Rich Snippets, those fragments of detailed information that catch the eye in the SERPs, are being transformed. You are going to 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 rich results: FAQ and HowTo.
From now on, only government and health sites with high authority will be able to display FAQs. As for HowTo markup, it will only appear on desktop. This bold decision will shake up the digital landscape for thousands of sites.
What are rich snippets and why do they matter?
Rich results, or « rich snippets », transform the user experience by delivering essential information directly in the search results. Thanks to structured data, they can show ratings, prices or images.
Their strength? They catch the eye and deliver the relevant information at a glance. Google still values premium content, provided it meets the criteria of expertise, experience, authoritativeness and trustworthiness (EEAT)
The reasons behind these changes
Google’s decision to limit HowTo and FAQ rich snippets is part of its drive to offer a cleaner, more consistent search experience.
Google is clearly aiming to simplify the user experience. Rich results come in various forms: dynamic carousels, illustrated recipe cards, and many others. Streamlining these results makes browsing more intuitive.
Google is above all trying to create a smoother, more coherent experience, hence its decision to restrict these two types of rich snippet.
Impact on your SEO strategy and ways to adapt
This announcement lands as a blow for publishers who have invested time and resources in adding FAQs and their structured data. These changes will directly affect SEO specialists and content publishers. Traffic and visibility could fall, especially for sites that relied heavily on FAQ and HowTo markup.
Practical advice for SEO professionals
SEO specialists have to stay agile and responsive, adjusting their tactics to hold their visibility. There is no need to remove your existing structured data unless there is a specific problem, as it will remain visible on desktop. Google notes that with mobile-first indexing, correct markup has to appear in your mobile version for HowTo results to show on desktop.
What alternatives should you explore?
Faced with these changes, diversify your types of rich snippets. Explore other formats such as reviews, events or products. Also invest in quality content that answers users’ questions directly, even without specific FAQ markup.
Need to adapt your SEO strategy to these changes? Feel free to contact us for tailored support!
