We all turn to Google when it comes to finding solutions to hard-to-solve problems, including the dreadful numerical calculations in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. And while many education websites offer help, finding one quickly and trusting its information is tricky.
But, Google decided to make it easier.
In March 2021, it introduced Math Solver and Practice Problems structured data for education websites. Both markups help learners find solutions to math problems and practice the concepts they’ve learned.
Besides helping students, this markup also benefits the education website in several ways.
Math Solver Markup
The Math Solver structured data markup allows learners to submit mathematical equations and find step-by-step solutions for them.
If a website uses the Math Solver markup, it becomes eligible for ‘How to solve your problem’ rich results on Google.
Generally, such rich results appear at position zero for relevant search queries and display the following for the entered equation:
- Method(s) used
- Alternative approach(s) (if any)
- Step-wise solution(s)
For example, let’s search the equation x^2+3*x=0 on Google.
The top search result is a rich result like this:
It shows two methods to solve the equation:
- The quadratic formula method (as shown above)
- The factor method (as shown below) with their steps.
Learners can click on the drop-down arrow to see the step-wise solution.
Google also displays a ‘Find solutions on the web’ section where users can find links to educational websites for more detailed explanations.
If students face problems while solving the equation and need assistance, they can search it on Google and get instant help.
Besides the Math Solver markup, you can also add Practice Problems markup to your site.
Practice Problems Markup
Practice Problems Markup offers students an interactive, quiz-like learning experience in Google SERPs. When they search for a topic related to physics, chemistry, or math on Google, they get many questions with multiple choice answers. They can then solve the multiple choice questions, select the answers, and know if their answer is right or wrong instantly. In this way, users can gauge their mastery of a concept and prepare from the comfort of their homes.
Here’s how it works:
Let’s search ‘speed and velocity practice problems’ on Google.
In the search results, you will get an interactive rich result with multiple choice questions s from several education websites.
When you select an answer from the given options and click on ‘Submit’, Google tells you if you’ve chosen the correct one or not.
If you didn’t, it will highlight the correct answer like this:
You can click on Next and practice more questions related to the same topic.
You also have an option to practice multiple choice questions from other websites as well. Just click the website’s icon on top of the rich result to get questions from that website.
With that being said there’s no point in adding the Math Solver markup or the Practice Problems markup to your pages if they don’t show up in the appropriate search results.
To rank for relevant queries, you must perform efficient keyword research and optimize your pages accordingly. Using a free keyword research tool like Rankwatch can help you find organic keyword suggestions for your pages.
For example, let’s say you have to find keyword suggestions related to ‘quadratic equations’.
Enter it as the parent keyword in the tool, and here are the results:
You will also discover question keywords as you scroll down. These can be extremely useful as nearly 8% of search queries are phrased as questions.
The tool also enables you to analyze the suggested keywords by search volume, cost per click (CPC), and search difficulty.
Once you select the keywords you want to optimize your pages, you can add them to your URL, text content, meta description, etc. Having strong on-page SEO will help your page rank better in the search engine results.
How Does Markup Benefit Education Websites?
Due to the global pandemic, almost all students, teachers, and parents faced challenges related to education. They had to adapt to different education methods, and e-learning became the new normal. More and more users are taking the online route to get quick math assistance and check their learning progress.
That means there’s a high demand for credible, accurate, and high-quality websites to cater to such needs of e-learners.
With the help of Math Solver and Practice Problems markup, educational websites can capture this high demand and get the following benefits:
1. Eligible for Rich Results
The Math Solver and Practice Problem markup make education websites eligible for rich results in Google search.
Although rankings depend upon many factors, you can implement the markups and optimize your website for better outcomes.
2. Enhanced Search Visibility
When you rank for rich results, you rise to position zero in the SERPs.
In this way, you differentiate your site from other search results and gain more visibility.
3. More Organic Traffic
Users interact with the Math Solver and Practice Problems rich results. If they find your website valuable, they’re more likely to visit it and learn from it. As more and more users visit your site, your organic traffic grows.
4. Improved Rankings & CTR
When users engage with your website, it signals Google that your content is valuable, and it might be useful for other users as well. If these users also find it useful, your website’s engagement metrics, such as bounce rate, session time, etc., will improve, which can boost your organic search rankings and click-through rate (CTR).
Highlight Your Education Website With Markups
Math Solver and Practice Problems structured data are new yet underutilized ways to make your education website stand out.
Gaining more SERP space, increasing user engagement, and other benefits are just a step away.
Learn how to optimize for other SERP features here.
