Structured data plays a vital role in helping search engines understand your website’s content. It can enhance your visibility through rich results, featured snippets, and other SERP features. However, even small mistakes in structured data implementation can negatively impact your SEO performance.
Using Incorrect Schema Types
One of the most common structured data errors is applying the wrong schema type to your content. For example, using a Product schema for a blog post or a LocalBusiness schema for a global eCommerce site can confuse search engines. Always verify that the schema type accurately represents the content on the page. Use Google’s official Schema.org reference to ensure you’re applying the right markup.
Missing or Incomplete Required Properties
Each schema type has required and recommended properties. Leaving out required fields like “name,” “url,” or “image” can cause your structured data to be invalid. When Google encounters missing properties, your rich results might not appear at all. Always test your structured data using Google’s Rich Results Test to confirm that all necessary fields are filled out.
Mixing Structured Data Formats
Structured data can be implemented in JSON-LD, Microdata, or RDFa formats. Mixing these formats on the same page can create parsing issues for search engines. JSON-LD is the most recommended format by Google because it’s easy to maintain and less prone to errors. Keep your site consistent by using one structured data format throughout.
Marking Up Hidden or Irrelevant Content
Search engines penalize websites that use structured data to describe content that’s not visible to users. For instance, marking up fake reviews or non-existent events violates Google’s guidelines. Only use structured data for visible and relevant information that users can interact with on your page.
Not Updating Outdated Markup
Schema.org evolves constantly, and outdated markup can cause errors or warnings in Google Search Console. Regularly audit your structured data to ensure compliance with the latest schema updates. Maintaining clean and accurate structured data ensures that your pages stay competitive in search results and continue to attract organic traffic.
This post was written by a professional at Moon SEO. Moon SEO is a cutting-edge SEO AI Agent software designed to help businesses dominate the local map rankings for their target services. Our intelligent platform uses advanced algorithms to optimize your online presence, ensuring your business appears at the top of Google Maps and local search results.