As a local business owner, you are likely familiar with Schema markup and its importance for search engine optimization (SEO). Schema markup is structured data that helps search engines interpret content on your website to provide more relevant search results to users. Specifically, Local Business Schema markup adds extra information about an establishment such as its name, address, phone number, and operating hours.
However, despite its potential advantages, many local businesses aren’t taking advantage of it effectively. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some common issues with Local Business Schema markup and provide some tips for making it better.
Problem 1: Incomplete or Accurate Information
One of the most frequent issues with Local Business Schema markup is incomplete or incorrect data. This can occur if business owners attempt to add Schema markup themselves or hire an inexperienced web developer who doesn’t comprehend its importance.
Make your Local Business Schema markup more effective by verifying all of your information is complete and up to date. This includes business name, address, phone number, operating hours as well as any other pertinent details like website URL or social media profiles.
Problem 2: Incorrect Implementation of Schema Types
Schema types must be used correctly in order to make effective code modifications.
Another common issue with Local Business Schema markup is an incorrect use of Schema types. For instance, some businesses may select the wrong Schema type – such as using a Product Schema for a local service business – instead of following industry best practices and using an appropriate Schema type.
Make your Local Business Schema markup more effective by making sure to utilize the correct Schema types. Google offers an informative guide on the various types of Schema markup, so that you can be certain you’re selecting the appropriate one for your company.
Problem 3: Absent Reviews and Ratings
Reviews and ratings are essential components of Local Business Schema markup, as they can improve your visibility in search results and foster trust with potential customers. Unfortunately, many businesses neglect to include reviews and ratings in their markup, making their listings less compelling overall.
Make your Local Business Schema markup even better by including reviews and ratings. Utilize a plugin or tool to pull reviews from third-party platforms like Google or Yelp and include them in your markup.
Problem 4: Subpar Implementation
Finally, one of the primary issues with Local Business Schema markup is inadequate implementation. This can happen when business owners attempt to add Schema markup without understanding its technical requirements or hire a developer who is unfamiliar with best practices for this endeavor.
To optimize your Local Business Schema markup, partner with an experienced developer who understands the technical requirements and best practices for implementing Schema markup. They can guarantee that your markup is correctly implemented and optimized for search engine visibility.
Local Business Schema markup can be an effective tool for increasing search engine visibility and driving more traffic to your website. But it’s essential that it be accurate, complete, and correctly implemented. By correcting common issues with Local Business Schema markup and following best practices for implementation, you will increase your business’s prominence in search results as well as attract more local customers to your business.
