Google Recipe Schema Update: What You Need to Know
Google has updated its Recipe Schema.org structured data guidelines. This update offers clear advice on how images in recipe markup affect search results. If you run a food blog or recipe site, these changes matter for your SEO strategy. Cyberset can help you stay ahead with expert search engine optimization and content marketing services.
How Recipe Schema Impacts Search Results
Structured data, like Recipe Schema, makes your content eligible for rich results in Google. These rich results stand out with images, ratings, and more. However, Google clarified that the image property in Recipe markup does not affect which image shows in regular organic (text) results. Instead, it only impacts images in Recipe Rich Results.
Here’s what Google says:
Specifying the image property in Recipe markup has no impact on the image chosen for a text result image. To optimize for a text result image, follow the image SEO best practices.
If you want your recipe images to appear in regular search results, you need to focus on image SEO best practices, not just structured data.
Best Practices for Ranking Recipe Images
Google recommends using standard HTML elements like <img> and <picture> for your images. Also, submit an image sitemap to help Google discover all your visuals.
- Always use sharp, high-quality images.
- Avoid blurry or unclear photos.
- Follow Google’s image quality guidelines.
- Optimize image file sizes for faster loading.
Sharp images are more appealing and can increase your click-through rate. Blurry images may hurt your chances of ranking well. Google notes that high-quality photos attract more users and improve your visibility in search thumbnails.
Tips to Boost Your Recipe SEO
- Use descriptive file names and alt text for every image.
- Stick to standard image formats like JPEG or PNG.
- Make sure your images are mobile-friendly and fast-loading.
For recipe sites, combining strong content marketing with technical SEO is key. Cyberset offers tailored website design and custom website development to help your recipes shine online.
Stay Ahead with Cyberset
Google’s update makes it clear: Structured data alone won’t get your images into organic search results. Focus on image quality and SEO best practices for better rankings. Need help? Cyberset’s team can boost your local internet marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing strategies to drive more traffic to your recipes.
Ready to improve your recipe site’s visibility? Contact Cyberset for expert SEO, web design, and marketing solutions tailored to your needs.
