Changes in Google's Rich Results: FAQs & How-Tos

Google is undergoing some significant alterations in its search results to enhance the overall search experience. These changes will impact two long-standing rich result types: FAQs and How-Tos. In this article, we'll explore the "what," "when," and "why" behind these changes.

The Overview of Changes

Google is making changes to how FAQ and How-To rich results are displayed in search results to provide a cleaner and more consistent experience. These changes were implemented globally in early August.

FAQ Rich Results

FAQ rich results, derived from FAQPage structured data, will now primarily appear for authoritative government and health websites. Other websites will see a reduction in the visibility of this rich result, and eligibility for it may be assessed automatically.

How-To Rich Results

How-To rich results, based on HowTo structured data, will be limited to desktop users and will not be displayed on mobile devices. To ensure these results appear on desktop, your website's mobile version must include the appropriate markup.

September 13 Update on Rich Results

Google's only reported documentation update in the last couple of days with a typo fix. HOWEVER, SEOs worldwide are seeing something happens anecdotally that hasn't been officially called yet:

FAQ rich results appear to be... gone. Dead. Flatlined. 

We are watching this happen all across our client portfolio and for all kinds of sites.

The takeaway? Don't event think about relying on this as a core part of your SEO strategy anymore - it's untenable at best, and a total waste of time at worst.

Changes in Search Console Reporting

The adjustments we "officially know about" will also reflect in the Search Console reporting for your website.

You'll notice changes in metrics related to FAQ and How-To search appearances in the performance report, along with the impressions reported in the relevant enhancement reports. Importantly, this update won't affect the number of items reported in enhancement reports, and the search appearances and reports will remain accessible in Search Console.

Global Rollout and Ranking Impact

It's essential to note that this update is not considered a ranking change and won't be featured in the Search status dashboard. Users might experience a slight delay in witnessing these alterations due to a small holdback experiment.

FAQ and How-To Rich Results

Google's forthcoming changes in displaying FAQ and How-To rich results aim to provide a more streamlined search experience.

These modifications will impact site owners who use structured data for FAQs and How-Tos.

While these adjustments might alter the visibility of rich results, they won't have adverse effects on search rankings.