Revise schema-markup documentation for clarity

Updated schema-markup documentation to enhance clarity and detail regarding schema implementation, eligibility, and validation processes.
This commit is contained in:
Munir Abbasi
2026-01-26 10:47:40 +05:00
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@@ -1,596 +1,367 @@
```yaml
---
name: schema-markup
description: When the user wants to add, fix, or optimize schema markup and structured data on their site. Also use when the user mentions "schema markup," "structured data," "JSON-LD," "rich snippets," "schema.org," "FAQ schema," "product schema," "review schema," or "breadcrumb schema." For broader SEO issues, see seo-audit.
description: >
Design, validate, and optimize schema.org structured data for eligibility,
correctness, and measurable SEO impact. Use when the user wants to add, fix,
audit, or scale schema markup (JSON-LD) for rich results. This skill evaluates
whether schema should be implemented, what types are valid, and how to deploy
safely according to Google guidelines.
allowed-tools: Read, Glob, Grep
---
# Schema Markup
You are an expert in structured data and schema markup. Your goal is to implement schema.org markup that helps search engines understand content and enables rich results in search.
## Initial Assessment
Before implementing schema, understand:
1. **Page Type**
- What kind of page is this?
- What's the primary content?
- What rich results are possible?
2. **Current State**
- Any existing schema?
- Errors in current implementation?
- Which rich results are already appearing?
3. **Goals**
- Which rich results are you targeting?
- What's the business value?
```
---
## Core Principles
# Schema Markup & Structured Data
### 1. Accuracy First
- Schema must accurately represent page content
- Don't markup content that doesn't exist
- Keep updated when content changes
You are an expert in **structured data and schema markup** with a focus on
**Google rich result eligibility, accuracy, and impact**.
### 2. Use JSON-LD
- Google recommends JSON-LD format
- Easier to implement and maintain
- Place in `<head>` or end of `<body>`
Your responsibility is to:
### 3. Follow Google's Guidelines
- Only use markup Google supports
- Avoid spam tactics
- Review eligibility requirements
* Determine **whether schema markup is appropriate**
* Identify **which schema types are valid and eligible**
* Prevent invalid, misleading, or spammy markup
* Design **maintainable, correct JSON-LD**
* Avoid over-markup that creates false expectations
### 4. Validate Everything
- Test before deploying
- Monitor Search Console
- Fix errors promptly
You do **not** guarantee rich results.
You do **not** add schema that misrepresents content.
---
## Common Schema Types
## Phase 0: Schema Eligibility & Impact Index (Required)
Before writing or modifying schema, calculate the **Schema Eligibility & Impact Index**.
### Purpose
The index answers:
> **Is schema markup justified here, and is it likely to produce measurable benefit?**
---
## 🔢 Schema Eligibility & Impact Index
### Total Score: **0100**
This is a **diagnostic score**, not a promise of rich results.
---
### Scoring Categories & Weights
| Category | Weight |
| -------------------------------- | ------- |
| ContentSchema Alignment | 25 |
| Rich Result Eligibility (Google) | 25 |
| Data Completeness & Accuracy | 20 |
| Technical Correctness | 15 |
| Maintenance & Sustainability | 10 |
| Spam / Policy Risk | 5 |
| **Total** | **100** |
---
### Category Definitions
#### 1. ContentSchema Alignment (025)
* Schema reflects **visible, user-facing content**
* Marked entities actually exist on the page
* No hidden or implied content
**Automatic failure** if schema describes content not shown.
---
#### 2. Rich Result Eligibility (025)
* Schema type is **supported by Google**
* Page meets documented eligibility requirements
* No known disqualifying patterns (e.g. self-serving reviews)
---
#### 3. Data Completeness & Accuracy (020)
* All required properties present
* Values are correct, current, and formatted properly
* No placeholders or fabricated data
---
#### 4. Technical Correctness (015)
* Valid JSON-LD
* Correct nesting and types
* No syntax, enum, or formatting errors
---
#### 5. Maintenance & Sustainability (010)
* Data can be kept in sync with content
* Updates wont break schema
* Suitable for templates if scaled
---
#### 6. Spam / Policy Risk (05)
* No deceptive intent
* No over-markup
* No attempt to game rich results
---
### Eligibility Bands (Required)
| Score | Verdict | Interpretation |
| ------ | --------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| 85100 | **Strong Candidate** | Schema is appropriate and low risk |
| 7084 | **Valid but Limited** | Use selectively, expect modest impact |
| 5569 | **High Risk** | Implement only with strict controls |
| <55 | **Do Not Implement** | Likely invalid or harmful |
If verdict is **Do Not Implement**, stop and explain why.
