Introduction to Google’s Updated Recipe Schema
Google has updated its Recipe Schema.org structured data documentation to provide clearer guidance on how the image property affects search results. This update aims to help website owners and SEO specialists understand how to optimize their recipe content for better visibility in search results.
Understanding Schema.org Structured Data and Rich Results
The SEO and publisher community often refers to text results as organic search results or the "ten blue links." Google calls them "text results." Structured data helps a site’s content become eligible to rank in Google’s rich results, but it doesn’t necessarily improve ranking in the text results. Google’s update adds two key sentences to the Recipe structured data guidance:
"Specifying the image property in Recipe markup has no impact on the image chosen for a text result image. To optimize for a text result image, follow the image SEO best practices."
How Recipe Structured Data Influences Image Display
Recipe structured data affects the images shown in Recipe Rich Results but does not influence image rankings in regular text results (also known as organic search results). This distinction is crucial for understanding how to optimize images for better search result visibility.
Ranking Images in Text Results
To optimize images for text results, Google recommends following standard image SEO best practices. This includes using normal HTML elements like <img/> and <picture>, as well as creating an image sitemap. It’s also important to use sharp, high-quality images. Blurry images are less appealing to users and may negatively impact search result visibility.
Best Practices for Image Optimization
Google’s image optimization guidance emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, sharp photos. While slight blurring might be used for optimization purposes, excessive blurring can be detrimental. Google recommends avoiding blurry images and instead opting for sharp, clear photos that appeal to users. As stated in their guidance:
"High-quality photos appeal to users more than blurry, unclear images. Also, sharp images are more appealing to users in the result thumbnail and can increase the likelihood of getting traffic from users."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google’s updated Recipe structured data documentation provides valuable insights into how to optimize recipe content for better search result visibility. By understanding the distinction between rich results and text results, and by following image SEO best practices, website owners and SEO specialists can improve the visibility and appeal of their recipe content. Remember, sharp, high-quality images are key to attracting users and improving search result rankings. For more information, visit Google’s updated Recipe structured data documentation and their guides on image optimization and SEO best practices.