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The first place your mind wonders when you need answers to an intriguing thought or some points to win an argument is Google. With over 8.5 billion searches per day globally, Google is by far the most popular search engine in the world.
With its searches mostly questions, the search engine has been improved to provide the quickest and most relevant answers to each query. As a business owner, an individual, or an SEO specialist, it's not just important but also beneficial to understand how Google works and how to make the most of its features. One such feature is the Google Knowledge Panel, which provides a wealth of information about entities, people, and organizations at a glance. You probably have questions already like, What is a knowledge panel? Why do you need one? Where does the information come from? How do you get it? That is what this guide is for.
This guide will examine everything you need about Google's Knowledge Panel and how to claim. This guide will help you master Google's Knowledge Panel. Let’s get started!
What is a Google Knowledge Panel?
To explain a Google Knowledge panel, let’s try an exercise together. Head on to Google and search “Google.” As usual, you will find a list of links leading to websites that contain information on Llamas. But you will also notice a box on the right side of the page. That is a Google Knowledge panel introduced by Google in 2012.
Google's knowledge panels provide quick and relevant information based on available web content. The information in these panels is automatically generated and sourced from various sources across the web. In some cases, Google may work with data partners to provide authoritative data on specific topics.
So, Google Knowledge Panels are information boxes that appear on Google search results when searching for entities such as people, places, organizations, or things.
However, business profiles on Google should not be confused with knowledge panels even though they look similar. Business Profiles provide information about local businesses. The image below is an example of a Google Business Profile.
How Does Google Knowledge Panels Work?
Google’s Knowledge Graph gathers millions of facts from various sources to generate automatic Knowledge Panels., such as Wikipedia, LinkedIn, government databases, news articles, and other public records. A Google patent outlines how it generates these panels, which involves four main steps:
- Identifying entities in the search query.
- Selecting a knowledge panel template that matches the entity type.
- Filling in placeholders in the template.
- Merging search results and the knowledge panel in SERPs.
Images can also appear in knowledge panels sourced from different places. Individuals with claimed knowledge panels can select a featured image, while images for other entities are automatically sourced from across the web, typically from Google Images results for the entity.
Why Are Google Knowledge Panels Important?
In addition to the increased visibility on search engine result pages, a Google Knowledge Panel can save users time and effort by providing a comprehensive overview of information about a particular entity, such as a person, business, or organization. This includes a brief overview of the entity, images, contact information, social media profiles, and other relevant details.
Furthermore, having a knowledge panel can also help you stand out from your competitors, as it demonstrates to potential customers that you are a reputable and established entity. This can be particularly beneficial for small businesses or individuals who are looking to establish themselves in their respective industries.
It's worth noting that Google Knowledge Panels are not automatically generated, but rather, they are created and maintained by Google's algorithm. To increase your chances of having a knowledge panel, it's important to ensure that your online presence is well-established and that enough information is available about you or your business across various online platforms.
Having a Google Knowledge Panel can be a valuable asset for businesses and individuals alike, offering increased visibility, credibility, and convenience for search engine users.
How Difficult is it to get a Google Knowledge Panel
Getting a Google Knowledge Panel is not an easy task, as it is not something that can be created or requested by an individual or a business. Google generates these panels automatically based on its Knowledge Graph, a database of millions of facts collected from various sources across the web.
Therefore, the key to getting a Knowledge Panel is to ensure that your online presence is well-established and that enough information is available about you or your business across various online platforms. This includes having a strong social media presence, a well-optimized website, and a significant amount of mentions and citations across the web.
Additionally, it's important to note that Google Knowledge Panels are not available for all types of entities. Google has specific guidelines for what qualifies an entity as eligible for a Knowledge Panel. For example, entities must have a significant online presence, and there must be enough information to generate relevant information about their profile.
Google Knowledge Panel is not an easy process. Establishing a strong online presence and ensuring that there is enough information available about your entity across various online platforms requires a significant amount of effort.
How to get a Google Knowledge Panel
As mentioned, Google generates knowledge panels automatically for entities in its Knowledge Graph. These panels are updated automatically as new information appears on the web. To increase the likelihood of your organization's knowledge panel appearing, you can first check the search engine results page (SERP) to see if one already exists. If you find one, you can claim it by clicking the entity type menu and then choosing “Claim this Knowledge Panel." The verification process is usually simple, as Google can often associate the knowledge panel entity with accounts like YouTube, Google Search Console, Twitter, or Facebook. However, if this is not the case, you may need to provide more information to verify your authorization.
You need to be included in Google's Knowledge Graph if you don't have a knowledge panel.
To achieve this, there must be a significant amount of external information about you available online. This will ensure that search queries about you display information from multiple sources, not just your website.
Although Google sources much of its Knowledge Graph information from Wikipedia, it's not advisable to create a Wikipedia page about yourself. This is against Wikipedia's guidelines, and your page is likely to be removed if it lacks alternative sources or multiple editors.
