What is a Google Knowledge Panel?
A Google Knowledge Panel is an information box displayed on the right side of Google’s search results page (SERPs) that provides a quick snapshot of information about a specific entity such as a person, place, organization, or thing. These panels are powered by Google’s Knowledge Graph, which pulls information from various authoritative sources across the web, including Freebase, Wikipedia, and the CIA World Factbook.
Importance of Knowledge Panels:
- User Experience:
- Provides users with immediate, concise information about the entity without needing to click on multiple links.
- Improves overall search experience, especially on mobile devices.
- Authority and Trust:
- Establishes credibility and trust for businesses and individuals featured in the panel.
- Enhances visibility by occupying significant space on the SERP, which can attract more attention than standard search results.
- Impact on Traffic:
- While beneficial for user convenience, Knowledge Panels can reduce click-through rates to websites because users get answers directly from the SERP.
How to Get a Knowledge Panel:
- Entity Recognition:
- Ensure your business or entity is recognized by Google as a distinct entity.
- Use schema markup on your website to provide structured data that helps Google understand your content.
- Online Presence:
- Maintain active and consistent profiles on major social media platforms.
- Create entries on Wikipedia and Wikidata.
- Set up and verify a Google Business Profile with accurate and complete information.
Suggesting Changes to a Knowledge Panel:
- Verification:
- Verify yourself as an official representative of the entity.
- Suggest Edits:
- Use the “Suggest edits” option in the Knowledge Panel to propose changes to titles, descriptions, images, and other information.
- Review Process:
- Google reviews the suggested changes for accuracy and, if accepted, updates the information in the Knowledge Graph.
By following these steps, entities can increase their chances of being featured in a Google Knowledge Panel, thus boosting their visibility and authority on the web.
