SEO Glossary · Technical SEO

What Is Schema Markup?

Schema markup (structured data) is code, usually in JSON-LD format, that labels the content on a page so search engines understand its meaning - for example marking up a recipe, product, FAQ, or breadcrumb. It can make pages eligible for rich results.

Common types of schema markup

Widely used schema types include Article, Product, FAQPage, BreadcrumbList, Review, LocalBusiness, and Organization. Adding valid structured data does not directly boost rankings, but the rich results it unlocks - star ratings, FAQs, breadcrumbs - increase visibility and click-through rate. Validate your markup with Google's Rich Results Test.

Pro tip
Always validate new markup with Google's Rich Results Test. Invalid schema simply will not produce rich results, even if the code looks correct.
Key takeaways
Schema markup labels your content so engines understand its meaning.
JSON-LD is Google's recommended format.
It is not a direct ranking factor but unlocks rich results.
Rich results raise visibility and click-through rate.

Put it into practice with Soro

Understanding schema markup is one thing - applying it across every page is another. Soro automates SEO content end to end, researching keywords and publishing optimised articles so your site ranks on Google and gets cited by AI. See how Soro works.

Frequently asked questions

Does schema markup improve SEO?

Indirectly. It is not a direct ranking factor, but the rich results it enables can significantly raise click-through rate and visibility.

What format should schema be in?

Google recommends JSON-LD, a script block you can place in the page head or body. It is easier to maintain than inline microdata.

Keep learning

Browse the full SEO glossary