What You Need To Know About Microdata in SEO – Technologist

How Does Microdata Compare to Other Types of Schema Markup?

Microdata is one of three schema markup formats commonly used for web pages. This format is best for smaller websites that contain less complex types of data. It is relatively easy for a user who is familiar with HTML to grasp the concept of microdata and implement this markup directly in the code for a website.

Microdata was cutting edge when programmers were starting to adopt HTML 5 between 2008 and 2014. Now, a scripting language has become the preferred format for the leading search engine. As of 2019, Google prefers the use of JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data (JSON-LD) for schema markup. JSON-LD uses a script that is not embedded in HTML and can be easier to add to websites, edit, review, troubleshoot or remove if necessary.

The third type of markup for structured data is Resource Description Framework in attributes or RDFa. JSON-LD and RDFa generally require more technical know-how than microdata for SEO, but you have the option to use free automated tools to generate and test any type of markup.

What Is the Easiest Way to Add Microdata to Web Pages?

The Google Structured Data Markup Helper simplifies the process of adding data tags to any website. This tool displays a web page on the left side and data items on the right. As you highlight various page elements, the Structured Data Markup Helper will suggest data tags. 

After you finish tagging data, click “Create HTML” in the top right corner to generate markup. The Structured Data Markup Helper defaults to JSON-LD, but you can click on the name of this format in the top menu to access a drop-down menu with other formats. When you select microdata, this tool automatically converts markup for you to embed in HTML code. 

No matter which schema you prefer to use, it is a good idea to run code or scripts through the Google Rich Results Test before adding structured data to your website. You can also use the Schema Markup Validator or the Markup Validator in the Webmaster Tools for Microsoft Bing to check the formatting of microdata for other search engines.

FAQs

Site owners often have questions about the role of microdata in SEO. Find out more about what microdata is and how this schema markup can optimize web pages to display rich snippets in search results.

What Is SEO Microdata?

Search optimization with microdata labels page elements to help search engines determine the context of information. Embedding markup in the code of a website is the best way to indicate specific data that could appear in results on SERPs.

What Is Microdata Used For?

The primary purpose of microdata is to clarify the types of data on web pages. Structured data helps search algorithms detect information. Once this code gets indexed, search engines can reference microdata to display rich results.

What Are the Benefits of Microdata SEO?

Microdata identifies specific elements on web pages to allow for more informative search results. The SEO specialists at BKA Content can recommend ways to use microdata or other schema markup formats on web pages and blog posts. Choose an organic SEO package for high-quality content complete with data tags that can increase the visibility of information on your website.