What is Schema Markup?
Bits of code are added to a web page that helps search engines understand the page’s content. With better understanding comes the ability to format content when it appears on the search engine results page (SERP). Photos of a recipe appear next to its description, for example, or a list of upcoming events is added to the results blurb of a concert venue’s website. Schema markup generates featured snippets on Google SERP.
Example
Suppose you have a webpage for a recipe of “Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies.” Using schema markup, you can provide details such as the name of the recipe, ingredients, cooking instructions, and even ratings and reviews. Here’s how a snippet of schema markup might look for the recipe:
Recipe: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Author: John Doe
Date Published: 2024-01-23
Description: A classic recipe for delicious chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions: …
In this example, the schema markup provides structured data about the recipe, including its name, author, publication date, description, ingredients, and instructions. Search engines can use this structured data to create rich snippets in search results, such as a recipe summary, making it more attractive and informative for users searching for chocolate chip cookie recipes.