Unlocking Google Knowledge Cards: A Comprehensive SERPs User Guide
Are you looking for a way on how to Claim Google Knowledge Card? Well, you’ll need to look no further! For one thing, besides all other unsuccessful methods, some you can use online, none of them breaks down everything in style like this guide. So, stay put to learn the benefits of having a Custom Knowledge Card for your online business and how to claim it.
When people search for your business on Google, they may see links to your business’s social profiles. In addition to your other business information in the knowledge panel through the Search Results too. And for your information, an engine like Google gathers business information from a variety of sources.
Some information that is looked for in a Custom Google Knowledge Card, for instance, may include SERPs giving customers a more detailed overview of your business. Furthermore, social profile information is automatically added to listings for eligible businesses. So, if you haven’t claimed or added your business to Google My Business yet, then I’ll let you know how to do it.
What is Google My Business?
If you’ve got your business up and running, you need to start creating your Google My Business (GMB) listing as soon as possible. So that your customers can easily find you when searching online. Unfortunately, you just don’t have enough time to sit down and figure out exactly what you need to include in your business listing.
After all, there is just too much information to fill out, photos to add, and services to include that it makes you want to pull your hair out before you even get started. Whether it’s a DIY journey, or you’re working with a local SEO company, the first step in local SEO is to claim and verify your GMB listing.
Having an optimized Google My Business can help you improve the chances of your local business showing up in Google’s Local Map Pack, Google Maps, and the organic rankings as well. And in reality, GMB gives business owners more control over how their business appears to customers searching online.
Related Topic: Google My Business | Start Connecting with Customers
Google My Business lets business owners speak directly to potential customers before ever having an actual conversation with them. So, how do you go about it? In the first place, you’ll need to go and add your business to Google My Business by visiting https://business.google.com/.
Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. If you verify and edit your business information, you can both help customers find your business and tell them your story.
I recently installed the new business edition of the Google custom search engine. It took about 5 minutes to set up and will likely pay for itself many times over. You can use it by using the search box on the right rail. Google’s custom search engine is easy to customize, fast to implement, works across multiple domains, and is cheap.
It only costs $100 a year for up to 5K pages and $500 a year for 50K pages. And it also allows the owner to see search frequency and your most popular queries. Every day, millions of people search on Google for businesses like yours.
Google My Business Allows You To;
- Respond to reviews, a message with your customers, and see your followers in the Customers tab.
- Make edits to your Business Profile and see those changes on Google in real-time.
- Upload photos, create enticing offers, and share what makes the business unique.
- See in one glance how and how much your customers interact with your Business Profile.
- Get real-time notifications to know when a customer connects with your business on Google.
- Focus on what you love and rest easy knowing that it’s on the clock to get more customers.
- Manage multiple locations from one dashboard, and invite others to manage your listing.
As can be seen, a Google My Business profile is extremely essential for local SEO as it enables you to appear in local search results for queries related to your services or products based on your location.
What is the Google Knowledge Panel?
A Knowledge Panel is a set of information boxes that appear on search engines like Google when you conduct a search query. Whether you search for entities (like people, places, organizations, things) that are in the Knowledge Graph. And as such, they’re meant to help you get a quick snapshot of information on a topic you searched.
All this is based on Google’s understanding of available content on the web. As a result, they’re automatically generated, and information that appears in a knowledge panel comes from various sources across the web. In some cases, we may work with data partners who provide authoritative data on specific topics like movies or music.
And then, combine that data with information from other open web sources. SERPs also know that entities whose information is included in knowledge panels (like prominent individuals or the creators of a television show) are self-authoritative. And they’ll provide ways for these entities to produce direct feedback.
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Once listed, the information from your Google My Business account will appear on all listings. From your Google Plus, Google Maps, and even Google Search. And you can even use markup on your official website to add your social profile information to a Google Knowledge panel.
Whereby, Knowledge panels prominently display your social profile information in some Google Search results. In addition to the general structured data guidelines, Social Profile markup should follow specific guidelines. Such as, the social profiles in your markup must correspond to what users see on the same page.
It’s important to realize, some of the information displayed on the Knowledge Panel may also come from verified entities who have suggested edits to facts on their own knowledge panels. For instance, images that appear in the knowledge panel can come from several sources. One source is those individuals that have claimed their knowledge panels.
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They also may have selected a featured image from images available on the web. Other images (especially when there is a collection of multiple images) are a preview of SERPs Image results for the entity and are automatically sourced from across the web.
In reality, Knowledge Panels are updated automatically as information changes on the web. But, an engine like Google also considers changes in two main ways. Either directly from the entities depicted in the knowledge panel, or even from general user feedback.
Furthermore, if you are the subject of or official representative of an entity depicted in a knowledge panel, you can claim this panel and suggest changes. At times, you may not be the official representative of a given entity. But, you can use the feedback link on the bottom right-hand corner of a knowledge panel and suggest edits for review.
