Google recently made an announcement that its Structured Data Testing Tool will be replaced with the Rich Results Tool that is newly out of beta.
Here is what Google said in favor of the Rich Results Tool:
“Here are some reasons the new tool will serve you better:
- It shows which Search feature enhancements are valid for the markup you are providing.
- It handles dynamically loaded structured data markup more effectively.
- It renders both mobile and desktop versions of a result.
- It is fully aligned with Search Console reports.”
But this revelation does not seem to have gone well with technical SEOs, even though Google has assured that…
“…the Rich Results Test fully supports all Google Search rich result features.”
This could be because most SEOs like to see reporting on ALL Schemas, not just what qualifies as a Google ‘Rich Result.’ Google has confirmed that this isn’t what the tool is designed for in the above statement.
For instance, Webpage and Article markup do not qualify as rich results, which is why it isn’t picking them up. So, many SEOs believe they are, in a way, losing a tool that served a different purpose than the one it’s being replaced with.
A page was tested with both the Rich Results Tool and the Structured Data Testing Tool. Below is the result of the Structured Data Testing Tool.
Image Source: https://search.google.com/structured-data/testing-tool/
The result from the Rich Results Testing Tool is as follows…
Image Source: https://search.google.com/test/rich-results
What Can Be Done
If you use the Structured Data Testing Tool, there is no need to panic. The Rich Results Tool has its own set of benefits to offer. When it comes to troubleshooting schema that qualifies for rich results and also allowing an easy preview of schema, the Rich Results Tool is quite effective.
There are also several other tools that can be used as an alternative to validate schema that is not currently being offered as Google Rich Results
Listen to what John Mueller said about this on a Google Hangouts call on July 21st.
https://youtu.be/QPh3T7oemxM
The Structured Data Testing Tool will be still available, as Google does not plan to take it out right away. However, in the long run, they plan to keep just one tool instead of two tools. We will keep you updated on Google’s upcoming announcements. Until then, it is recommended that you think of something to use other than the Structured Data Testing Tool, as it will eventually be replaced.