Why is Google pushing JSON-LD as the preferred format for structured data?

Is this statement consistent with field practices?

Absolutely. For at least four years, all deployment cases of rich snippets that I have followed confirm that JSON-LD is the format favored by Google. Documentation, examples, and testing tools (Search Console, Rich Results Test) highlight JSON-LD.

But — and this is an important nuance — this does not mean that microdata is obsolete. I have production sites that have used microdata for years and perfectly trigger rich results. Google does not penalize microdata; it still supports it. Simply put, Google's development priority is shifting towards JSON-LD.

What practical risks arise when migrating to JSON-LD without caution?

The first pitfall is markup duplication. If you already have microdata in place and you add JSON-LD without removing the old one, Google will parse both. In some cases, it works without issues. In others, it generates errors or inconsistent rich results.

The second risk is incorrectly configured dynamically generated JSON-LD. I've seen sites where JSON-LD was injected by a plugin or a GTM tag, but with missing properties, relative URLs, and poorly formatted dates. The result: validation errors and no rich snippet displayed. [To be verified] systematically with Search Console after each deployment.

In what situations is microdata still relevant despite Google's recommendation?

If you're managing a legacy site with well-established, functional microdata and you lack developer resources to migrate, there is no absolute urgency. Google will continue to read it.

On the other hand, for any new project, redesign, or deployment of new structured features (FAQ, Breadcrumb, Event, Recipe...), JSON-LD is the rational choice. It's cleaner, more maintainable, and you benefit from the most up-to-date documentation.

What should I do if my site is still using microdata?

First step: audit what you currently have. Run your main pages through Google's Rich Results Test. If your rich snippets display correctly and there are no critical errors in Search Console, you're not in immediate danger.

Second step: if you plan a redesign, migration, or addition of new structured data, switch to JSON-LD. Take the opportunity to centralize the generation of your structured tags in your server code or CMS. This will facilitate future developments.

How can I ensure that my JSON-LD is correctly implemented?

Validation is not enough. Yes, the Schema Markup Validator and Rich Results Test detect syntax errors and missing properties. But they do not guarantee that your data matches the visible content of the page.

Google may ignore or not display a rich snippet if the JSON-LD describes something that isn't clearly present in the HTML. For example, a price in JSON-LD that differs from what is shown to users. Therefore, check the consistency between JSON-LD and visible content; this is often where things go wrong.

What mistakes should be avoided when deploying JSON-LD?

First mistake: generating JSON-LD client-side (JavaScript) without ensuring that Googlebot sees it. If your JSON-LD is injected after the initial page load via asynchronous JS, Google may not capture it during the first render. Use the URL Inspection tool to check the rendered HTML.

Second mistake: forgetting to provide required properties. Each Schema.org type has its required fields (name, image, description, datePublished...). If you miss one, the rich snippet simply will not display. The Search Console will show errors, but you still need to check it regularly.

• Audit existing structured markup with the Rich Results Test and Search Console
• Plan a migration to JSON-LD during the next redesign or technical evolution
• Consistently validate JSON-LD using Google's official tools before production deployment
• Check the consistency between structured data and the visible content of the page
• Test the rendering on Googlebot with the URL inspection tool if JSON-LD is generated in JavaScript
• Monitor Search Console after deployment to detect errors and warnings