Enhance Click-through Rates and Conversions with Google Rich Cards

By Ronald Smith

Hey, did you know that Google has this awesome thing called Rich Cards? It’s this cool new way to show search results that’s way more eye-catching and visually appealing. They launched it on May 17th, 2016, and it’s all about making things look better.

So, here’s the deal. Google decided to upgrade their existing Rich Snippets format and make it even better. They wanted to make it more attractive and engaging, especially for movies and recipes. And that’s how Rich Cards was born!

I’m excited to share with you some great news about the latest update from Google! The first thing to note is that the new cards feature is currently only available for Google mobile search results. But don’t worry, it’s just the beginning! Right now, it’s specifically designed for movies and recipes websites in English. However, Google plans to expand this feature to include more types of websites and users very soon.

So, What Are Google Rich Cards Exactly?

Let me explain what these fancy “rich cards” are all about. A rich card is a visual representation that showcases a product or service. It’s like a little picture that gives you a glimpse of what you’re searching for, making it easier to find what you need. Instead of plain text, you’ll now have eye-catching visuals to enhance your search experience.

Enhance Click-through Rates and Conversions with Google Rich Cards

Have you ever heard of Google Rich Cards? They’re a new and improved way to display search results. Think of them as a fancy upgrade to rich snippets, which were already a big hit. Just like snippets, these cards use schema.org structured markup to present information visually, making it more eye-catching and engaging.

Why Should You Care about Rich Cards?

Rich cards are a game-changer for website owners, especially those who run movie or recipe websites. They give you a chance to stand out in search results and set a new standard for digital marketing. By using rich cards, you make your content more appealing, which leads to higher Click-Through Rates (CTR) and ultimately, better conversion rates. Who wouldn’t want that?

If you provide food and recipe services, you can make your content more enticing by using high-quality images of your dishes. When someone searches for a dish, your product has a better chance of appearing in the top results of Google’s rich cards if your image thumbnail “looks delicious.” This means more people are likely to visit your website.

The benefits of using rich cards are:

  • They make your product more visible in search results.
  • They make your content more tempting, increasing conversion rates.
  • They help you attract more targeted traffic by using a user-friendly card carousel feature that is already widely used in popular Android and iOS apps.

Main Features of Rich Cards

  • Cards have a higher image resolution and visual appeal to improve your web browsing experience. They make your product or service look visually appealing.
  • The Webmasters tool provides reports and detailed analysis on CTR, bounce rates, and conversions. This helps you monitor how well your Rich Cards are performing.
  • The carousel of cards includes images with brand names, logos, and user reviews. This makes it easier for users to search and find what they’re looking for. It also helps promote awareness of your brand.
  • Rich Cards have a more enhanced visual design compared to Rich Snippets. This design helps users better understand and connect with your product.

When you search for something on Google, you might have noticed that some results have a different layout. These are called rich cards, and they provide a new way of displaying information in the search results.

Rich cards are like a separate page within the search results. Instead of just having a regular snippet of text, rich cards have a different design that includes a thumbnail image, the publisher’s logo, and a timestamp. They are also displayed at the top of the search results, similar to how Google Images results are shown.

One of the benefits of rich cards is that they are shown in a carousel format. This means that you can easily scroll through the results without having to go back and forth between pages. This carousel format is commonly used in Facebook ads and provides a more interactive and engaging browsing experience.

Another feature of rich cards is the AMP annotation. When you search on your mobile device, you may have seen a small lightning bolt symbol next to some results. This symbol indicates that the page has been optimized for fast loading and consistent content. This means that when you click on a rich card, the page will load quickly and the content will be consistent across different devices.

The content shown in the rich card carousel can come from one specific website or from multiple different websites. This means that you can see a variety of information and sources in one place.

Overall, rich cards offer a new way of displaying information in the search results. They provide a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience, allowing you to easily find the information you need. So next time you search on Google, keep an eye out for these rich cards and take advantage of their unique features.

Let me explain something important to you: rich cards have a similar appearance and function as sponsored shopping cards on Adwords. However, there are some key differences between the two. Rich cards are designed to be integrated directly into Google search results. This means that they will appear naturally and load quickly.

To make the results more appealing, high-quality images can be used for the cards’ thumbnails. The service already offers the following features:

– You can manually enable or disable Google rich card results.

– It supports the popular eCommerce platform Magento, in most of its versions. With a single Magento installation, you can cater to multiple views, serving multiple customers and products.

Why You Should Use Google Rich Cards

Google Rich Cards are a cool feature that can help your content stand out in search results. They are like enhanced search results snippets that provide more information at a glance. Here’s why you should consider using them:

  • They are made according to the latest Schema.org and Google standards.
  • They are easy to set up.