Moreover, it's not recommended to create a Wikipedia article if you don't have many secondary sources about yourself. The main requirement for a Wikipedia page is that the entity be notable, so it's better to focus on that first.
So what else can you do?
1. Create a Google Business Profile
Creating a Google Business Profile is an essential step for businesses looking to enhance their online presence and attract more customers. The profile allows businesses to share their location, contact information, website, hours of operation, and other relevant details with potential customers. When you have a Google Business Profile, you are more likely to appear in local search results, which can increase your chances of getting your own Google Knowledge Panel.
The best part is that creating a Google Business Profile is free and easy. All you need to do is sign up, verify your business, and start adding your information.
2. Build up a network of secondary sources
To increase your prominence, it's important to establish a network of secondary sources and external coverage. These sources can include local newspapers, professional articles, or podcasts. However, it's worth noting that press releases are not considered valid sources, as they are self-published.
It's important to keep in mind that not all sources are weighed equally by Wikipedia. While a reference in a national newspaper may be sufficient, multiple local news articles and TV appearances may not be enough in other cases.
Here are some ways to get secondary sources:
- Get featured in articles by reputable publishers
- Appear on podcasts
- Reach out to reporters
- Appear in local news
Having additional sources can also help you build links which show the relationship between webpages
3. Build high-quality backlinks
Link building is important for your website as it helps to enhance its reputation and attract more visitors. When other websites link to your site, it indicates to search engines that your site is credible and relevant. This, in turn, can increase your chances of appearing in search results and being featured in Knowledge Panels.
To increase your chances of being featured in a Knowledge Panel, focus on building a strong online presence and obtaining backlinks from reputable websites and directories.
4. Add Structured Data
It is recommended that you include structured data to improve your website's visibility and enable Google to better understand its content. One way to achieve this is by using schema.org, which provides labels for your website based on whether it represents a company, brand, or individual. Be sure to research the appropriate schema label to use for your website.
Structured data, including your logo, social profiles, and contact information, can be added to your website using Schema markup. This will help provide more information on your website's knowledge panel. You can include structured data using plugins with WordPress or by editing your website's theme files.
Can Your Knowledge Panel be Edited or Deleted?
Since it is impossible to purchase or apply for a knowledge panel, you may wonder if it is possible to delete or edit your existing Google Knowledge Panel. The answer is yes; it is possible to edit or delete your Google Knowledge Panel. However, you need ownership or control over the entity displayed in the panel. If you have already claimed and verified the panel using Google My Business, you can edit the information displayed on the panel, such as the entity's name, description, contact information, and images.
To completely remove the information displayed in your Knowledge Panel, you need to submit a removal request to Google. In case the information in the Knowledge Panel is incorrect or requires legal action, you can submit a legal removal request directly to Google. Additionally, modifying the source material used by Google can also affect the content shown in the Knowledge Panel.
Once the Knowledge Panel is removed, it cannot be retrieved. Hence, maintain accurate information on your Knowledge panel before submitting its removal request.
Can I have a Google knowledge panel without a website?
Yes, it is possible to have a Google Knowledge Panel without a website. Google generates Knowledge Panels automatically using information from its Knowledge Graph, which is a database of millions of facts collected from various sources. This means that if there is enough information available about an entity across various online platforms, Google may generate a Knowledge Panel for it, regardless of whether or not it has a website.
However, having a website can still be beneficial in terms of providing more information about your entity and making it easier for Google to verify the information it has about you. Additionally, having a website can also improve your visibility on search engines, making it more likely that users will find your Knowledge Panel.
Final Thoughts
The Google Knowledge Panel is important for businesses and individuals looking to improve their online presence. Providing relevant information about a particular entity offers increased visibility, credibility, and convenience for Google users. While Google generates knowledge panels automatically, it's still possible to claim and verify them to ensure that the information presented is accurate and up-to-date. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can master Google's Knowledge Panel and reap the benefits it offers.
FAQs
How long does it take for a Knowledge Panel to appear after making changes to my website?
The time it takes for a Knowledge Panel to appear after making changes to your website can vary. It's best to monitor your search results regularly to see when your Knowledge Panel appears.
Can I have multiple Knowledge Panels for different aspects of my business?
Yes, it is possible to have multiple Knowledge Panels for different aspects of your business. However, each Knowledge Panel must adhere to Google's guidelines and be relevant to the search query.
Is there a way to track the performance of my Knowledge Panel?
Yes, you can track the performance of your Knowledge Panel using Google Analytics or other analytics tools. These tools can provide insights into how users interact with your Knowledge Panel.
Are there any benefits to having a Knowledge Panel?
Having a Knowledge Panel can significantly improve your online visibility and credibility. It provides users with quick access to relevant information about your business or brand.
