Podcast Summary: Structured Data Set to Become Essential for AI-Driven Search Rankings by 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast
• Host/Author: I Hear Everything
• Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In the June 17, 2025 episode of Voices of Search, host Jordan Cooney explores the increasingly pivotal role of structured data in the realm of search engine optimization (SEO), especially in the context of emerging AI-generated search results. This episode features insights from Martha Van Berkel of Schema App, a notable expert in the field of structured data.

Lightning Round: The Future of Structured Data in SEO

Topic: Will structured data become mandatory for ranking in AI-generated search results by 2025?

• Host's Approach: Jordan Cooney introduces a "lightning round" segment designed to elicit quick, decisive opinions on pressing SEO questions. This format aims to provide listeners with actionable insights in a concise manner.

• Guest Response: Martha Van Berkel confidently asserts her belief in the necessity of structured data for future SEO success. At [00:56], she states:

  "I'm buying that. And I think they're going to demand, well, I buy that. That's going to be like the trend because it's going to make it cheaper."

• Elaboration on Economic and Technical Implications: Delving deeper, Martha discusses the challenges surrounding the implementation of structured data, particularly the computational demands associated with AI processing. At [01:08], she elaborates:

  "They’re going to run into challenges around sort of making money and making it make sense to do that much compute power. And so just like usual, they're going to put the burden on us."

  This reflects her perspective that while the adoption of structured data is beneficial for search accuracy and efficiency, it also transfers significant responsibility to content creators and marketers to ensure their data is appropriately structured.

• Host's Agreement: Jordan Cooney concurs with Martha's viewpoint at [01:25]:

  "Yeah, 100% agree. Yep. It's got to come and it's got to come sooner than later."

  His agreement underscores the inevitability of this trend and emphasizes the urgency for businesses to adapt.

Key Insights and Discussions

1. Structured Data as a Competitive Edge:

   • Enhanced Search Visibility: Martha highlights that structured data allows search engines to better understand and categorize content, leading to improved visibility in search results.
   • AI Optimization: As AI algorithms become more sophisticated, the precision of structured data will be crucial in meeting the nuanced demands of AI-driven search, ensuring content is accurately represented and easily discoverable.

2. Economic Considerations:

   • Cost Efficiency: Implementing structured data can lead to cost savings by reducing the computational resources required for AI processing. This makes search operations more scalable and sustainable.
   • Burden on Content Creators: There's an economic implication where the responsibility of maintaining structured data falls on businesses, potentially requiring investments in tools and expertise to manage effectively.

3. Technical Challenges:

   • Implementation Complexity: The transition to mandatory structured data may present technical challenges, especially for smaller businesses without dedicated SEO resources.
   • Standardization Needs: For structured data to be effective, there needs to be a consistent standard that businesses can follow, ensuring uniformity and interoperability across different platforms and search engines.

4. Future Outlook:

   • Mandatory Adoption: The consensus between Jordan and Martha suggests a strong likelihood that by 2025, structured data will not just be recommended but required for optimal search ranking.
   • Strategic SEO Planning: Businesses must integrate structured data strategies into their SEO plans proactively to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

Conclusions

The episode offers a compelling forecast for the future of SEO, positioning structured data as a cornerstone of effective search strategies in an AI-dominated search environment. Martha Van Berkel's insights illuminate both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt swiftly to maintain their search engine rankings.

Notable Quotes:

• Martha Van Berkel [01:08]: "They're going to run into challenges around sort of making money and making it make sense to do that much compute power. And so just like usual, they're going to put the burden on us."
• Jordan Cooney [01:25]: "Yeah, 100% agree. Yep. It's got to come and it's got to come sooner than later."

Additional Resources:

• Connect with Martha Van Berkel: Schema App
• Podcast Show Notes: Available on thevoicesofsearch.com
• Subscribe: Stay updated with daily SEO and content marketing insights by subscribing on your preferred podcast platform or via YouTube.

Final Thoughts

As search engines evolve with AI advancements, the integration of structured data emerges as a non-negotiable element for effective SEO. This episode of Voices of Search serves as a crucial guide for marketers and businesses aiming to navigate the shifting tides of search engine algorithms, underscoring the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the face of technological change.