Schema Markup is a form of microdata that can be added to your website’s HTML to provide search engines with more information about a page. This makes it easier for search engines to understand what a page is about and can result in better placement for your website in the results of popular search engine queries.
What is Schema Markup?
Schema Markup is a type of meta-data that can be added to a website's HTML in order to provide better context and additional data about the page to search engines. This helps search engines determine what a page is about, making it easier to give it the most relevant placement in the search engine results. It’s also commonly referred to as “structured data” or “semantic mark-up".
How Does it Work?
Schema Markup is added to a website's HTML and it is written in the language of "semantic mark-up", which is a type of code that search engine crawlers are able to read and understand. By adding Schema Markup to a website, you’re providing additional context and information that search engines can use to determine what the page is about, and then place it more accurately in the search engine results.
What Types of Schema Markup are Available?
There are many types of Schema Markup available, and most are differing technical specifications for a particular type of content. Here are some popular types:
• Local Business Schema - provides info about a local business, such as their name, address, opening hours, etc.
• Article Schema - provides info about a blog post or article, such as the author, publication date, etc.
• Product Schema - provides info about a product, such as the price, availability, ratings, etc.
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• Event Schema - provides info about an event or conference, such as the location, date & time, etc.
• Person Schema - provides info about an individual, such as their name, summary, profile photo, etc.
• Video Schema - provides info about a video, such as the title, description, duration, etc.
General Guidelines & Best Practices
When implementing Schema Markup on a website, there are a few guidelines and best practices to keep in mind:
• Stick to the guidelines: Make sure you are adhering to the Schema guidelines set forth by the Schema Markup Standards for your particular type of content.
• Ensure accuracy: All data should be as accurate as possible. Submit incorrect or outdated information can have a negative impact on your website’s ranking.
• Use consistent formatting: Make sure all data is formatted in the same way. Standardize your format and stick to it throughout your website.
• Ensure readability: All Schema Markup should be written in plain English and should be understandable for a search engine crawler.
• Keep it simple: Don’t add too many elements of Schema Markup to a single page or post. Stick to one Schema type and keep it focused on the content of the page.
Conclusion
Schema Markup is a powerful tool that can help boost your website’s rankings in search engine results. By providing information to search engines in a format they can understand, you can increase the likelihood that your website will be placed higher in the search engine results. However, it’s important to make sure you’re following the Schema Markup guidelines for your particular type of content, as well as adhering to the general guidelines and best practices outlined above. Doing this will ensure that your website is optimised for its visibility in search engine results.