Explained Rich Results VS Structured Data

In the world of SEO, you’ve probably heard terms like structured data and rich results. Many business owners confuse the two, assuming they mean the same thing. But in reality, while they are related, they serve very different purposes. If you’re looking to boost your online visibility, it’s crucial to understand the differences. In this latest blog from Jaseem, the best freelance SEO specialist in Kerala are discussing a key question, rich results vs structured data, and there key differences.

What is Structured Data?

Structured data is a standardized format (usually in JSON-LD) used to provide search engines with additional information about your webpage content. It helps Google, Bing, and other search engines understand your website better.

For example:

• A recipe website can use structured data to highlight cooking time, ingredients, and ratings.

• An e-commerce website can use structured data to display product price, availability, and reviews.

Think of structured data as a way of labeling your content so search engines can categorize it correctly.

What are Rich Results?

Rich results (previously known as rich snippets) are the enhanced search results that appear on Google when structured data is implemented correctly.

Instead of just showing the blue link and description, rich results add extra details like:

• Star ratings

• Product images

• Event timings

• Recipe instructions

• FAQs

For example, if someone searches for “Best hotels in Kochi,” a hotel website with structured data may appear with star ratings, price range, and reviews—making it more clickable than plain blue links.

Structured Data VS Rich Results

Feature	Structured Data	Rich Results
Definition	Code added to a webpage for better understanding by search engines	Enhanced visual search results displayed in SERPs
Form	JSON-LD, Microdata, RDFa	Snippets, carousels, FAQs, product info
Who Sees It?	Search engines	Users on search engines
Purpose	Helps Google interpret data	Improves click-through rates (CTR)
Dependency	Must be added by site owners/developers	Displayed only if search engines decide

In short: Structured data is the input, and rich results are the output.

Why It Matters for SEO

• Better visibility in Google search results

• Higher CTR (click-through rate)

• Increased trust and credibility with users

• More traffic and potential leads

If you want to stand out in Google searches and attract more clicks, implementing structured data is the first step to winning rich results.

Final Thoughts

Structured data and rich results are two sides of the same coin. Without structured data, your site won’t qualify for rich results. And without rich results, you might miss out on higher visibility and more clicks. Want to get your website to stand out in Google search results? Take a customized Search Engine Optimization strategy from Jaseem – the best freelance SEO specialist in Kerala, and start growing your business with smart, data-driven SEO.

FAQs About Rich Results VS Structured Data

1. Are structured data and rich results the same? 

No. Structured data is code added to your website, while rich results are the enhanced search listings Google shows based on that code.

2. Do structured data guarantees rich results? 

No. Google decides whether to display rich results even if structured data is implemented correctly.

3. Which type of websites benefit most from structured data? 

E-commerce, recipes, travel, events, local businesses, and blogs benefit the most.

4. What format should I use for structured data? 

Google recommends JSON-LD as the standard format.

5. Do I need coding knowledge to add structured data? 

Basic coding knowledge helps, but many plugins (like Yoast SEO, Rank Math) make it easy for WordPress users.

6. How can I test if my structured data is correct? 

Google’s Rich Results Test tool or the Schema Markup Validator.

7. Can structured data improve my rankings? 

Indirectly, yes. Structured data itself isn’t a direct ranking factor, but it improves CTR, which can boost rankings over time.

8. How long does it take to see rich results after adding structured data? 

It may take anywhere from a few days to weeks, depending on Google’s crawling and indexing.

9. Is structured data necessary for every website? 

Not mandatory, but highly recommended for better SEO performance.

10. Who can help me implement structured data correctly? 

An SEO specialist can audit, implement, and optimize structured data for your website.