Introduction to Structured Data
A recent announcement on the Google Search Central blog caused a stir among Redditors, with one user wondering if it’s still worth using structured data. The user’s concern was sparked by Google’s decision to remove support for some structured data types starting in January 2026. But what does this really mean for website owners and SEOs?
What’s Happening with Structured Data?
Google’s announcement explained that the company is constantly working to simplify the search results page, making it quicker and easier for users to find the information they need. As part of this effort, Google regularly evaluates its existing features to ensure they’re still useful for both users and website owners. The company found that some features aren’t being used often and aren’t adding significant value to users, so it’s phasing them out.
Google’s Search Features Are Always Changing
Someone responded to the initial post, reassuring the user that Google’s search features and the structured data that triggers them are always changing. This is true, as Google Search has consistently been in a state of change, especially with the introduction of AI search. Google’s John Mueller responded to the Redditor, affirming that markup types, including Schema.org structured data, are always changing. He noted that while some markup types come and go, there are a few essential ones to hold onto, such as title and meta robots.
Structured Data Curation Is Automatic
Keeping up with Schema.org structured data is easy with modern content management systems, which often have plugins or native functionality that respond to Google’s structured data guidance. This means that publishers and SEOs don’t need to think too much about it. For example, WordPress users just need to keep their plugins updated to ensure they’re using the latest structured data.
What Does This Mean for Website Owners and SEOs?
The key takeaway is that Google’s announcement doesn’t mean that structured data is no longer important. While some features may be phased out, others will remain, and new ones will be introduced. Website owners and SEOs should focus on using the most essential markup types and keeping their content management systems up to date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google’s announcement about removing support for some structured data types doesn’t mean that structured data is no longer worth using. The company’s search features are always changing, and markup types come and go. By focusing on the most essential markup types and keeping content management systems up to date, website owners and SEOs can ensure they’re making the most of structured data. As Google continues to evolve its search results page, it’s essential to stay informed and adapt to the changes to get the most out of structured data.