@Collegis_Education said in Schema Markup Validator vs. Rich Results Test:
I am working on a schema markup project. When I test the schema code in the Schema Markup Validator, everything looks fine, no errors detected. However, when I test it in the Rich Results Test, a few errors come back.
What is the difference between these two tests? Should I trust one over the other?
When working with schema markup, it's important to understand the purpose of different testing tools and what aspects of your markup they're evaluating.
Schema Markup Validator (formerly known as Structured Data Testing Tool):
This tool focuses on checking the syntax and vocabulary of your schema markup against Schema.org standards.
It ensures that your markup is logically structured and semantically correct.
It does not necessarily check for compliance with Google's guidelines for rich snippets or rich results.
Rich Results Test:
This tool is provided by Google and specifically checks for compatibility with Google Search's rich results.
It not only checks the validity of the schema markup but also whether it meets the specific guidelines and requirements set by Google to display rich results in its search engine.
It simulates how your page might be processed by Google Search and whether your schema can generate rich results.
The difference between the two tests lies in their scope. The Schema Markup Validator checks for general correctness according to Schema.org, which is broader and platform-agnostic. The Rich Results Test is more specific and checks for compatibility with Google's search features. I have used schema for internet packaging website and I found usful.
Should you trust one over the other? It depends on your goals:
If you want to ensure your markup is correct according to Schema.org and potentially useful for a variety of search engines and platforms, the Schema Markup Validator is the way to go.
If your primary concern is how your markup will perform on Google Search and you're looking to leverage Google's rich results, then the Rich Results Test is more pertinent.
Ideally, your markup should pass both tests. It should be correctly structured according to Schema.org standards (which you can ensure using the Schema Markup Validator), and it should also be optimized for Google's rich results (which you can check using the Rich Results Test). If you're encountering errors in the Rich Results Test, it's likely because your schema markup doesn't meet some of Google's rich result guidelines, and you should adjust your markup accordingly.