Google has recently rolled out a significant update to its search results, addressing a persistent issue with site names. This fix, implemented in early June 2024, ensures that site names specified for home pages are correctly propagated to internal pages. This update follows months of feedback and complaints from webmasters and site owners about inaccurate or inappropriate site name displays.
Background of the Issue
Since December 2023, many website owners reported that Google was not displaying the correct site names for their internal pages. This issue often led to incorrect representations of a site's brand, potentially harming user trust and engagement. For instance, Salesforce experienced an issue where their site name was inaccurately split into "Sales" and "Force," which was cited as particularly damaging to their brand.
The Fix and Its Implementation
Google's fix involves an update to how site names are propagated from home pages to internal pages. According to Google’s updated documentation, the primary issue has been resolved, but it may take some time for the fix to fully propagate as Google needs to recrawl and reprocess affected pages.
Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, confirmed that the changes should resolve many of the reported issues. However, he acknowledged that not all problems have been fixed yet, and further adjustments may be needed.
Steps to Ensure Correct Site Names
To ensure that your site's name is displayed correctly across all pages, Google recommends the following steps:
- Use Structured Data: Implement structured data on your homepage to specify the preferred site name.
- Provide an Alternate Name: Use the
alternateNameproperty to give Google a fallback option if the primary name isn't selected. - Use the URL Inspection Tool: If issues persist, use Google’s URL Inspection tool to request a recrawl of the affected pages.
Google has also expanded support for subdomains in site names across all devices and languages. This expansion is part of a broader effort to refine how site names are selected to better represent the sites listed in search results.
Why It Matters
Correct site names are crucial for brand representation and user trust. When Google displays incorrect site names, it can lead to confusion and potentially harm the site's reputation. This update is a significant step towards ensuring that websites are accurately represented in search results, which can enhance user experience and improve click-through rates.
Monitoring and Feedback
Google encourages site owners to monitor their search performance and provide feedback if issues persist. Regularly checking Google Search Console for updates and using the URL Inspection tool can help ensure that your site is accurately represented in search results. If problems continue, reaching out to Google through the appropriate channels can facilitate further improvements.
Conclusion
Google's recent fix for site names in search results marks a significant improvement in how websites are represented. By following the recommended steps and monitoring search performance, site owners can ensure their brands are accurately and consistently displayed. This update underscores Google's commitment to enhancing search accuracy and user experience, benefiting both webmasters and users alike.
By addressing the site name issue, Google has taken a crucial step toward improving search result accuracy. This update highlights the importance of ongoing feedback and monitoring to ensure optimal representation and user experience in search results.
