Google Updates How FAQ and How-To Rich Results are Displayed in Search

Google recently announced changes coming to the way FAQ and How-To rich results appear in search results. Let’s see how this will impact search visibility.

Google Reduces Visibility of FAQ Rich Results

Google will be limiting the display of FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) rich results primarily to authoritative health and government websites going forward.?

For other sites, FAQ markup will no longer trigger rich results in search as regularly. Google notes sites can keep their existing FAQ markup, as it won't cause issues if not shown.

What is FAQ Markup?

FAQ rich results are generated from FAQPage structured data schema. This schema marks up FAQ pages to highlight important questions and answers.

Why Did Google Make This Change?

The goal is to provide a more consistent search experience. Google found FAQ rich results were not adding as much value from non-authoritative sites.

What Should Site Owners Do?

There is no need to proactively remove existing FAQPage markup. Google says structured data that isn't used does not impact search performance. Focus efforts on creating high-quality content.

How-To Rich Results Now Limited to Desktop

In addition to FAQ markup changes, How-To rich results will also be impacted. Moving forward, How-To rich results generated from HowTo schema markup will only appear for desktop users. On mobile devices, How-To rich results will no longer be shown. This is likely to improve the mobile search experience.

Requirements for Desktop Rich Results?

Structured data guidelines indicate the mobile version of a site must contain How-To markup for desktop rich results to appear. Ensure your mobile pages are properly marked up.

What This Means for Search Console Data

Google notes webmasters may notice changes in Search Console data as a result. Impressions and click-through rates for FAQ and How-To rich results will likely decrease.

However, the number of valid items in enhancement reports will remain the same. Google also stated this update is not considered a ranking change.

Conclusion

In summary, sites using FAQPage and HowTo structured data will see a reduction in associated rich results shown to search users. Focus on creating high-quality content rather than relying on special search features. As always, reach out if you have any questions!