In a move to enhance the search experience, Google has announced the discontinuation of seven structured data features.
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Scheduled to take effect in the coming weeks, this change will modify the appearance of search results without influencing their rankings.
Reasons Behind Google’s Structured Data Changes
Google is making these adjustments to focus on features that deliver greater value to users and to simplify the overall search results page.
Low Utilization of Certain Data Types
The decision stems from an analysis showing minimal usage of specific structured data types in search outcomes.
Google stated, “We’re discontinuing these particular structured data types because our data indicates they aren’t widely used in Search. Additionally, these formats no longer add significant value for users.
Eliminating them will help create a cleaner results page and allow us to prioritize more beneficial and frequently used features.” The update ensures that rankings remain unaffected while certain visual enhancements driven by these less-used markups will be removed, resulting in a more streamlined presentation.
Structured data types outside of Google Search and related features will continue to function as before, allowing websites to use these markups for other applications without any modifications.
List of Discontinued Structured Data Features
The seven structured data types being retired encompass a variety of content categories, each serving different purposes in enhancing search results.
Book Actions
This feature enabled publishers to integrate action buttons for books directly within search results.
Book Actions allowed users to access purchase or preview options seamlessly from the search interface.
Course Information
Designed to present detailed educational course data, this feature provided enhanced visibility for learners.
Course Info included specifics such as instructor names and course descriptions to give a comprehensive overview of educational offerings.
Claim Review
Fact-checking organizations benefited from this feature by showcasing reviewed claims and their verification status.
Claim Review highlighted the credibility of information by displaying the results of fact-checks directly in search results.
Estimated Salary
This feature was utilized in job-related content to prominently display salary ranges.
Estimated Salary provided potential applicants with salary information, enhancing job listings with valuable compensation details.
Learning Video
Focused on educational video content, this feature enriched search results with structured information about learning materials.
Learning Video offered viewers detailed insights into educational videos, including topics covered and instructional quality.
Special Announcement
This markup was particularly useful for highlighting important announcements during significant events.
Special Announcement was instrumental in drawing attention to key updates, especially during times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vehicle Listing
Automotive websites used this feature to enhance their listings with detailed pricing and specifications.
Vehicle Listing enriched car listings by providing potential buyers with essential information such as pricing and vehicle details.
Impact on Websites and Future Steps
Websites currently utilizing these structured data types will see a change in how their content is presented in search results.
Presentation Adjustments
With the removal of these features, the visual enhancements they provided will no longer be visible in search results.
Content will retain its informational value but will appear in a more simplified format without the previously added visual elements.
Continued Use Outside Google Search
It’s important to note that the functionality of these data types remains unaffected outside the Google Search environment.
Websites can continue to employ these structured data markups for other platforms and purposes without any disruptions. There is no need for immediate action from websites using these structured data types.
They should anticipate the gradual removal of visual enhancements over the next few weeks and months.
The Bottom Line
Google’s decision to retire seven structured data features marks a strategic move to streamline search results and prioritize user-focused experiences.
While the appearance of certain search elements will change, website rankings will remain unaffected. Businesses and content creators should monitor these updates to understand how their search presence evolves, ensuring they continue to deliver valuable information to their audiences.
