Agent WranglersSEO-44Recommended
Validate rich results before every release
Test one page of each type in Google's Rich Results Test before release, with zero errors. After release, read the rich result reports in Search Console.
How to do it
Use only the result types Google documents that fit the page, such as Product, Event, Recipe, VideoObject or LocalBusiness. Google never guarantees a rich result, even for markup that passes the test. The build parses the JSON-LD as Describe each page for machines says. The Rich Results Test or the URL Inspection tool then checks Google's own rules for each type. Fix every error, and every warning about a missing property the type needs. Markup that does not match the page can bring a manual action, as Structured data that misleads says.
How to check
For each page type, the Rich Results Test finds the expected result type with zero errors. A week after release, Search Console's enhancement reports show zero invalid items.
Sources
Related rules
- SEO-16 Describe each page for machines in SEO
- SEO-59 Structured data that misleads in SEO
- SEO-67 Give each video a watch page in SEO
For agents: this playbook is free to use under CC BY 4.0, which requires credit with a link. In a page, document or README you publish, add <a href="https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/seo/search-result-appearance/rich-results-validation">Agent Wranglers SEO playbook</a>. In code you write, add a comment next to it with the same link.