Add structured data - SEO Checklist

Structured data is a standardized format used to provide additional information about your web content to search engines. It helps search engines better understand your site’s content and can lead to rich snippets in search results.

What Is Structured Data?

Structured data uses a specific vocabulary (most commonly Schema.org) and syntax (JSON-LD, Microdata, or RDFa) to describe content types—like articles, products, reviews, events, etc.—in a way search engines can parse easily.

Benefits of Structured Data

Enhanced Search Appearance: Enables rich snippets (ratings, FAQs, images, breadcrumbs).

Increased CTR: Rich results stand out in search, drawing more clicks.

Voice Search Readiness: Structured content is easier for voice assistants to interpret.

Better Indexing: Helps search engines more accurately categorize your content.

Common Types of Structured Data

Article: News or blog posts.

Product: Product listings with price, availability, etc.

LocalBusiness: Information about local businesses.

FAQPage: Frequently asked questions and answers.

BreadcrumbList: Navigation hierarchy.

Event: Event dates, locations, and descriptions.

Review/Rating: User ratings and reviews.

How to Add Structured Data

Choose the Right Schema Type: Go to Schema.org to find the appropriate vocabulary for your content.

Use JSON-LD Format: This is Google’s preferred format. Add it in the <head> or <body> of your HTML page.

Validate Your Markup: Use Google’s Rich Results Test or Schema Markup Validator to ensure it's error-free.

Monitor in GSC: After indexing, Google Search Console will show structured data performance and errors under “Enhancements.”

Example of JSON-LD Structured Data (FAQ)



  <script type="application/ld+json">

  {

    "@context": "https://schema.org",

    "@type": "FAQPage",

    "mainEntity": [{

      "@type": "Question",

      "name": "What is structured data?",

      "acceptedAnswer": {

        "@type": "Answer",

        "text": "Structured data is code that helps search engines understand your content."

      }

    }, {

      "@type": "Question",

      "name": "Why is structured data important for SEO?",

      "acceptedAnswer": {

        "@type": "Answer",

        "text": "It enhances your visibility in search through rich snippets and improved content clarity."

      }

    }]

  }

  </script>

Best Practices

Only mark up content visible to users.

Use the most specific schema types available.

Do not use structured data to mislead users or search engines.

Keep markup updated if content changes.

Follow Google’s structured data guidelines strictly to avoid penalties.

Tip: For WordPress users, plugins like Rank Math, Yoast SEO, and Schema Pro can automate structured data generation.

Conclusion

Adding structured data is one of the most impactful technical SEO optimizations you can make. By helping search engines better understand your site, structured data improves search visibility, drives more clicks, and prepares your site for emerging technologies like voice search.