Is FAQ Schema Still Useful for SEO? What Changed and What to Do
Google limited FAQ rich results in 2023. Here is what that means and why FAQs are still worth writing.
For years, FAQPage schema could add expandable questions under a page's search result. In 2023 Google announced it would show FAQ rich results mainly for well-known, authoritative government and health websites. Many site owners then asked whether FAQ schema is still worth adding.
What changed
- Most websites no longer get the expandable FAQ display in Google results.
- Google said the markup does not cause problems if you leave it in place.
- FAQPage remains a valid schema.org type that other systems can read.
Reasons FAQ sections are still useful
- Readers scan FAQs for quick answers to their specific worries.
- Long-tail searches โ questions in FAQs often match exact queries people type.
- Featured snippets and People also ask can draw on clear question-and-answer text.
- AI answer engines look for concise, self-contained answers they can quote.
- Structured data clearly labels questions and answers for any system that reads it.
Should you add or remove FAQ schema?
If you already have accurate FAQPage markup, there is no need to remove it. If you are adding FAQs, the markup is quick to include. Just do not expect it to change how your result looks in Google for most sites.
Rules that still apply
- The questions and answers must be visible on the page.
- Use FAQPage only for questions with one answer written by you โ not for forums or user questions (that is QAPage).
- No advertising in answers.
- Each question should appear once on your site, not repeated on every page.
Write better FAQs
- Collect real questions from customers, People also ask and your Search Console queries โ see how to find People also ask questions.
- Answer each in two to four sentences, directly.
- Link to a detailed page where a longer answer helps.
- Generate the markup with the schema generator, then test it.
For AI visibility, read how to optimize for Google AI Overviews.
A worked example
A legal services website lost its FAQ rich results after the change and considered deleting its FAQ sections. Instead, it rewrote them to answer the exact questions clients asked, such as fees, timelines and documents. Its pages started appearing in People also ask boxes, and AI answer tools began citing its clear answers.
Where to place FAQs on a page
- Product pages: below the description, covering sizing, care, delivery and returns.
- Service pages: after the process and pricing, answering cost and timing objections.
- Guides: at the end, for follow-up questions the main text did not cover.
Keep each answer short and link to fuller explanations elsewhere on your site. Review FAQs when customers ask new questions โ that is your best source of real ones.
Related guides
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Frequently asked questions
Does FAQ schema still create rich results?
For most sites, no. Google now shows them mainly for authoritative government and health sites.
Will FAQ schema hurt my site?
No. Google said leaving valid markup in place causes no problems.
Are FAQ sections good for SEO?
Yes, when they answer real questions clearly. They help readers and can match long-tail searches.
Can I use the same FAQ on many pages?
Avoid it. Each page should answer questions specific to its topic.