How to Claim Google Knowledge Card
In 2011, Google issued a patent describing How to Claim Knowledge Card for Businesses on its platform. Not forgetting, by late 2015, we were already starting to see them appear in search results. And with time, many SEO webmasters are now utilizing these Knowledge Graphs in their online marketing strategies.
When you Claim Google Knowledge Card, that’s if you’re new to SERPs, it’s the feature image you’ll find appearing at the top of your Google search results. While giving users a general overview of the subject matter they are searching for. For example, the “Knowledge Card” for Google turns up like this:
In this case, the URL that typically earns the knowledge card is the top-ranking site that answers the user’s search term. In conjunction with the most popular answers on the web. The Knowledge Card seems to be designed for mobile users and is determined by a series of Google metrics.
With the primary ones being the domain authority, the number of inbound links received by the host site, quality of structured content and rich snippets, etc. That said, how do you get verified on Google? Below are the simple steps to follow:
How to Get Verified on Google
It’s very simple and easy to use Google My Business and Claim Google Knowledge Card or even Create a Business Profile, which appears on its search engine result pages (SERPs). Business Profile on Google Search looks similar to knowledge panels.
But are specific to businesses that serve customers at a particular location or within a designated service area. With that in mind, to verify that you’re an authorized representative for the entity, follow these simple steps below:
- Ensure that you have a Google account. If you don’t, then create a Google account,
- Go to Google Search and Search for yourself or the entity you represent,
- Once you find its panel, scroll to the bottom and click claim this knowledge panel,
- Review the displayed information about features granted after verification,
- Sign in to one of the official sites or profiles listed to verify that you’re an authorized representative of an entity on Google.
The list of options in the knowledge panel includes YouTube, Search Console, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. After you sign in successfully, you can manage the entity on Google.
How to Add Permissions
Once you have been verified for an entity, you can add additional users as authorized representatives by following these steps:
- Visit https://www.google.com/search/contributions/manage,
- Under “Add people to this account,” click Start Now,
- If you need to switch accounts, use the dropdown menu next to your profile image,
- Click Add New User and then enter the Google email address of your new user,
- For the user to get manager permissions, move the toggle to the right, and click Invite.
After you’re done, you can set different permission levels for users.
Such as the Manager (can suggest changes to the knowledge panel, and add or remove users). The Owner (the primary user on the account, and has the same permissions as managers). Or even the Contributor (can suggest changes to the knowledge panel).
How to Manage Permissions
It’s important that if you want to manage permissions, you must be a manager to remove or change the permissions of an existing user.
- Visit https://www.google.com/search/contributions/manage,
- Under “Add people to this account,” click Start Now,
- Use the dropdown menu next to your profile image to select the account you want to manage,
- Next to the user’s name you want to manage, click Menu,
- You can now select an option to:
- remove the user’s ability to add or manger other users, select Remove as manager.
- or to remove the user, select Remove user.
- transfer ownership of the account to the user, select Transfer ownership.
- you’ll only see the transfer ownership option if you are currently the owner of the account.
Last but not least, you can also manage third-party verification. And if you verify that you manage an online presence using Twitter or Facebook, Google automatically stores the association between your accounts.
To remove this association, follow these steps:
- Go to Webmaster Central.
- In the list of properties you own, click the Twitter or Facebook account you want to remove.
- Under the “Action” column, click Unverify.
Before You Claim Google Knowledge Card,
There are both advantages and disadvantages as you claim knowledge card on Google to both businesses and web users alike. Some disadvantages (as shown in this article) could make the user-experience worse for both small businesses and end-users.
Generally speaking, all web businesses have special Business Profile panels and should use Google My Business to create, claim, and make suggestions to those. So, always remember, Knowledge Graph information about people, places, or things is often presented within knowledge panels.
If you’re the subject or an official representative of an entity depicted in a knowledge panel, you can claim this panel and suggest changes. All in all, for browsers looking for an overview of a subject for discovery purposes, Knowledge Cards provide instant results.
But, they only give the basic information so if you want specific data, they are useless. If it is a person, their date and place of birth, occupation, and date of death (if deceased) are given together with relevant links. This allows users to navigate to related content, thus it could have its uses for researchers.
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For small businesses, address, contact details, and specialist products can be listed in connection with the search terms. This gives users immediate information quicker and will increase the click-through rate. But, is content creating popular culture on the internet?
Given that Google only turns up the most basic and common information related to search terms, researchers looking for specific information may have difficulty finding the right information. It is not unheard of for so-called facts to become part of mainstream thinking, only for someone to prove popular belief is incorrect.
The TV program QI is a good example of how much common knowledge is misguided. Websites that have a higher domain authority and inbound links are also given priority. Meaning, it will be more difficult for small businesses to compete with recognized brands that already have a swathe of followers.
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Could Knowledge Cards, therefore, be another nail in the coffin of online marketing for small businesses? Well, according to Google, the Knowledge Card will not disrupt the actual search terms and businesses will still rank as they would ordinarily.
Perse, knowledge cards are merely a distraction for the end-user. Therefore, they should not pose too much of a threat to the visibility of small businesses. And that’s if they are on the first two or three pages of Google. There is also the question of whether Knowledge Cards will become a nuisance for browsers?
