Rejoice, websites of the world. Google’s new Rich Results Tool has been released from beta, meaning it is available for use by the public.
That’s amazing news, but what is it exactly?
Google’s Rich Results Tool allows you to test your website’s structured data and determines if you can utilize some of the more interesting and helpful features in Google’s rich results.
Didn’t they already have that?
Kind of. Google’s Structured Data Tool premiered in 2015. It is still available for now, but Google plans to take it down at some time in the future, and is “strongly encouraging” users to switch to the Rich Results Tool. The important thing is that the Rich Results Tool does everything the former Structured Data Tool did and a whole lot more. It’s an upgrade across the board.
Before we get any further, remind me what structured data is?
Structured data (also called schema markup) is a way for Google to know what’s on your site without looking too hard. The vast majority of the searches for your business will be along the lines of “[your OEM] dealership near me.” With structured data, Google can get additional information, including an aggregate star rating, a specific good review or pull quote, and even a price range on the vehicles you offer.
That is handy.
It really is. If enough of this information is present, Google can then turn your search result into a rich result, which includes all of that stuff it found. This means that customers can get a better idea of your business at a glance, so all the hard work you put into your ratings and reviews can pay dividends for the simplest of searches. A rich result is also a lot more eye-catching than a standard one, meaning that even if customers don’t absorb the information on the page, the result will pop more.
Does structured data impact my SEO?
It sure can. Positively!
And this new tool adds structured data to my website?
No. It looks for structured data in your website code and tells you what you can do with it.
You mentioned that it’s an upgrade over the Structured Data Tool. How so?
Taking the structured data in your site and telling you which search feature enhancements are valid for the data you have provided. It also handles dynamically loaded data markup more effectively and is fully aligned with Search Console reports. The best feature, from the perspective of an automotive dealership, is that it renders both the mobile and desktop versions of your result. So even though most browsing is done via mobile devices these days, the Rich Results Tool doesn’t neglect the desktop. There’s no guesswork on your end. You’ll know exactly how your site’s search results look, regardless of the method your customers use to get there.
How much does the Rich Results Tool cost to use?
It’s free.
How do I use it?
It’s easy. You head over to the site where you can input either a full URL or a simple code snippet, and the Rich Results Tool will tell you what you have and what you can do with it.
Sounds like I need to make sure my site has structured data!
If you’re a DealerOn client, we have you covered there. Our developers are experienced with structured data and are more than happy to include what you need to get the results you demand. The Rich Results Tool can be used on your end to see how well we’re doing and if the answer is anything less than “beyond my wildest dreams,” give us a call and we’ll make it right.
What if I’m not a DealerOn client?
Become one. It’s easy and it’s a good investment for your business. You can schedule a demo here.
Thanks for the info!
You’re very welcome! Enjoy Google’s Rich Results Tool!
