From improving SEO to enhancing brand visibility, you cannot overlook structured data’s urgency in growing your business. The popularity of structured data has grown so much in the past few years. But how much do you know about structured data? Check out a few insights into what it is and a guide to its uses.
What is Structured Data, and Why Is It Important?
Structured data is the data created using a specific schema and in a tabular format. This data resides in fixed fields within a record or a file. According to the structured data guide, it could come in the form of numbers and texts, depending on what you prefer for your website. Mostly, the programming language SQL is used in creating this type of data.
Its role in the high information content of SERPs is almost impossible to overstate. In simple terms, it helps search engines capture and process large amounts of information. Besides, it helps these search engines understand your website’s information, which is critical in boosting brand visibility.
Structured data plays an astounding role in SEO. Usually, it comes in handy in boosting rich results and enhances semantic searches. You can also rely on it for getting into the Knowledge Graph. With this data, you are sure of better clickthroughs, conversion, and webpage rankings.
Ways of Structuring Data
Structured data comes in multiple formats, and understanding them will help make better decisions.
You can only structure data in three ways, including JSON-LD, RDFa and Microdata.
- JSON-LD
This method is relatively popular, thanks to how easy it is to implement. Usually, it requires no HTML tags when implementing, unlike other approaches. You can use its script almost anywhere, including the head and the body of your content. It comes out as one chunk of digestible content. Did you know that Google recommends it?
- Microdata
This method ensures that data is sprinkled across the entire page. Typically, it requires you to mark up each piece of information on the website. However, this approach is not suitable when managing complex applications. However, it is relatively easy to use, especially on Search Engine Optimization campaigns.
- RDFa
This approach is relatively akin to Microdata. It requires you to mark all the HTML elements on the page, and independently so. While it is a barely common choice, this approach has become dominant across Facebook. However, ensure that you are careful when marking up your content.
- Google and Structured Data
The inclusion of structured data on your website implies that search engines can read it without an issue. It utilizes creative methods to markup the listing on SERPs. Typically, this data ensures that Google does not rely on crawling or indexing your content on the web. With this, there will be enhanced efficiency in the long run.
How to Add Structured Data to your Website
The process is somehow straightforward. As long as you are a little careful, there will be no reason to worry. Here is what you should do.
- Open the Structured Data Markup Helper on Google
Search for this helper and click on it.
- Decide the type of data
Once the website tab is open and your helper is running, select the type of data to add to your HTML markup.
- Assign data tags
Take the time to highlight page elements and assign the necessary data tags. The tool suggests the type of tag, making it much easier to decide.
- Come up with the HTML
Turn to the upper right-hand corner of the tool and click on create HTML.
- Add the Schema Markup
Your tool will produce the JSON-LD markup script. This will be automated. However, you are free to change to Microdata or RDFa.
- Test the Markup
Enter the HTML code you want to test. Click Run Test and if there are any issues, take the time to fix them. However, ensure that you are a little patient with this process. The entire process can take up to several weeks.
In conclusion, structured data is a significant addition to your website. It will always be crucial to understand which methods to use. With the insights above, this will be a seamless process.