Google Updates Structured Data Guidance To Clarify Supported Formats

Google up to date the structured information steerage to raised emphasize that each one three structured information codecs are acceptable to Google and likewise clarify why JSON-LD is is really helpful.

The up to date Search Central web page that was up to date is the Supported Formats part of the Introduction to structured data markup in Google Search webpage.

An important adjustments have been so as to add a brand new part title (Supported Formats), and to broaden that part with an evidence of supported structured information codecs.

Three Structured Data Formats

Google helps three structured information codecs.

1. JSON-LD
2. Microdata
3. RDFa

However solely one of many above codecs, JSON-LD, is really helpful.

In keeping with the documentation, the opposite two codecs (Microdata and RDFa) are nonetheless fantastic to make use of. The replace to the documentation explains why JSON-LD is really helpful.

Google additionally made a minor change to a title of a previous part to replicate that the part addresses structured information vocabulary

The unique part title, Structured information format, is now Structured information vocabulary and format.

Google added a bit title the part that provides steerage on Google’s most well-liked structured information format.

That is additionally the part with probably the most extra textual content added to it.

New Supported Formats Part Title

The up to date content material explains why Google prefers the JSON-LD structured information format, whereas confirming that the opposite two codecs are acceptable.

Beforehand this part contained simply two sentences:

“Google Search helps structured information within the following codecs, except documented in any other case:

Google recommends utilizing JSON-LD for structured information every time potential.”

The up to date part now has the next content material:

“Google Search helps structured information within the following codecs, except documented in any other case.

Basically, we suggest utilizing a format that’s best so that you can implement and keep (usually, that’s JSON-LD); all 3 codecs are equally fantastic for Google, so long as the markup is legitimate and correctly carried out per the characteristic’s documentation.

Basically, Google recommends utilizing JSON-LD for structured information in case your website’s setup permits it, because it’s the simplest answer for web site house owners to implement and keep at scale (in different phrases, much less liable to consumer errors).”

Structured Data Formats

JSON-LD is arguably the simplest structured information format to implement, the simplest to scale, and probably the most easy to edit.

Most, if not all, WordPress search engine optimisation and structured information plugins output JSON-LD structured information.

However, it’s a helpful replace to Google’s structured information steerage with a purpose to make it clear that each one three codecs are nonetheless supported.

Google’s documentation on the change will be read here.

Featured picture by Shutterstock/Olena Zaskochenko