You may already know about schema markup. Perhaps you may not know yet. Schema markup is the newest evolution in search engine optimization.
Though it is the most potent yet untapped form of SEO nowadays, let’s learn about Schema markup. How to utilize it on your website to maximize the SEO boost?
What is Schema Markup?
Schema markup is known as structured data. It is a form of code that helps search engines like Google to better index and learn about your content. Therefore, it can display your website data correctly in SERP (Search Engine Result Page).
In simpler terms, by adequately utilizing structured data, you help Google to understand your content; for example, let’s say you want to show your contact page URL in your website footer, and any human can easily understand what the contact page is all about.
However, Google is not a human. It surely will understand what the contact page means but won’t figure out why it is in the footer. Using structured data, you tell Google that the contact page is where others can contact you.
And by doing so, Google will understand that the Contact Page in the footer area is not just raw data; it is meant for people to contact you.
One way to add schema markup to your website is by using a schema markup generator, which can help you create and implement the code quickly.
Microdata is also a type of structured data, and it is recommended to use it when adding schema markup to your website. Additionally, Google search supports structured data and will help your website display rich snippets in SERP.
There are different types of schema markup, such as article schema, which helps search engines understand the content of your articles and display it in a more user-friendly way in the search results.
Another type of schema markup is an organizational schema, which is used to mark up information about your business, such as the name, address, and contact information.
Using this schema, you can help search engines understand that your website represents a local business, boosting your visibility in local search results.
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Why applying schema markup can be time-consuming?
Applying schema markup can be challenging as you have to create various types of markup; hence it can be time-consuming and complex. Especially if your website is large and you have hundreds of products or blog posts.
Thus, creating schema markup for each one can be a real challenge. Though it is time-consuming and complex, however, the benefit of SEO boost by doing so will outweigh all the hassle. Not only that, but to make your life a lot easier, I will talk about some tools that can reduce your hassle.
There are many tools, but I will talk about some WordPress plugins you can install with a single click on your WordPress site. And one thing you should know, Google recommends using JSON-LD structured data. However, you can skip that; lucky for you, the plugins I am talking about automatically use these structured data in the website. Hence you don’t have to do anything.
1. Schema & Structured Data for WP & AMP
I first used one of my favorite schema plugins on my WordPress site. If you are new to WordPress, it might suit you best, as it is the easiest to use. Also, the free version is enough for your basic needs. Offering you 35 schema types to use & will be enough.
Perhaps the most beautiful feature, also my favorite, is – “Conditional Display Fields,” which allows you to include or exclude any post or page. It also has full AMP capability, enabling structured data in Accelerated Mobile Page to boost mobile traffic to your site.
Their free version should be enough for your basic needs; however, try their subscription offers if you want pro features. It started from a $99 per year Personal plan for one site license to a $499 per year “Agency plan” for unlimited sites.
Purchasing a subscription plan can be beneficial as you will get priority support. If any structured data errors are found in the search console, they will fix them. Also, you can fetch any Google reviews out there about your site to showcase it in SERP.
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2. Schema App Structured Data
Schema App Structured Data plugin maybe even more accessible because it applies schema markup on your website pages and posts automatically whenever you install it. And the good thing is I didn’t find any error while I tested it; so far, so good.
They will offer you a free five days “schema markup education course” to learn more about it.
The Free version will only cover basic needs; it’s almost like a demo. However, you should consider checking their paid plans for a severe blog or business website. Start from $30 per month, one domain & 1,000 unique pages. You will receive two months free if you pick an annual subscription plan.
Choose their paid plan Pro Multisite which will cover ten domains and 10,000 unique pages.
Though this plugin is expensive, I recommend it if you have little knowledge about website management, as it will do almost everything automatically, save time, and reduce complexity. Also, it has a site health checkup meter that can be a handy tool for finding errors in a structured data format.
3. Schema – All in One Schema Rich Snippets
The “All in One Schema Rich Snippets” plugin can be a good choice for advanced users who want more control and customization. For example, you can add schema markup to one post or page at a time based on your desire, with no automatic implementation; thus, you will have complete control.
In another way, it will be lengthy, as you must write your schema markup code and implement it in your website source code. However, while It may seem time-consuming and complex to a newbie, it can be satisfying as everything is done by your hand with the help of a little plugin.
One drawback, it only supports nine types of schema markup with the current version.
Finally, it is an entirely free open-source plugin. Donate if you like their plugin or contribute your coding skill to develop it.
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4. WP SEO Structured Data Schema
“WP SEO Structured Data Schema” is similar to the “All in One Schema” plugin, as you have control over your structured data rather than implementing it automatically. It may be time-consuming; however, you can write one by one blog post or page according to your choice. Best suited for the advanced user.
It has 11 types of schema markup available to use. The free version is enough for demonstration purposes, but for serious business; you should look for the Pro version. One featured option is “Auto-Populate Fields” for your blog post & pages. Click autofill, and it will populate standard fields like title, URL, featured images, etc. In addition, they have extra schema options for music, books, recipe, course, etc., perfect for all types of websites & businesses.
I recommend this plugin because it has good features and is probably the cheapest one out there—only a $49 annual subscription fee for a single site. Five-site costs will be $99 per year. Try the free version first, and then the decision is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
How to implement schema markup?
These steps will guide you through the process of how to add schema markup to your website:
- Find the content on your site that you wish to be marked up, such as your contact information, product descriptions, or blog posts.
- Take advantage of a schema markup generator to write the necessary code for your data.
- You can either manually edit your website’s HTML or use a plugin to add the code.
- Make sure search engines can understand your markup by running it through Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
- Make sure to do this for every page on your website.
When implementing schema markup on your website, microdata is highly recommended. As a bonus, Google search fully supports structured data, which means you can display rich snippets on your site.
Conclusion.
I have shown you 4 of my favorite WordPress schema markup plugins to manage complex and time-consuming tasks efficiently. All of the above plugins are the same; the only difference is their features, automation, manual & types of available schema markups to use.
My advice will be, don’t jump to a conclusion just by reading my article. Test every plugin by yourself. The best way to do this is by using their free version. Then decide which one would be perfect for your needs. Do not hesitate to ask in the comment if you have any questions. Let’s start a discussion and try to solve it. Others who are reading this article will also benefit from it.