How to Use Rich Cards

To use the Google Rich Cards feature, you need to make sure your content is on Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP). You’ll also need to use schema.org and the recommended JSON-LD format to mark up your content easily.

You can test the functionality of Google Rich Cards using Google’s testing tool. This tool allows you to modify your code in real-time and instantly see a preview of how your page will look in the Rich Card format.

Follow these steps to successfully use the Google Rich Cards feature:

Step 1

Check out this link and choose a “markup” that best suits your product.

Enhance Click-through Rates and Conversions with Google Rich Cards

Step 2

Now it’s time to make your card unique! To do that, you’ll need to do some editing. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. Just follow these steps.

  1. First, open the structured data testing tool. It’s a handy tool that lets you see how your card will look and catch any errors or issues.
  2. Next, customize the markup to add relevant content to your card. This is where you can get creative! Think about what information you want to share and make sure it’s included in the markup.
  3. As you make changes, take a look at the preview. This will give you a real-time preview of your card, so you can see how it will appear to others.
  4. Lastly, be sure to add the “name” and URL of the image for your card. This will give it the finishing touch and make it truly yours.

That’s it! By following these steps and adding your own personal touch, you’ll have a unique and eye-catching card that stands out from the rest.

Enhance Click-through Rates and Conversions with Google Rich Cards

Step 3

Now, let’s spruce up the markup to make it more interesting and appealing. Just by adding a few subtle details to your cards, you can greatly enhance their overall quality and attractiveness.

Step 4

Next, it’s important to thoroughly check your markup for any errors. You can do this by validating it and also previewing how it looks. If you’re not completely satisfied with the appearance and feel, don’t worry! You can easily change the image and content simply by adjusting the code accordingly.

Step 5

Once you’re happy with your markup, it’s time to add it to your web page. You have the freedom to deploy the customized tag wherever it fits best on your website. It’s worth noting that the snippet provided below is valid if you’re using JSON-LD and a tag manager.

Enhance Click-through Rates and Conversions with Google Rich Cards

Once you’ve deployed the code on your website, it will immediately start generating a Google Rich Card for your product. It’s pretty neat!

Want to know how to use Google rich cards for your product? Check out the video below for a step-by-step guide.

Take a Look at Some Examples of Rich Cards

There are different types of Rich Cards that can be used based on your specific needs. Here are a few examples:

1. Recipes

If you have a recipe website, Google rich cards were practically made for you. They can be displayed as part of a “host carousel” or as individual Rich Cards. Take a look at the mouthwatering “Apple Pie” recipe below, which appears in the search results.

Enhance Click-through Rates and Conversions with Google Rich Cards

2. Eventful Cards

Imagine having beautifully designed cards that not only inform but also captivate your audience. With eventful cards, you can effortlessly share details about weddings, art festivals, or musical concerts. These cards are specifically tailored to target a specific group of people, ensuring that the information reaches the right audience.

Creating carousel listings for various events is now easier than ever. You can create a separate markup for each event, allowing you to showcase a renowned artist or performer. Let me show you an example:

3. Product Rich Cards

Imagine you’re searching for a cool new lava lamp online. You want all the important details right at your fingertips, like reviews, ratings, availability, price, and a quick description. Well, that’s where product rich cards come in!

Product rich cards are like little information-packed cards that give you everything you need to know about a specific product. It’s like having a personal shopping assistant right on your screen!

Let’s say you’re looking for “lava lamps.” A product rich card for lava lamps might show you customer reviews, so you can see what other people think about them. It might also show you a rating, so you can easily see how well-liked they are. Plus, it’ll let you know if they’re in stock and how much they cost. And just in case you need a bit more info, there’ll be a brief description to give you an idea of what the lamp is like.

So, whether you’re shopping for lava lamps or any other product, keep an eye out for these handy product rich cards. They make finding the perfect item a breeze!

Enhance Click-through Rates and Conversions with Google Rich Cards

4. Check Out Detailed Reviews with Rich Cards

Want to dive deeper into product reviews? Rich cards offer a comprehensive way to explore ratings and opinions on various items. Whether it’s a store, movie, or restaurant, rich cards provide a more exhaustive picture. Just take a look at this example, showcasing a search result for a specific book.

Enhance Click-through Rates and Conversions with Google Rich Cards

The Last Word on Google Rich Cards

As someone who keeps up with the latest developments in the digital marketing world, I must say that Google Rich Cards have caught my attention. They seem to hold a lot of promise and could be a smart move if you’re looking to boost your click-through rate (CTR). I’m excited about the potential impact these cards could have on the future of digital marketing, thanks to Google’s meticulous analysis and their ability to add subtle charm to your content.