Google has up to date the structured information information to raised spotlight that each one three structured information codecs are acceptable to Google and in addition to elucidate why JSON-LD is beneficial.
The up to date Search Central web page that has been up to date is the Supported Codecs part of the Introduction to Structured Information Markup in Google Search webpage.
The principle adjustments had been including a brand new part title (Supported Codecs) and increasing this part to incorporate an evidence of the supported structured information codecs.
Three structured information codecs
Google helps three structured information codecs.
- JSON LD
- microdata
- RDFa
Nonetheless, solely one of many above codecs, JSON-LD, is beneficial.
In accordance with the documentation, the opposite two codecs (Microdata and RDFa) can nonetheless be used with none issues. Documentation replace explains why JSON-LD is beneficial.
Google additionally made a slight change to a title of a earlier part to make it clear that the part offers with the vocabulary of structured information
The unique part title, Structured Information Format, is now referred to as Structured Information Vocabulary and Format.
Google added a bit title to the part that gives steering on Google’s most popular structured information format.
That is additionally the part the place probably the most further textual content has been added.
Title of the New Supported Codecs part.
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 solely two sentences:
“Google Search helps structured information within the following codecs, until in any other case documented:
Google recommends utilizing JSON-LD for structured information at any time when attainable.”
The up to date part now has the next content material:
“Google Search helps structured information within the following codecs until in any other case documented.
Usually, we suggest utilizing a format that’s best so that you can implement and preserve (JSON-LD most often). All 3 codecs are equally appropriate for Google so long as the markup is legitimate and correctly carried out in response to the perform’s documentation.
Usually, Google recommends utilizing JSON-LD for structured information in case your website setup permits it, as it’s the best answer for website house owners to implement and preserve at scale (in different phrases, much less weak to consumer error).
Structured Information Codecs
JSON-LD is arguably the simplest structured information format to implement, the simplest to scale, and the simplest to edit.
Most if not all WordPress search engine marketing and structured information plugins output JSON-LD structured information.
Nonetheless, it is a helpful replace to Google’s structured information tips to make it clear that each one three codecs are nonetheless supported.
Google’s documentation on the change could be discovered right here.
Featured picture by Shutterstock/Olena Zaskochenko