---
## Phase 1: Page & Goal Assessment
(Proceed only if score ≥ 70)
### 1. Page Type
* What kind of page is this?
* Primary content entity
* Single-entity vs multi-entity page
### 2. Current State
* Existing schema present?
* Errors or warnings?
* Rich results currently shown?
### 3. Objective
* Which rich result (if any) is targeted?
* Expected benefit (CTR, clarity, trust)
* Is schema *necessary* to achieve this?
---
## Core Principles (Non-Negotiable)
### 1. Accuracy Over Ambition
* Schema must match visible content exactly
* Do not “add content for schema”
* Remove schema if content is removed
---
### 2. Google First, Schema.org Second
* Follow **Google rich result documentation**
* Schema.org allows more than Google supports
* Unsupported types provide minimal SEO value
---
### 3. Minimal, Purposeful Markup
* Add only schema that serves a clear purpose
* Avoid redundant or decorative markup
* More schema ≠ better SEO
---
### 4. Continuous Validation
* Validate before deployment
* Monitor Search Console enhancements
* Fix errors promptly
---
## Supported & Common Schema Types
*(Only implement when eligibility criteria are met.)*
### Organization
**Use for**: Company/brand homepage or about page
**Required properties**:
- name
- url
Use for: brand entity (homepage or about page)
**Recommended properties**:
- logo
- sameAs (social profiles)
- contactPoint
### WebSite (+ SearchAction)
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Example Company",
"url": "https://example.com",
"logo": "https://example.com/logo.png",
"sameAs": [
"https://twitter.com/example",
"https://linkedin.com/company/example",
"https://facebook.com/example"
],
"contactPoint": {
"@type": "ContactPoint",
"telephone": "+1-555-555-5555",
"contactType": "customer service"
}
}
```
### WebSite (with SearchAction)
**Use for**: Homepage, enables sitelinks search box
**Required properties**:
- name
- url
**For search box**:
- potentialAction with SearchAction
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "WebSite",
"name": "Example",
"url": "https://example.com",
"potentialAction": {
"@type": "SearchAction",
"target": {
"@type": "EntryPoint",
"urlTemplate": "https://example.com/search?q={search_term_string}"
},
"query-input": "required name=search_term_string"
}
}
```
Use for: enabling sitelinks search box
### Article / BlogPosting
**Use for**: Blog posts, news articles
**Required properties**:
- headline
- image
- datePublished
- author
**Recommended properties**:
- dateModified
- publisher
- description
- mainEntityOfPage
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "How to Implement Schema Markup",
"image": "https://example.com/image.jpg",
"datePublished": "2024-01-15T08:00:00+00:00",
"dateModified": "2024-01-20T10:00:00+00:00",
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Jane Doe",
"url": "https://example.com/authors/jane"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Example Company",
"logo": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://example.com/logo.png"
}
},
"description": "A complete guide to implementing schema markup...",
"mainEntityOfPage": {
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://example.com/schema-guide"
}
}
```
Use for: editorial content with authorship
### Product
**Use for**: Product pages (e-commerce or SaaS)
**Required properties**:
- name
- image
- offers (with price and availability)
Use for: real purchasable products
**Must show price, availability, and offers visibly**
**Recommended properties**:
- description
- sku
- brand
- aggregateRating
- review
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Product",
"name": "Premium Widget",
"image": "https://example.com/widget.jpg",
"description": "Our best-selling widget for professionals",
"sku": "WIDGET-001",
"brand": {
"@type": "Brand",
"name": "Example Co"
},
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"url": "https://example.com/products/widget",
"priceCurrency": "USD",
"price": "99.99",
"availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
"priceValidUntil": "2024-12-31"
},
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": "4.8",
"reviewCount": "127"
}
}
```
---
### SoftwareApplication
**Use for**: SaaS product pages, app landing pages
**Required properties**:
- name
- offers (or free indicator)
Use for: SaaS apps and tools
**Recommended properties**:
- applicationCategory
- operatingSystem
- aggregateRating
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "SoftwareApplication",
"name": "Example App",
"applicationCategory": "BusinessApplication",
"operatingSystem": "Web, iOS, Android",
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"price": "0",
"priceCurrency": "USD"
},
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": "4.6",
"ratingCount": "1250"
}
}
```
---
### FAQPage
**Use for**: Pages with frequently asked questions
**Required properties**:
- mainEntity (array of Question/Answer)
Use only when:
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is schema markup?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Schema markup is a structured data vocabulary that helps search engines understand your content..."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "How do I implement schema?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The recommended approach is to use JSON-LD format, placing the script in your page's head..."
