Google’s John Mueller responded to a LinkedIn put up concerning the visible impression of favicons in search outcomes, sharing a tip that isn’t formally documented however may enhance their visibility.
Favicons
Favicons are small icons that symbolize a web site’s model which can be displayed in browser tabs, bookmarks, browser historical past and in search engine outcomes pages (SERPs). They enhance model recognition, attracts consideration to itself and makes it simpler to determine a model when it’s within the search outcomes.
Dialogue On LinkedIn
A post in LinkedIn by Mark Williams-Prepare dinner (LinkedIn profile) highlighted the worth of an excellent favicon within the search outcomes, speculating that they could make a distinction in search outcomes interactions.
A dialogue adopted during which others noticed the worth of a favicon that pulls consideration to itself within the search outcomes and that an attention-grabbing favicon is beneficial for SearchGPT.
The next screenshot exhibits how some favicons mix into the search outcomes whereas two of them stand out, particularly the one with the daring shade scheme.
Screenshot Of Favicons In The SERPs
A particular favicon received’t assist a web site rank higher however as could be seen above it could assist the web page stand out within the search outcomes.
A Good Tip For Favicons
John Mueller’s commentary about favicons mentions one thing actually apparent however can also be not talked about in any of the official documentation about favicons. Mueller merely mentioned that it’s not a foul concept if the favicon seems to be engaging when cropped right into a circle.
That is what Mueller mentioned:
“Spherical-croppable favicons, for individuals who like technical search engine optimization.”
Designing a favicon that appears engaging when cropped right into a circle one thing that’s apparent looking back however simply missed. Contemplating a favicon by how properly it seems cropped in a circle suggests the usefulness of testing a favicon to see what it seems to be like when cropped right into a circle and even designing a favicon that’s already in a circle in order that it fills all the accessible house when it’s displayed within the search outcomes (or anyplace else).
None of Google’s documentation on favicons mentions that they’re cropped right into a circle nor does Google advise that it is likely to be a good suggestion to design them in a spherical configuration.
This tip is a small and seemingly apparent one however it could make a giant distinction.
Learn the LinkedIn dialogue right here:
I imagine custom favicons make an actual difference with SERP interaction…
Learn Google’s Favicon documentation
Define a favicon to show in search results
Landing page guidelines – Favicons
Visual Elements gallery of Google Search – Attribution
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