made it clear that structured data doesn’t affect a site’s ranking spot within Google’s search results. Rather, its main job is to qualify a site for rich results like featured snippets and knowledge panels, which can boost visibility and clicks.
The Role of Structured Data in Google’s Search Features
Google makes use of a subset of Schema.org data types that amount to about 30 out of more than 800 available in order to power enhanced search features. These are rich snippets for product listings, reviews, and recipes. Even including structured data, though, does not automatically result in inclusion in these enhanced search lists. The data needs to be properly implemented and satisfy Google’s unique guidelines to qualify. Search Engine Journal.
Implications for SEO Strategies
For webmasters and SEO practitioners, this clarification strengthens the priority of considerations for content quality, user experience, and compliance with Google’s Webmaster Guidelines as major considerations for search ranking improvement. Although structured data may make a site appear better in search results, it must be considered as an eligibility tool for rich features instead of a direct ranking factor.
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