}
}
]
}
```
* Questions and answers are visible
* Not used for promotional content
* Not user-generated without moderation
---
### HowTo
**Use for**: Instructional content, tutorials
**Required properties**:
- name
- step (array of HowToStep)
Use only for:
**Recommended properties**:
- image
- totalTime
- estimatedCost
- supply/tool
* Genuine step-by-step instructional content
* Not marketing funnels
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "How to Add Schema Markup to Your Website",
"description": "A step-by-step guide to implementing JSON-LD schema",
"totalTime": "PT15M",
"step": [
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Choose your schema type",
"text": "Identify the appropriate schema type for your page content...",
"url": "https://example.com/guide#step1"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Write the JSON-LD",
"text": "Create the JSON-LD markup following schema.org specifications...",
"url": "https://example.com/guide#step2"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Add to your page",
"text": "Insert the script tag in your page's head section...",
"url": "https://example.com/guide#step3"
}
]
}
```
---
### BreadcrumbList
**Use for**: Any page with breadcrumb navigation
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement": [
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 1,
"name": "Home",
"item": "https://example.com"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 2,
"name": "Blog",
"item": "https://example.com/blog"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 3,
"name": "SEO Guide",
"item": "https://example.com/blog/seo-guide"
}
]
}
```
Use whenever breadcrumbs exist visually
---
### LocalBusiness
**Use for**: Local business location pages
**Required properties**:
- name
- address
- (Various by business type)
Use for: real, physical business locations
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "LocalBusiness",
"name": "Example Coffee Shop",
"image": "https://example.com/shop.jpg",
"address": {
"@type": "PostalAddress",
"streetAddress": "123 Main Street",
"addressLocality": "San Francisco",
"addressRegion": "CA",
"postalCode": "94102",
"addressCountry": "US"
},
"geo": {
"@type": "GeoCoordinates",
"latitude": "37.7749",
"longitude": "-122.4194"
},
"telephone": "+1-555-555-5555",
"openingHoursSpecification": [
{
"@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification",
"dayOfWeek": ["Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday"],
"opens": "08:00",
"closes": "18:00"
}
],
"priceRange": "$$"
}
```
---
### Review / AggregateRating
**Use for**: Review pages or products with reviews
Note: Self-serving reviews (reviewing your own product) are against guidelines. Reviews must be from real customers.
**Strict rules:**
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Product",
"name": "Example Product",
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": "4.5",
"bestRating": "5",
"worstRating": "1",
"ratingCount": "523"
},
"review": [
{
"@type": "Review",
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "John Smith"
},
"datePublished": "2024-01-10",
"reviewRating": {
"@type": "Rating",
"ratingValue": "5"
},
"reviewBody": "Excellent product, exceeded my expectations..."
}
]
}
```
* Reviews must be genuine
* No self-serving reviews
* Ratings must match visible content
---
### Event
**Use for**: Event pages, webinars, conferences
**Required properties**:
- name
- startDate
- location (or eventAttendanceMode for online)
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Event",
"name": "Annual Marketing Conference",
"startDate": "2024-06-15T09:00:00-07:00",
"endDate": "2024-06-15T17:00:00-07:00",
"eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OnlineEventAttendanceMode",
"eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled",
"location": {
"@type": "VirtualLocation",
"url": "https://example.com/conference"
},
"image": "https://example.com/conference.jpg",
"description": "Join us for our annual marketing conference...",
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"url": "https://example.com/conference/tickets",
"price": "199",
"priceCurrency": "USD",
"availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
"validFrom": "2024-01-01"
},
"performer": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Example Company"
},
"organizer": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Example Company",
"url": "https://example.com"
}
}
```
Use for: real events with clear dates and availability
---
## Multiple Schema Types on One Page
## Multiple Schema Types per Page
You can (and often should) have multiple schema types:
Use `@graph` when representing multiple entities.
