How do you set your site name in Google Search?
guide // , 4 min read, by Darthwares
When Google displays a page in its search results, it often shows the name of the site the page originates from. To indicate your preferred site name to Google, you should add WebSite structured data to your home page. The name you choose must adhere to Google's Search content policies.
On this page // 6 sections
The short version
- Use WebSite structured data on your home page to suggest a site name to Google.
- The name property is essential, and alternateName provides options.
- Ensure your structured data follows Google's content policies for site names.
- Validate your structured data using tools like the Rich Results Test.
- Google Search currently supports only one site name per domain or subdomain.
What is a site name in Google Search?
Google Search displays the name of the website a page belongs to when listing that page in search results. This site name helps users identify the source of the information. Google defines a site by its domain or subdomain, and currently, Google Search supports only one site name for each defined site.
What is structured data and WebSite structured data?
Structured data is a standardized way to provide information about a page and classify its content. For example, on a recipe page, structured data can specify ingredients, cooking time, or calorie count. Google uses this data to understand the page's content and gather information about the web and the world.
Adding structured data can lead to more engaging search results, known as rich results, which might encourage users to interact more with your website. A WebSite, according to Schema.org, is a collection of related web pages and other items typically served from a single web domain and accessible via URLs. Structured data, including WebSite structured data, is embedded directly within the page it describes using in-page markup.
How do you add WebSite structured data to your home page?
To tell Google your preferred site name, you must add WebSite structured data specifically to your website's home page. This structured data should be coded using in-page markup. Google documents that you can use JSON-LD, RDFa, or microdata formats for this purpose. While all three formats are equally acceptable to Google if implemented correctly, JSON-LD is often recommended because it is generally easier to implement and maintain.
When adding structured data, it is important to include all required properties for the object to be eligible for enhanced display in Google Search. You should also ensure that the structured data describes information that is visible to the user on the page. Do not create blank or empty pages solely for the purpose of holding structured data, and avoid adding structured data about information that is not visible on the page, even if that information is accurate.
Which properties are used for site names in WebSite structured data?
For indicating your site name preference, the primary property to use within your WebSite structured data is name. This property expects a text value, which will be your chosen site name. Google states that the name you provide must comply with its Search content policies.
You can also provide an alternative name using the alternateName property. This allows Google to consider other options if your preferred name is not selected for display in search results. The WebSite type also includes other properties, such as potentialAction, which describes an idealized action where the website would play an object role.
How do you validate WebSite structured data?
After adding WebSite structured data to your home page, it is important to validate your markup. This step ensures there are no syntax errors that could prevent search engines from understanding your data. Google recommends using a schema testing tool, such as the Schema Markup Validator, for this purpose. Another useful tool is the Rich Results Test, which can validate your structured data and, in some cases, provide a preview of how a feature might appear in Google Search.
Common questions
What is structured data?
Structured data is a standardized format used to provide information about a web page and classify its content. Google uses this data to understand the page's content and gather general information about the web and the world.
Why should I use structured data for my site name?
Adding WebSite structured data allows you to indicate your preferred site name to Google. This can lead to more engaging search results, known as rich results, which might encourage users to interact more with your website.
Where should WebSite structured data be placed?
WebSite structured data must be placed on the home page of your website. It is coded using in-page markup directly on the page that the information applies to.
Can I have multiple site names for my website?
Currently, Google Search supports only one site name per site, where a site is defined by its domain or subdomain. You can, however, provide an alternateName property in your structured data for Google to consider if your primary choice isn't selected.
Which format should I use for structured data?
Google supports JSON-LD, RDFa, and microdata formats for structured data. All three are equally fine for Google if the markup is valid and properly implemented. Google generally recommends JSON-LD as it is often the easiest format to implement and maintain.
Primary sources and further reading
This article was researched and written by an AI model and published automatically. It was written from sentences that were checked to appear on the pages below, but a person has not reviewed the text. If something is wrong, tell us at chibivikramathithan@darthwares.com and we will correct it.