Glossary
Structured Snippets Extensions
On this page
When it comes to creating high-performing PPC campaigns, every little detail counts. One of the most effective ways to enhance your ad visibility and improve user engagement is by using Structured snippets extensions are special ad extensions that offer additional context about a business or service. They can enhance ad visibility and improve user engagement by offering more information to users.
What Are Structured Snippets Extensions?
Structured snippets extensions are a type of ad extension available on platforms like Google Ads and Microsoft Ads that provide extra information about a business directly within search ads. Unlike other ad extensions like sitelinks or callouts, structured snippets don’t contain links or calls to action. Instead, they offer users more details about what you offer, enhancing your ad's relevance and appeal. Structured snippets allow advertisers to highlight key aspects of their products or services such as product categories, service offerings, or features.
How Do Structured Snippets Extensions Work?
When you add structured snippets to your ads, they appear below your main ad text, offering additional information in a clear and structured format. The format consists of two parts:
- Header: The header indicates the type of information being provided (e.g., “Services,” “Destinations,” or “Types”).
- Values: The values provide specific details under the chosen header. For example, if your header is “Services,” your values might include “SEO,” “Content Marketing,” and “Social Media Management.” Or if you’re running a PPC campaign for a hotel, you could use structured snippets to display amenities like “Free Wi-Fi,” “Breakfast Included,” or “Pet-Friendly Rooms.”
Why Use Structured Snippets Extensions?
Now that you know what structured snippets are, let's dive into why you should use them as part of your PPC campaign strategy.
- Improve Ad Relevance: Structured snippets allow you to make your ads more relevant to users by showcasing specific information about your offerings. When users see details that match their search intent, they are more likely to engage with an ad.
- Increase Click-Through Rate (CTR): Providing more information through structured snippets can significantly improve your ad’s CTR. When potential customers can quickly see what makes your service unique or which products you offer, they're more likely to click on your ad to learn more. Higher CTRs can also lead to improved Quality Scores, which can ultimately lower your ad costs.
- Boost Ad Extensions Impact: When you combine structured snippets with other ad extensions (like sitelinks or call extensions), your ad takes up more space on the search results page. A larger ad footprint can make your ad more noticeable, helping you stand out from competitors.
- Highlight Specific Features: Structured snippets allow you to highlight specific aspects of your business or services, which may not fit into your main ad copy due to character limits. This ensures your potential customers have all the information they need to make an informed decision.
- Support for Multiple Campaign Types: Whether you're running ads on Google Search or Microsoft Ads, structured snippets can be added to different types of campaigns, including text ads and dynamic search ads, making them versatile tools for improving ad performance.
How to Set Up Structured Snippets Extensions
Setting up structured snippets is simple, but it requires careful planning to ensure you're providing the most relevant information to your target audience. Here’s how you can add them to your ads:
1. Select the Right Header
Google Ads and Microsoft Ads offer predefined headers that you can use to categorize your information. Common headers include:
- Amenities
- Brands
- Courses
- Destinations
- Service Categories
- Types
Select the header that best fits the information you want to showcase in your ad. For example, if you run an e-commerce store, you might use the “Brands” header to list the different brands you carry.
2. Provide Relevant Values
Once you've selected the header, it's time to add the corresponding values. These should be specific, relevant, and directly related to your header. Make sure you're providing information that will resonate with your target audience.
3. Consider Mobile Optimization
Structured snippets display differently on mobile devices compared to desktops. Adds values that are concise enough to be clear on mobile screens while still providing valuable information.
4. Track and Optimize
After you've implemented your structured snippets, monitor their performance to ensure they're having the desired effect on your campaigns. Look at key metrics such as CTR, conversion rates, and Quality Scores to assess their impact. If necessary, make adjustments to improve performance over time.
Examples of Structured Snippets Extensions
To better understand how structured snippets work, let’s look at a few examples:
Example 1: Online Retailer
- Header: Brands
- Values: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour
Example 2: Travel Agency
- Header: Destinations
- Values: Paris, New York, Tokyo, London
Example 3: Digital Marketing Agency
- Header: Services
- Values: SEO, Content Marketing, PPC Management, Social Media Strategy
In each case, structured snippets provide users with valuable information about the offerings, which can help guide their decision to click on the ad.