Google launches hub for regional search features in Europe, Africa

Featured image for New Google Guide To Regional Search Features And Eligibility. — Image credit: Search Engine Journal

Google Search Central launched a new online hub Tuesday detailing regional search features, their eligibility criteria and participation methods for the European Economic Area, Türkiye and South Africa.

The centralized resource aims to simplify understanding of how publishers, businesses and aggregators can engage with Google‘s localized search functionalities, which previously required information to be gathered from various sources.

The new hub categorizes seven distinct features by region and specific query types, according to Google. These features include various aggregator units, supplier units, ecosystem carousels, job sites carousels, places sites carousels and structured data carousels.

Participation methods for these features vary significantly. Structured data carousels, for instance, require specific markup implementation, while aggregator units necessitate feed or API integrations and subsequent approval from Google. Supplier units can be optionally enhanced with data feeds or may rely on existing web crawling for their content.

The European Economic Area (EEA) currently benefits from the broadest range of features, covering queries related to hotels, flights, ground transportation, products, weather, sports, finance, translation and jobs.

Türkiye’s regional features include ‘Places sites’ carousels and refinement chips, specifically for hotel and local business searches. These enhancements provide users with more tailored results within these categories.

South Africa has received a ‘South African’ badge and refinement chip. These apply to searches concerning travel, products, car hire, food delivery and bus bookings, helping users identify locally relevant options.

Some of the features documented in the new hub have been recently rolled out. The EEA aggregator and supplier units are among the newer additions. Other features, such as the job sites unit and refinement chips for the EEA, have been operational since February 2024, Google reported.

The initiative by Google Search Central provides a single point of reference, consolidating information that was previously fragmented across different documentation, making it easier for stakeholders to ascertain their eligibility and participation in these regional search enhancements.

Source: Search Engine Journal