What is Schema Markup in SEO? A Simple Guide to Rich Snippets and Structured Data

Ever noticed search results that show star ratings, FAQs, prices, or event dates right below the title? That’s the power of schema markup — a key part of technical SEO that can dramatically boost your visibility in search results.

Schema markup (also known as structured data) is a type of code you add to your website to help search engines better understand your content. It doesn’t change how your site looks to users, but it does change how it’s displayed in the search results.

How Schema Markup Works

Schema uses a standardized format (called Schema.org) to label elements of your content. For example:

  • A recipe page can show cooking time, ingredients, and ratings.

  • A product page can show price, availability, and reviews.

  • A blog post can show the publish date, author, and FAQs.

These enhancements are called rich results — and they make your listings stand out in the crowded SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).

Types of Schema You Can Use

  • Article/Blog Post Schema – Highlights author, publish date, and headline.

  • FAQ Schema – Displays expandable Q&A sections in search.

  • Product Schema – Adds product details like price and stock status.

  • Review Schema – Shows star ratings and reviewer info.

  • Event Schema – Lists dates, locations, and times.

Why Schema Markup Matters

Schema doesn’t directly improve your rankings, but it can indirectly boost your SEO by increasing click-through rates (CTR). Rich results catch the eye and provide extra info that can entice users to click your link over others.

Plus, using structured data can help search engines better understand the context of your content — which can improve your chances of showing up in voice search or featured snippets.

👉 Next up: What are Backlinks in SEO? Why links from other websites boost your authority.

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