Google has recently announced a new feature for mobile search results: “site names.” Site names allow users to see the name of the website in a more prominent location, such as at the top of the snippet, rather than just the URL. Along with the site name, Google also announced that the size and shape of the favicon will be displayed next to the site name and URL in search result snippets.
Availability
You can currently see site names in the Google mobile search results for English, French, Japanese, and German. Google announced that it will be expanding its services to additional languages in the next few months. Keep in mind, we saw Google testing this a few weeks ago.
Controlling site names
Google explains that its search engine uses different methods to identify the site name for each result. With a little effort, you can use structured data to let Google know the official name of your website. Google has created new documentation on how to correctly label your website’s name using structured data.
Upgrading the Favicon
If you want your website to be authentic, make sure to check the favicon documentation for Google’s most recent best practices. Google now recommends that you also provide an icon measuring at least 48px, in addition to following the existing favicon guidelines.
Ads
In mobile search, the size of the site name, favicons, and ad label will be more prominent. Google is planning to change the 2020 “Ads” label in mobile search to “Sponsored.”
Reason for the change
Google explained that the change is designed to give users “more information about the sites” so they can be sure of their safety when browsing.
Why we care
Whenever Google Search changes something about the design of their search results, searchers may start clicking differently. Use Google Search Console to keep tabs on your click-through rate, and if you think it can be improved, make changes such as updating your site name or favicon.
In Summary
Google has now made it easier for users to see the name of the website they are searching for on mobile devices by moving it to a more prominent location, such as at the top of the search results. Google has announced that, alongside the site name, the favicon’s size and shape will also be displayed next to the URL in search results.
