Structured Data
Structured Data is a standardized format for providing information about a web page and classifying the page content.
Description
In the SEO industry, Structured Data helps search engines understand the content of a web page more effectively. It uses a specific vocabulary, such as Schema.org, to annotate the information on the page. This markup can be added directly to the HTML code of a website, making it easier for search engines to index and display the content in a more relevant and rich format in search results. By using Structured Data, webmasters can enhance their listings with rich snippets, which can include elements like star ratings, product prices, and availability. This can lead to improved visibility, higher click-through rates, and ultimately more traffic to the site. Structured Data is essential for leveraging features such as rich cards, voice search, and knowledge graphs, which are becoming increasingly important in how users interact with search engines.
Examples
- Recipe Page: A food blog includes Structured Data to specify the recipe name, ingredients, cooking time, and user ratings. When someone searches for 'chocolate chip cookie recipe,' the search results show a rich snippet with the recipe's star rating, cooking time, and a photo, enticing users to click on that result.
- Local Business: A local coffee shop uses Structured Data to provide details like business name, address, opening hours, and customer reviews. When a user searches for 'coffee shop near me,' the search engine can display a rich snippet with the shop's location, hours of operation, and average rating, making it easier for customers to find and visit the shop.
Additional Information
- Structured Data can improve search visibility and click-through rates.
- It is compatible with various search features like rich snippets, knowledge graphs, and voice search.