Rich Snippets, those eye-catching bits of detailed information in the SERPs, are undergoing a major transformation. You'll have to adapt!
Google, the giant that dominates the way we search online, has just changed the rules of the game for two types of enriched results: the "search results" and the "search results". FAQ and HowTo.
From now on, only high-authority government and healthcare sites will be able to display FAQs. As for HowTo, they will only be displayed on computers. This bold decision will change the digital landscape for thousands of sites.
What are rich snippets and why are they important?
Enriched results or« rich snippets »They transform the user experience by delivering essential information directly into search results. Thanks to structured data, they can display ratings, prices or images.
Their strength? They attract attention and deliver relevant information in the blink of an eye. Google always values premium content, provided it meets the criteria of expertise, experience, authority and reliability (EEAT).
The reasons for these changes
Google's decision to limit HowTo and FAQ enriched extracts is part of its quest to offer a more streamlined and homogeneous search experience.
Google is clearly aiming to simplify the user experience. Enriched results come in a variety of forms: dynamic carousels, illustrated recipe cards, and more. Streamlining these results makes navigation more intuitive.
Google is primarily concerned with creating a more fluid and coherent experience, hence its decision to restrict these two types of rich snippets.
Impact on your SEO strategy and adaptation solutions
This announcement comes as a blow to publishers who have invested time and resources in adding FAQs and their structured data. These changes will have a direct impact on SEOs and content publishers. Traffic and visibility could plummet, especially for sites that relied heavily on FAQs and structured data. HowTo.
Practical tips for SEO professionals
SEO specialists need to remain agile and reactive, adjusting their tactics to maintain visibility. There's no need to delete your existing structured data unless you have a specific problem, as it will remain visible on desktop. Google specifies that with mobile-first indexing, correct markup must be included in your mobile version for HowTo to be displayed on desktop.
What alternatives should we explore?
Faced with these changes, diversify your types of rich snippets. Explore other formats such as reviews, events or products. Focus on quality content that directly answers users' questions, even without specific FAQ markup.
Need to adapt your SEO strategy to these new developments? Don't hesitate to Contact us for personalized support!
Co-founder of Smart Impact.Passionate about the web from the outset, he launched his first project in 2006: an online music magazine that is still running today. With almost 20 years' experience in SEO, a federal diploma in marketing and a solid geek culture, he and his team transform customers' (sometimes vague) ideas into concrete digital projects.