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Google Adds New Merchant Listing Data
Google has introduced new Category and Sale Duration structured data properties for merchant listings, allowing for more precise product data and improved SEO. This update can increase local business visibility in search results. The new properties provide more detailed information about products, enhancing the overall search experience.
Background paragraph: Google's merchant listings are a crucial aspect of local businesses' online presence, as they provide customers with essential information about products and services. Structured data properties play a significant role in helping search engines understand the content and context of a webpage, thereby improving search rankings and visibility.
What changed: Google has rolled out two new structured data properties, Category and Sale Duration, which enable merchants to provide more detailed and accurate information about their products. This update aims to enhance the search experience by offering more precise product data, making it easier for customers to find what they are looking for.
Why it matters: The introduction of these new structured data properties can significantly impact local businesses' online visibility and revenue. By providing more detailed product information, businesses can improve their search rankings, increase their online presence, and drive more sales. This update is particularly important for local businesses that rely heavily on search traffic and online sales.
Niche breakdown: For instance, a coffee shop can use the new Category property to specify the type of coffee beans they sell, while a hair salon can use the Sale Duration property to indicate the duration of a promotional offer. A pet groomer can utilize the Category property to categorize their services, such as 'dog grooming' or 'cat grooming', making it easier for customers to find their services online.
What to watch: Local businesses should monitor their search rankings and analytics to see the impact of this update. They should also ensure that their website is properly optimized with the new structured data properties to maximize their online visibility. It is essential to keep an eye on Google's official announcements and updates regarding the rollout of these new properties.
To take advantage of this update, local businesses should immediately review their website's structured data and add the new Category and Sale Duration properties to their merchant listings. They should also ensure that their product data is accurate, up-to-date, and consistent across all platforms. By doing so, businesses can improve their search rankings, increase their online visibility, and drive more sales. Specifically, businesses should update their Google Merchant Center listings and verify that their website is properly marked up with the new structured data properties.
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Source: Search Engine Journal · 2026-07-09
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