What is a Rich Snippet?

A rich snippet is an enhanced search result that includes additional information beyond the standard title, URL, and meta description. This extra data can include star ratings, reviews, prices, images, and more, depending on the type of content. Rich snippets are generated using structured data markup, often in the form of schema.org vocabulary, which helps search engines understand the context and content of a webpage more effectively.

By providing more detailed and visually appealing information, rich snippets can significantly improve click-through rates (CTR) and drive more traffic to a website. They also help users find the information they need more quickly and easily. Common types of rich snippets include reviews, recipes, events, products, and FAQs. Implementing structured data correctly is crucial for earning rich snippets, and tools like Google's Structured Data Testing Tool can help ensure your markup is accurate. While rich snippets do not directly influence rankings, the improved visibility and engagement they provide can lead to better overall SEO performance.