Google announced its plan to phase out support for seven structured data features. This change aims to simplify search results, enhancing user experience without affecting rankings.
Why the Change?
Google is removing certain structured data types due to low usage. This decision will streamline search results, focusing on more valuable experiences.
“We’re phasing out these specific structured data types because our analysis shows that they’re not commonly used in Search, and we found that these specific displays are no longer providing significant additional value for users. Removing them will help streamline the results page and focus on other experiences that are more useful and widely used.
This update won’t affect how pages are ranked. This simplification means that for some results, the specific visual enhancements powered by these lesser-used markups will no longer appear, leading to a more streamlined presentation. The use of these structured data types outside of Google Search (and dependent features) is not affected.”
Features Being Retired
The following seven structured data types will be phased out:
- Book Actions: Allowed action buttons for books, like purchase or preview options.
- Course Info: Enhanced displays for educational course details.
- Claim Review: Highlighted reviewed claims and their verification status.
- Estimated Salary: Displayed salary range information prominently.
- Learning Video: Enhanced educational videos with structured data.
- Special Announcement: Highlighted important announcements during events.
- Vehicle Listing: Provided enhanced displays for automotive listings.
Impact on Websites
Websites using these structured data types will see a simpler presentation. The visual enhancements will disappear, but the content remains unaffected outside of Google Search.
What’s Next?
No immediate action is required for websites. Be prepared for visual changes over the coming weeks. For further assistance in adapting to these changes, consider Cyberset’s SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION services.
Explore Cyberset’s Content Marketing and Social Media Marketing services to enhance your online presence.