How often do you think the most common opinion on the internet will satisfy your needs? Knowledge Cards seem like they could be a good idea, but are there too many flaws in the idea for it to become a permanent fixture?
Read Also: What are the advantages and disadvantages of knowledge management?
Furthermore, it’ll only encourage marketers to regurgitate popular views to get better rankings. Whilst alternative views slip down page rank and are buried under a pile of rubbish. But, before you even Claim Google Knowledge Card, you need to know some factual information.
Such as, Knowledge Graph often receives unique formatting and positioning within Google Search. And at times, it might even be spoken aloud by the Google Assistant. Because of this prominent treatment, the information in Knowledge Graph displays should not violate the following specific policies:
Incorrect or Non-representative Information
Information that is demonstrably false or outdated, as evidenced by, but not limited to legal documents, expert consensus, or other reputable primary sources.
Since SERPs like Google may decline to act on facts that are reasonably disputed or lack demonstrative evidence. In addition to names, titles, descriptions, and or images of subjects. When supported by strong evidence that their automated systems have not made the most representative selection.
What about Medical Topics like the case of Coronavirus? Well, when these SERPs highlight information on medical topics across Search, they strive to show information that reflects the scientific consensus and evidence-based best practices. Since they consider this content high quality.
To this end, if this highlighted information runs contrary to general scientific consensus, they’ll reserve the right to correct or remove the information from the feature. In that case, please note that medical information surfaced should not be used to provide medical advice. As well as diagnosis, treatment, or provide medical or counseling care.
Dangerous, Hateful, or Harassing Content
SERPs like Google don’t allow content that could directly facilitate serious and immediate harm to people or animals. They don’t allow content that promotes or condones violence or has the primary purpose of inciting hatred, against an individual or group.
Including but not limited to, the basis of their race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, nationality, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, etc. Or any other characteristic that is associated with systemic discrimination or marginalization.
Likewise, they don’t allow harassment, bullying, or threatening content. Including but not limited to, that which might single someone out for malicious abuse. As well as threaten someone with serious harm, or sexualize someone in an unwanted way.
They’ll also limit you to expose the private information of someone else that could be used to carry out threats. As well as disparage, or belittle victims of violence or tragedy, deny an atrocity, or harass in other ways.
Explicit Material & Threatening Content
Unfortunately, SERPs don’t allow content that contains nudity, graphic sex acts, or sexually explicit material. However, medical or scientific terms related to human anatomy or sex education are permitted. And the same applies to terrorism content too!
So, when we talk of Terrorist Content, SERPs don’t allow content that promotes terrorist or extremist acts. Including recruitment, inciting violence, or even celebrations and celebrating terrorist attacks. Not only that but Violence & Gore Content too is forbidden.
Whereby, they don’t allow violent or gory content that’s primarily intended to be shocking, sensational, or gratuitous. And when it comes to Vulgar Language & Profanity, they don’t allow obscenities or profanities.
How do you Troubleshoot a Knowledge Panel?
As an example, there are times when the content of the knowledge panel is mixed with another of the same or similar name. Or even sometimes, it’s showing the wrong websites or profiles. You can also receive an error that this knowledge panel is already managed by someone else. Especially, after you’ve checked with your team to see who may have access.
More information about these processes are available in the following articles. You can check out more on how to get verified on Google and how to update your Google knowledge panel. Beyond official entities, anyone can send feedback about issues with knowledge panels, Business Profiles, or Knowledge Graph information in general.
Such displays even include feedback options. Like on Desktop (where you’ll select Feedback at the bottom of the displays to send feedback). While on Mobile (you’ll select Feedback at the bottom of displays. Or even use the three vertical dots menu option at the top, to send feedback).
By all means, you can Contact Google for Help if you’ll experience any of the following issues listed above with your knowledge panel. More so, you can also request a knowledge panel change or report a Knowledge Graph issue.
Final Thoughts,
Google’s search results sometimes show information that comes from their Knowledge Graph. This a database of billions of facts about people, places, and things. The Knowledge Graph allows Google to answer factual questions such as “How tall is the Eiffel Tower?” or “Where were the 2016 Summer Olympics held.”
The goal with the Knowledge Graph is for their systems to discover and surface publicly known, factual information. In that case, whenever it’s determined to be useful. And there are many ways to know where the Knowledge Graph facts come from. Like a variety of sources that compile factual information.
Related Topic: Search Engine Result Pages | How do you Get on SERPs?
In addition to public sources, they also license data. In order to provide information such as sports scores, stock prices, and weather forecasts. They also receive factual information directly from content owners in various ways too. Including those who suggest changes to knowledge panels, they’ve claimed.
Finally, it’s my hope that you now have an idea of How to Claim Google Knowledge Card for your Business. After all, what is your view of Google Knowledge Cards? Do you think they help small businesses in any way? Or are they just another annoying distraction for digital users?
Please, feel free to share some of your thoughts, suggestions, or even questions in our comments section below. You can also Contact Us for more support on this or other related blog articles that best interests you.
