Significant Overhaul to Google’s Product Structured Data Documentation

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Google has undertaken a major revamp of its extensive Product Structured Data documentation, breaking it down into three separate pages, each focusing on specific topics. This restructuring not only streamlines the information but also sets an example of how to effectively rewrite and divide a lengthy page into more targeted webpages.

Google Product Structured Data: Structured data plays a crucial role in the ecommerce and product review realms, enabling websites to qualify for rich result listings on Google’s SERPs. Proper implementation of product structured data can substantially boost a website’s traffic and revenue.

Google’s recent restructuring of its official documentation represents a significant change for the ecommerce community, simplifying the previously overwhelming Product Structured Data webpage.

Key Changes: The most notable alteration is the division of the entire document into three distinct pages. The original comprehensive document, «Product Structured Data,» has been renamed «Introduction To Product Structured Data.» This section now consists of only 667 words, a considerable reduction from the previous 4,808 words, with roughly half of the content retained. Additionally, a new section, «Deciding Which Markup To Use,» has been introduced, serving as a gateway to the two new pages.

Introduction To Product Structured Data:

  • Product Snippet Structured Data
  • Merchant Listing Structured Data

Moreover, a new highlighted callout box directs attention to the «Product Variant Structured Data» page, replacing similar buried text in the document.

Extensive Content Rewrites: The headings in the new documentation have been rephrased to provide clarity on each section’s topic. For instance, the previous «Result types» section has been replaced with «Deciding Which Markup To Use,» offering a more descriptive title.

First New Page: Product Snippets: In addition to the revamped introduction, there is now a standalone page dedicated to adding product structured data for eligibility in rich results concerning ratings, reviews, price, and product availability. Titled «How To Add Product Snippet Structured Data,» this page contains approximately 2,500 words, with much of the content repurposed from the original lengthy page.

Second New Page: Merchant Listing Structured Data: This new page focuses specifically on product structured data pertinent to merchant listings, crucial for surfacing products in shopping-related rich results. Although lacking detailed information on Merchant Listing Experiences, the page redirects readers to the Introduction To Product Structured Data webpage for further insights. Despite potential arguments for including such context, Google has opted for a laser focus on structured data within this page.

Editorial Decisions Based On User Needs: Rather than retaining one comprehensive page, Google’s decision to divide it into subtopics reflects a commitment to user-centricity. These three focused pages are not only likely to be more user-friendly but also stand a better chance of ranking effectively in search results.