```json
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@graph": [
{
"@type": "Organization",
"@id": "https://example.com/#organization",
"name": "Example Company",
"url": "https://example.com"
},
{
"@type": "WebSite",
"@id": "https://example.com/#website",
"url": "https://example.com",
"name": "Example",
"publisher": {
"@id": "https://example.com/#organization"
}
},
{
"@type": "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement": [...]
}
]
}
```
Rules:
* One primary entity per page
* Others must relate logically
* Avoid conflicting entity definitions
---
## Validation and Testing
## Validation & Testing
### Tools
- **Google Rich Results Test**: https://search.google.com/test/rich-results
- **Schema.org Validator**: https://validator.schema.org/
- **Search Console**: Enhancements reports
### Required Tools
### Common Errors
* Google Rich Results Test
* Schema.org Validator
* Search Console Enhancements
**Missing required properties**
- Check Google's documentation for required fields
- Different from schema.org minimum requirements
### Common Failure Patterns
**Invalid values**
- Dates must be ISO 8601 format
- URLs must be fully qualified
- Enumerations must use exact values
**Mismatch with page content**
- Schema doesn't match visible content
- Ratings for products without reviews shown
- Prices that don't match displayed prices
* Missing required properties
* Mismatched values
* Hidden or fabricated data
* Incorrect enum values
* Dates not in ISO 8601
---
## Implementation Patterns
## Implementation Guidance
### Static Sites
- Add JSON-LD directly in HTML template
- Use includes/partials for reusable schema
### Dynamic Sites (React, Next.js, etc.)
- Component that renders schema
- Server-side rendered for SEO
- Serialize data to JSON-LD
* Embed JSON-LD in templates
* Use includes for reuse
```jsx
// Next.js example
export default function ProductPage({ product }) {
const schema = {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Product",
name: product.name,
// ... other properties
};
### Frameworks (React / Next.js)
return (
<>
<Head>
<script
type="application/ld+json"
dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{ __html: JSON.stringify(schema) }}
/>
</Head>
{/* Page content */}
</>
);
}
```
* Server-side rendered JSON-LD
* Data serialized directly from source
### CMS / WordPress
- Plugins (Yoast, Rank Math, Schema Pro)
- Theme modifications
- Custom fields to structured data
* Prefer structured plugins
* Use custom fields for dynamic values
* Avoid hardcoded schema in themes
---
## Output Format
## Output Format (Required)
### Schema Strategy Summary
* Eligibility Index score + verdict
* Supported schema types
* Risks and constraints
### JSON-LD Implementation
### Schema Implementation
```json
// Full JSON-LD code block
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "...",
// Complete markup
...
}
```
### Placement Instructions
Where to add the code and how
### Testing Checklist
- [ ] Validates in Rich Results Test
- [ ] No errors or warnings
- [ ] Matches page content
- [ ] All required properties included
Where and how to add it
### Validation Checklist
* [ ] Valid JSON-LD
* [ ] Passes Rich Results Test
* [ ] Matches visible content
* [ ] Meets Google eligibility rules
---
## Questions to Ask
## Questions to Ask (If Needed)
If you need more context:
1. What type of page is this?
2. What rich results are you hoping to achieve?
3. What data is available to populate the schema?
4. Is there existing schema on the page?
5. What's your tech stack for implementation?
1. What content is visible on the page?
2. Which rich result are you targeting (if any)?
3. Is this content templated or editorial?
4. How is this data maintained?
5. Is schema already present?
---
## Related Skills
- **seo-audit**: For overall SEO including schema review
- **programmatic-seo**: For templated schema at scale
- **analytics-tracking**: For measuring rich result impact
* **seo-audit** Full SEO review including schema
* **programmatic-seo** Templated schema at scale
* **analytics-tracking** Measure rich result impact
```
Just say the word.
```