At RS Digital, we understand the importance of structured data validation and the complexities surrounding it. One intriguing aspect that has caught our attention is the discrepancy between Google’s structured data validator and the official Schema.org validator. To shed light on this matter, we recently delved into insights shared by Martin Splitt during a Google SEO Office Hours session.
Both Google and Schema.org provide tools for validating structured data. Google’s Rich Results Test serves a dual purpose: not only does it validate structured data, but it also offers valuable feedback on its eligibility for rich results in search engine results pages. Rich results play a crucial role in elevating a webpage’s visibility by enhancing its search listing appearance. On the other hand, Schema.org’s Schema Markup Validator focuses primarily on assessing the adherence of structured data to official standards.
What raises eyebrows is the occasional disparity between Google’s validator and Schema.org’s validator. While one might assume that both validators operate under the same set of rules, Martin Splitt revealed that Google’s validator has a distinct purpose. It not only validates the correctness of structured data but also checks its alignment with Google’s requirements for potentially displaying a webpage in enhanced search results. In contrast, Schema.org’s validator focuses solely on ensuring standards compliance and does not consider how Google utilises structured data.
When it comes to accuracy, it is important to note that the Schema.org validator may sometimes falsely report valid code as invalid. Our recent experiences have showcased instances where correct JSON-LD structured data, sourced from Schema.org, triggered false errors in Schema.org’s validator, while being accurately validated by Google’s validator. This suggests that, at least in certain cases, Google’s validator exhibits higher precision and reliability.
As a digital marketing agency, we emphasise the importance of staying informed and following best practices. To ensure your website effectively utilises structured data, we recommend consulting Google’s structured data guide. This guide serves as a valuable resource, ensuring that your website’s coding aligns with Google’s requirements. By leveraging structured data effectively, you can enhance your website’s visibility, drive rich results, and improve its overall search performance. At RS Digital, we are committed to helping you navigate the intricacies of structured data and maximise its potential to boost your online presence.
