Google is introducing a revolution in the field of structured data by now allowing the harmonization of various syntaxes. This technological breakthrough considerably increases the flexibility and efficiency of managing structured data on web pages. Thanks to this innovation from Google, the management of structured data on web pages becomes more flexible and efficient, with the possibility of unifying different syntaxes.

Key points to note:

  • This update addresses the need to connect markup from different libraries or plugins.
  • This update responds to the need to connect markup from different libraries or plugins.
  • Google recommends careful use of this functionality, to be reserved for necessary cases.
  • Website publishers benefit the freedom to merge various syntaxes, without being forced to opt exclusively for a single method.

Synergy of Structured Data Syntaxes: Google Revolutionizes Tagging Management

At the Google Search Central Live event in Zurich on October 24, 2023, Google unveiled a major structured data update. This advance now allows the harmonization of different syntaxes, notably JSON-LD and Microdata, for the management of structured data on web pages.

This revolutionary convergence provides the ability to connect various structured data syntaxes. For example, it is now possible to implement Breadcrumb markup using JSON-LD while referencing a WebPage node thanks to Microdata. This flexibility meets the needs of platforms that make use of various plugins and libraries generating a variety of markup.

Although Google has always been able to process multiple types of structured data on a single page, this new method offers improved support and greater flexibility. However, Google recommends cautious use of this feature, calling it an "advanced feature" and encouraging its use only when necessary.

A Concrete Case of Integration

Structured data expert Jarno Van Driel recently shared a real-world example of integrating various structured data syntaxes on LinkedIn.

Check out this illustration he shared in his post:

Implications for Website Managers

This update proves to be highly beneficial for website managers and SEO experts, as it allows them to take advantage of the benefits offered by low-code Microdata structured data, without having to fully commit to this approach.

Site administrators who embed an entire article in the articleBody property of Schema.org structured data, such as BlogPosting and Article, will especially find this update useful!

However, it is essential to ensure that your structured data implementation remains accurate, ensuring that your rich results continue to appear in search engine results pages (SERPs).