Structured data is also known as schema markup. Structured data is a type of code that makes it easier for search engines to crawl and comprehend your content. Structured data basically helps translate the content to the search engine for better understanding. Search engines try their best to understand the content. And structured data makes it all simple for the SERPs.
In short, the structured data is the language that search engines understand, which uses unique semantic vocabulary. In addition, it helps in providing better user experience. The search results are precise and accurate, along with snippets displayed below the title of the page.
Why Structured Data is Important?
Structured data is an important technique from an SEO perspective. As discussed already, it helps the search engine crawlers in getting richer and more accurate information. It helps in boosting the conversion rate and improving the CTR.
The schema markup allows you to stay ahead of your competitors by generating relatively more traffic to the website. All in all, the structured data helps increase your visibility in the search engine.
Different Types of Stature Data
The schema markup allows the search engines to understand your site in a better way and, as a result, offers better search results. Here are the three most popular schema markups.
1. JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data)
JSON-LD serves as a structured data format for marking websites. Almost all search engines support the format. Google actually recommends this method for implementing structured data.
Implementing JSON-LD is simple, as it only requires you to paste the markup into the HTML document. The JSON-D helps in structuring the data on a page, which is further utilized by the search engines to create related entities, which further creates an organized web experience.
2. Microdata
We use microdata to mark up a set of tags in the pages. The search engines crawl the metadata from the web pages to provide a positive experience for the users. The particular information benefits the search engines as they get direct access to the structured data, which provides better search results.
In simple words, microdata provides an easier way to annotate HTML elements using readable tags.
3. RDFa (Resource Description Framework in Attributes)
RDFa is an inline markup syntax for metadata extensions to HTML5. Web pages use RDFa to mark up their metadata. The RDFa uses tags within the HTML to help search engines provide better search results. The RDF adds semantic information to HTML that is based on RDFA.
RDFa is quite similar to Microdata; however, one significant difference is that RDF is RDF syntax, but it is not the same for Microdata; however, it can be used to extract RDF files.
How do you implement structured data in WordPress blog posts?
Now, the question is how can you implement schema markup in WordPress?
To implement a schema markup, you do not have to learn to code. It is actually quite simple in WordPress; in this article, we will discuss the step-by-step implementation of schema markup in WordPress using a plugin.
The first is to install a structured data plugin, like Schema Pro or WP SEO Structured Data Plugins.
Below are steps that will help you implement structured data on your WordPress site, one of the most powerful methods for aligning SERP search results. Here are the steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Install the Schema PRO
Here are a few steps that you will have to follow in order to install the schema pro on your website.
- Download the plugin from the store.
- Install the zip file in the backend of your WordPress.
- Now you can activate the plugin.
Step 2: Go to Settings and add Schema.
After the plugin’s activation, you can now add a new button to create a new schema.
Step 3: Choose Schema Type:
A prompt will now appear asking you to select the types of schema you wish to create or include.
A variety of schema properties will be available for you to select from. Select the type of schema you want to add.
For example, if you choose a blog post:
Step 4: Choose All Posts
If you choose a blog post, then it will give you boxes that imply the post. To integrate a blog schema, you will have to choose all posts in the options.
Step 5: Complete Integration
After selecting the properties, wait for the integration to finish.
Here are the required properties for article schema integration:
- Article Type
- URL
- Headline
- Image
- Publisher Name
- Publisher Logo
- Published Date
- Modified Date
- Author Name
- Description
You will receive a prompt with the above options. Now, select the fields as follows.
We have successfully added blog schema properties to the WordPress site.
