Definition
Structured data is a standardized markup format added to a page's HTML code to provide search engines with explicit information about its content. It uses the Schema.org vocabulary and can be implemented in JSON-LD (recommended by Google), Microdata, or RDFa. Structured data enables Google to better understand the type of content (article, product, recipe, event, FAQ) and to display rich results (rich snippets) in the SERPs, thereby increasing visibility and click-through rate.
Key Points
- Help search engines understand a page's content
- Recommended format: JSON-LD with Schema.org vocabulary
- Enable rich snippet display in search results
Practical Examples
JSON-LD for an article
A blog adds JSON-LD Article markup with author, date, and image. Google displays the article with a thumbnail and date in search results.
Structured data for recipes
A cooking site adds Recipe schema with preparation time, calories, and rating. Google search results display an enriched recipe carousel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use Google's Rich Results Test tool or the Schema Markup Validator to verify the validity and completeness of your markup.
No, it is not mandatory nor a direct ranking factor. However, it is strongly recommended because it can trigger rich snippets that significantly increase CTR.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07