Schema markup is one of the most revolutionary concepts and yet the least implemented technique in the SEO world. The reason for this is that very few people are aware of it.
But don’t worry. That’s why I am here.
My goal is to introduce this concept to you and let you know how you can use schema markup on your website to rank higher in SERPs and increase sales. I am sure once you are aware of its core basics, you will add it for the betterment of your website.
Let’s get started!
What is schema markup?
There is a language everyone can understand and communicate with, as we humans do. Similarly, schema markup is a language used by search engines to interpret a website’s data.
In other words, schema markup, or structured data, is a code that you add to your website to help search engines like Google and Bing better understand the content of your website. So, if you use schema markup, Google may collect more information from your sites. It will result in “rich snippets” in the SERP, which will feature additional information such as star ratings, a short summary, and much more. These snippets outperform regular search results in terms of click-through rate.
There are different types of schemas available on Schema.org, and depending on the one you choose, there is an associated “tag” with it. Below is an example of a “Manchurian Dish” displaying results from sites that are using recipe schema markup. The SERP entry is as follows:
Let’s have a quick look at what adding schema markup can bring to your website!
- It notifies search engines about the webpage’s content.
- It produces impressive organic-rich outcomes that raise click-through rates.
- It assists websites in improving their SEO by providing over 795 different types of schema markups.
- It optimizes your website’s content for maximum visibility over several platforms and devices.
How to use schema markup to improve your website’s SEO?
As explained earlier, schema markup is essential to your SEO strategy. Let us now look at how to include schema markup into your website. So, what are your hopes for this? If I’m not mistaken, to perform efficiently and rank better in SERPs, right? The good news is that Schema markup can help you achieve all of your aims without requiring any technical experience.
Having your website in place, follow these steps.
Visit Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper
Choose the Data Type and Paste the URL
Below you will find a number of alternatives mentioned. For example, I picked “articles” as this is the most common type of material and also fits the URL of my website.
Then, paste the URL you want to markup. Or, if you own the HTML code, you can just paste it. Finally, press the “Start Tagging” button.
The page will launch the markup editor and present you with a canvas for the following markup level, tagging data objects. Your web page will be shown on the left side, and the data items will be displayed on the right side of the window.
Tag Data Items
Given that this is an “article”, I’ll highlight the title in order to apply the “Name” markup. After I’ve finished highlighting, I select “Name” from the dropdown. As I pick “Name,” the tool places it on the right-hand side of the screen with in “My Data Items” area.
Highlight the remaining items in your post and progressively add these to the markup lists, by using the data item list as a guide. You won’t be capable of labeling every item on the list. Simply add everything you can think of.
Create HTML
When you’re finished including all tagging, tap on “CREATE HTML”.
After you hit Create HTML, you’ll see the HTML of your page with the necessary microdata set in the spots you select. You may change it to Microdata or JSON-LD form by tapping just on the tab, as shown in the image below.
Add Schema Markup to Your Webpage
Next, navigate to your WordPress site and copy and paste the indicated passages into the appropriate locations. Check for the yellow markings on the right sidebar to recognize the schema markup code.
You can also download the automated HTML file by hitting the “Download” button. Then paste this into your website’s or source code.
When you press “Finish,” a succession of “Next Steps” will appear.
Alternatively, you may go to your WordPress webpage and add the “Custom HTML” section by hitting the + symbol. Then, put the code you created in the block with Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper. Lastly, press the “Update” button.
Test your Schema
Use the “Structured Data Testing Tool” to view exactly your webpage will appear with the changed markup. Enter the address of your page or the source code if you aren’t utilizing a CMS.
Finally, press the “TEST URL” button. A rich snippet analysis will be generated in a matter of seconds.
Once the rich excerpts for your site have been created, you can examine these inside the “Test Results” area. So that’s how you can include schema markup into your website. Isn’t it basic?
WP Schema Markup Plugins
So far, I have focused on programmatically implementing schema markup SEO. Nevertheless, certain powerful WordPress schema plugins may be able to assist you in streamlining these time-consuming procedures. Let us take a look at some more benefits of these plugins:
- Allows you to implement many sorts of schemas to your site easily.
- Boost your CTR.
- Both novices and pros will find it simple to use.
- If you get confused at any point throughout the schema markup phase, the plugin creators will assist you.
- Establish global options to minimize manual work without re-doing the same operation for hours.
- Custom fields are supported.
Final Thoughts
Given how easy schema markup is to use and employ, it’s sad how few organizations and sites are missing out on its potential.
Structured data is one of those SEO tactics that is sure to be around for a long time. This is your chance to learn about it and apply microdata/ JSON-LD style to rank your website in SERPs. Using it right away will put you ahead of the game and provide you an advantage over your rivals.
What schema markup do you use on your website? Please elaborate in the comments area below. That would be fantastic to hear!