Schema Markup for Local Businesses

Schema markup is structured data that helps search engines understand the content of a website. For local businesses it provides essential details such as location, contact information, and operating hours. Implementing schema can improve visibility in local search results and increase click through rates.

What Is Local Business Schema

Local Business schema is a specific type of structured data defined by Schema.org. It communicates key details about a business to search engines so that they can display rich results such as knowledge panels and map listings. This can help potential customers quickly find information like your address or phone number.

Key Benefits

1. Better Search Visibility
   Search engines can present detailed information like business name, reviews, and location directly in the results.
2. Improved Click Through Rate
   Rich results with star ratings and location details stand out and attract more visitors.
3. Voice Search Optimization
   Structured data helps voice assistants deliver accurate answers when users search for local services.

How to Implement Local Business Schema

1. Choose the Right Schema Type
   Use the LocalBusiness type or a more specific subtype such as Restaurant or Dentist depending on your industry.
2. Add Key Properties
   Include name, address, phone number, opening hours, geo coordinates, and business category.
3. Use JSON LD Format
   JSON LD is the recommended format because it is easy to add to a site without altering the visible content.
4. Validate Your Markup
   Test your structured data using Google Rich Results Test to ensure accuracy.

Example JSON-LD Code

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "LocalBusiness",
  "name": "Your Business Name",
  "image": "https://www.example.com/logo.jpg",
  "@id": "https://www.example.com/",
  "url": "https://www.example.com/",
  "telephone": "+66-2-123-4567",
  "priceRange": "$$",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "streetAddress": "123 Sukhumvit Road",
    "addressLocality": "Bangkok",
    "addressRegion": "Bangkok",
    "postalCode": "10110",
    "addressCountry": "TH"
  },
  "geo": {
    "@type": "GeoCoordinates",
    "latitude": 13.7563,
    "longitude": 100.5018
  },
  "openingHoursSpecification": [{
    "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification",
    "dayOfWeek": ["Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday","Friday"],
    "opens": "09:00",
    "closes": "18:00"
  }],
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.facebook.com/yourbusiness",
    "https://www.instagram.com/yourbusiness"
  ]
}
</script>

Conclusion

Schema markup for local businesses is a powerful tool for improving local SEO. By providing structured data about your location and services you help search engines present your business more effectively. Accurate and up to date schema can lead to higher visibility and more customers.