Structured data is part of a series of SEO practices that allow websites to stand out from others. This is not only because they improve their aesthetics or are more striking so that users can recognize them, but it also allows Google and other search engines to interpret much better what your website is about.
In this blog, we will explain what structured data is and what it is for, what its importance is and what types exist. In this way, you will have a much clearer overview of their uses and implications, in addition to understanding their real relevance for those who implement them in their SEO strategies.
What is structured data and how does it work?
Structured data is a standardized format for providing information about a web page and classifying its content. They can also be defined as structures and tags that are added to the HTML code to provide more detailed information about the content of the page to different search engines.
By implementing this practice, they will be able to benefit the user experience, in addition to facilitating the presentation of rich results in search engines.
Why is structured data important for SEO?
Structured data is very important as it allows for more prominent presentation in search results, increasing visibility and click-through rate. They make it easier for search engines to understand the content, improving relevance and positioning.
Additionally, I can add that visually they allow a website to stand out from the competition.
How to use structured data in your SEO strategy?
Structured data is essential to improve the SEO of a website. Below I will share the simplest ways to apply them to your SEO strategy:
- First, familiarize yourself with what structured data is and how it works to optimize its use in SEO.
- You should be able to identify and recognize the types of structured data that are most relevant to your content, such as events, products, or reviews.
- Learn how to implement data markup correctly on your website so that search engines recognize it effectively.
- Don’t forget to use structured data to highlight key information and improve visibility in search results, attracting more users to your site or written article.
- If you’re new, follow a complete beginner’s guide on how to use structured data to optimize and organize your web pages.
What types of structured data exist? The three ways to structure data
Structured data can be implemented using formats such as JSON-LD, Microdata or RDFa to tag key information in the HTML code.
JSON-LD
The first, JSON-LD, is a structured data format that uses the JSON text format to describe information in a clear and readable way for both humans and machines.
The advantage of JSON-LD is that it is preferred by Google and that it is also much easier to implement than other types of structured data that I will show you below.
Microdata
Microdata is a way to embed structured data into the body of HTML using specific attributes. Although less common today, it was one of the first ways to implement structured data on the web.
RDFa
RDFa (Resource Description Framework in Attributes) is another technique for adding structured data, allowing the inclusion of metadata in both the HTML body and header. Although less used, it offers flexibility in the placement of structured data.
How to test structured data to identify and correct errors?
In order to test structured data to identify and fix errors, various tools can be used. The best known, without a doubt, is the Google Markup Test Tool. This tool displays the types of rich results detected and flags errors in structured data, making it easier to correct potential problems.
Upon entering, you will notice that two options appear, both of which are very useful for knowing and viewing the structured data entered or from a website. The gray on the right, known as “Rich Results Test” allows you to know if a website has structured data.
For its part, the one on the right, known as “ Schema Markup Language Validator ” is the one that works to place structured data in HTML format and see if it returns an error or if it is done correctly.
If the structured data is prepared correctly, the right side will show how it can be displayed in table format.
Structured Data FAQ
Why might your structured data not appear in rich results?
Failure to appear in rich results may be due to errors in the implementation of structured data, violations of Google guidelines, or simply because not all structured data warrants presentation in search results.
Why add structured data to a page?
Adding structured data to a page helps improve search engine understanding of the content. It facilitates the presentation of relevant information in rich results, improving visibility and user experience.
How does structured data work in Google Search?
Structured data allows Google to understand the information on a page more accurately. This enables the presentation of rich results, such as featured snippets, lists, and tables, to provide more detailed and visual answers.
Examples of structured data
Common examples include reviews, recipes, events, products, and more. These allow for a visual and prominent presentation in search results.
Do I need to know code to create structured data for my website?
Not necessarily. They can use tools like Schema App that make it easy to create structured data without programming knowledge, improving accessibility for non-technical websites.
Do you use structured data for your sites?
As you may have noticed throughout this article, it is necessary to know what the site is about in order to discover what types of structured data are ideal to use. Do you use structured data for your SEO or digital marketing campaigns?
If you belong to the group of people who do not know this plugin, or do not know how to apply it, you can consult with us. At Enjoy Minder we specialize in carrying out extensive campaigns and long SEO audits where, if we detect a lack of structured data, we can add it without problems.
