# Schema Markup Guide for SEO Schema.org structured data helps search engines understand your content and can enable rich results in search. ## What is Schema Markup? **Schema.org** is a collaborative vocabulary for structured data. It helps search engines: - Understand content context - Display rich snippets - Enable enhanced search features - Improve content categorization **Formats:** - **JSON-LD** (Recommended by Google) - Microdata (HTML attributes) - RDFa (Resource Description Framework) **This guide focuses on JSON-LD** as it's the preferred format. --- ## JSON-LD Basics **Syntax:** ```html ``` **Placement:** Typically in `` or ``, can be anywhere. **Multiple Schemas:** Use multiple ` ``` **Option 2: Array format** ```html ``` **Option 3: Graph format** ```html ``` --- ## Testing & Validation ### Google Tools - [Rich Results Test](https://search.google.com/test/rich-results) - [Schema Markup Validator](https://validator.schema.org/) - Google Search Console (Enhancement reports) ### Testing Process 1. Run Rich Results Test 2. Fix any errors (red) 3. Address warnings (yellow) if possible 4. Deploy to production 5. Monitor in Search Console ### Common Errors - Missing required properties - Invalid property values - Incorrect date formats - Wrong image dimensions - Invalid URLs - Type mismatches --- ## Best Practices ### General - Use JSON-LD format - Place in `` or near relevant content - Validate before deployment - Include all required properties - Use specific types when available - Keep data accurate and up-to-date - Match visible page content - Don't markup hidden content ### Images - Use high-resolution images - Include multiple aspect ratios - Specify width and height - Use absolute URLs - Optimize file sizes ### Dates - Use ISO 8601 format - Include timezone - Example: `2024-01-15T08:00:00-08:00` ### Prices - Always include currency - Keep prices updated - Specify availability - Include priceValidUntil --- ## Schema Priority by Page Type **Homepage:** 1. Organization 2. WebSite + SearchAction 3. LocalBusiness (if applicable) **Blog Posts:** 1. Article/BlogPosting 2. Breadcrumbs **Products:** 1. Product 2. AggregateRating 3. Breadcrumbs **FAQ Pages:** 1. FAQPage **How-To Guides:** 1. HowTo or Article **Local Business:** 1. LocalBusiness 2. Organization **Videos:** 1. VideoObject **Recipes:** 1. Recipe --- ## Resources - [Schema.org Full Documentation](https://schema.org) - [Google Search Central - Structured Data](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/intro-structured-data) - [Rich Results Test](https://search.google.com/test/rich-results) - [Schema Markup Generator Tools](https://technicalseo.com/tools/schema-markup-generator/)