Google has recently introduced a beta version of structured data carousels, providing a new way for users to explore search results. This feature is currently available under Google’s “early adopters program” and is designed to enhance the user experience by allowing people to scroll horizontally through a list-like rich result.
The structured data carousels are particularly useful for businesses operating in the hospitality and retail industries. Hotels, restaurants, vacation rentals, products, and events can all benefit from this new feature. Each tile within the carousel can display important information such as prices, ratings, and images, providing users with a comprehensive overview before they click through to a specific website.
Visually, the structured data carousels are sleek and user-friendly. An illustration provided by Google gives us a glimpse into what this feature looks like on the search results page. The carousel appears as a horizontal scrolling bar, with each tile displaying relevant information about an entity from a particular website.
To implement this feature successfully, it is important to follow Google’s guidelines. While generic types are allowed, it is recommended to use specific types for optimal results. For example, if you want to include amenity features, you should use the LodgingBusiness type. Additionally, it is possible to include additional fields, but these may not always appear in the rich result. Google’s documentation provides detailed technical implementations and code examples to help developers navigate this new feature.
So why should businesses consider implementing structured data carousels? The answer lies in the potential for increased visibility and click-through rates. Rich results are known to attract more attention in search results, and the interactive nature of carousels can entice users to explore further. However, it is crucial to track the results and evaluate whether this feature is truly beneficial for your specific website.
In conclusion, Google’s beta version of structured data carousels offers an exciting opportunity for businesses to enhance their online presence. By providing users with a visually appealing and interactive way to browse search results, this feature can potentially boost visibility and click-through rates. If you have a local business, product, or event website that aligns with the industries supported by this beta version, it may be worth giving it a try. Just remember to implement the structured data correctly and monitor the results to determine its effectiveness for your website.
