Structured Data
Code added to webpages that helps search engines understand and display content in rich, enhanced ways.
Structured data is standardized code that you add to your webpages to help search engines understand your content better. It uses a specific vocabulary (most commonly Schema.org) to label and organize information so search engines can display it in rich, enhanced ways in search results.
Implementing structured data can help you earn rich snippets, rich cards, and other enhanced SERP features like star ratings, recipe information, event details, product prices, FAQ sections, and breadcrumb navigation in search results. These enhanced listings can significantly improve click-through rates.
The most common format for structured data is JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data), which Google recommends. Other formats include Microdata and RDFa. Google provides a Rich Results Test tool where you can test your structured data implementation and see how it might appear in search.
While structured data doesn't directly improve rankings, it can lead to better visibility in search results through rich snippets and other enhancements. This improved visibility can drive more traffic and potentially better rankings due to improved engagement metrics. It's an important part of modern technical SEO.