Yoast SEO 11.6 updates how-to structured data block, following Google’s changes

Yoast’s WordPress SEO plugin has been updated with new how-to blocks. The latest release also adds tabs to the top of the meta box as well as schema and security fixes.

More on the update. Referring to Google’s announcement of support for new how-to structured data at this year’s I/O conference in May, Yoast says its revamped how-to blocks follow Google’s latest changes. And, as was the case with Yoast’s previous schema implementation updates, all of the structured data code generated will also be incorporated into your website’s graph, informing search engines about how your structured data fits within the context of your website. This content block is only compatible with the WordPress block editor (also known as Gutenberg; available on versions 5.0 and newer).

The 11.6 update also made UX changes to the meta box. If you’re using WordPress’ Classic Editor, the meta box now has a row of horizontal tabs across the top; previously the tabs were lined up vertically along the left-hand side.

Why we should care. With Google’s adoption of how-to structured data markup, users may be shown instructional information as a rich result more frequently in the search results. This update makes it easier for content producers to add how-to markup to the applicable content.

For more on Yoast’s structured data implementation, check out our previous coverage of its SEO WordPress plugin updates: 

• 11.0 – General schema implementation.
• 11.1 – Images and video structured data.
• 11.2 – Custom schema. 
• 11.3 – Personal image and avatar structured data.   
• 11.4 – FAQ structured data.
• 11.5 – Mobile snippet preview

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George Nguyen

George Nguyen is an editor for Search Engine Land, covering organic search, podcasting and e-commerce. His background is in journalism and content marketing. Prior to entering the industry, he worked as a radio personality, writer, podcast host and public school teacher.