Local Business Schema Markup Made Easy (No Coding)

In today’s competitive digital landscape, standing out in local search results is more important than ever! 

If you’re running a local business, using Local Business Schema Markup can give you a significant advantage. 

But what exactly is it, and how can you use it to boost your Local SEO? 

By adding structured data to your website, you’ll provide search engines like Google with valuable information about your business, helping you rank higher for local queries. 

Did you know that websites using schema markup rank an average of four positions higher in search results? 

Let’s dive into the details and get your business the attention it deserves!

What is Local Business Schema Markup?

Local Business Schema Markup is a type of structured data that helps search engines understand key details about your local business, like your address, phone number, business hours, and services. 

By adding this code to your website, you give search engines like Google more precise information, making it easier for them to show your business in local search results, Google Maps, and rich snippets. 

Essentially, it’s a way to speak directly to search engines about who you are and what you offer.

All the elements in the image below are there because of schema markup

Now, you might wonder how Local Business Schema is different from general schema markup. 

While general schema markup can be used for a variety of content types (like articles or recipes), Local Business Schema is specifically designed to boost local search visibility by highlighting details that matter to local customers—like price range, reviews, and when you’re open. 

So, if you’re running a local business, this markup can help you get found by customers nearby.

Why Local Business Schema Markup is Crucial for SEO

Local Business Schema Markup is crucial for SEO because it helps search engines better understand your business, making it easier for potential customers to find you online. 

In the world of local SEO, this kind of structured data gives you an edge by providing search engines with accurate and detailed information about your business, like your location, services, and operating hours. 

This means that when people in your area search for businesses like yours, you’re more likely to show up at the top of search results. 

One of the biggest benefits of Local Business Schema is how it boosts your visibility in local search results. When someone searches for a service in their area—whether it’s “best coffee shop near me” or “plumber in [city]”—Google uses the structured data from your schema to display your business more prominently. 

This can help you appear in rich snippets (those enhanced search results that stand out with extra info), Google Maps, and the coveted local pack, which features the top three local businesses for specific searches.

The more accurate the details you provide through Local Business Schema, the more trust you build with search engines. 

And when search engines trust your business data, they’re more likely to show it to users, leading to better local rankings and more traffic to your site.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Local Business Schema Markup

Adding Local Business Schema Markup to your website may sound technical, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s actually quite straightforward. 

First of all, you’ll need a tool that generates all the data you need:  

• Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper: This free tool walks you through the process of creating and adding markup to your site. You simply tag the necessary information (like your business name, address, and phone number), and it generates the code for you.
• Schema.org: This is the official source for schema markup types and definitions. You can use it to find examples and schema properties specific to local businesses.

What properties should you include as schema markup?

When adding Local Business Schema Markup, the goal is to provide clear, structured information about your business. Be sure to include:

• Business name: Your official business name.
• Address: The full physical address, including city and zip code.
• Phone number: A number that customers can call.
• Business hours: Days and hours your business is open.
• Website URL: The main web address for your business.
• Geo-coordinates: Latitude and longitude for pinpointing your location (optional but helpful for Google Maps).
• Price range: Provide a general idea of your pricing.
• Reviews: Provide the number of reviews your business has

Now, let’s get practical. 

Step 1: Select a type of data you want to add

Open Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper, choose “Local Business” and add your contact page URL (or any page that contains key details like business hours, location, and other important info). Then click “start tagging”

Why the contact page and not the home page?

We’ll see why in the second step. 

Step 2: Tag the data

Now, you’ll need to manually tag the relevant information on your page. This means selecting the existing text and assigning it a label that tells search engines what that information represents.

For instance, if you’re working with the contact page, you’ll likely have your business hours and location listed there. Simply click on the text that shows your opening hours, and the tool will prompt you to choose a label. In this case, you’d pick “Opening Hours.”

For your location, you’ll do the same. Click on the address text, and the tool will let you assign a label—choose “Location.” You’ll repeat this process for each piece of information, like your phone number or business name.

Check out the image below for a visual guide!

You can repeat this process for all the pages of your site that contain relevant information for your local business. 

Step 3: Create HTML Code

After you’ve tagged all the necessary information, click “Create HTML” on the right-hand side of the screen.

You’ll then be taken to a page where you can choose between two formats for your schema code: JSON-LD or Microdata.

Which format should you choose?
JSON-LD is the better option because it’s easier for Google to read and implement. Plus, it’s less likely to interfere with your website’s existing code.

Now, you can either copy the generated code and paste it directly into your website’s HTML source, or download it for later use.

Step 4: Add data markup to your page

To add the markup, go to the head section of your HTML and paste the code there. If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, go to Appearance > Theme File Editor, then select the file named “header” and paste the code in that section. This will ensure the schema markup is applied across your site.

Advanced Schema Markup Properties

When you’ve mastered the basics of Schema Markup, it’s time to explore advanced properties that can give your SEO a serious boost. 

First up, geo-coordinates. Adding latitude and longitude coordinates helps search engines pinpoint your exact location, which is especially useful for businesses with multiple branches. This makes it easier for local customers to find you on Google Maps.

Next, consider including your price range. This property lets potential customers know what to expect in terms of pricing before they even click through to your website. It’s a great way to set clear expectations and attract the right audience.

Lastly, don’t overlook payment methods. Mentioning accepted payment options in your markup can save customers time and improve their overall experience. If someone is looking for a business that accepts credit cards or offers online payment, having this information easily available can give you a competitive edge.

Testing and Validating Your Local Business Schema Markup

Once you’ve added Local Business Schema Markup to your website, you’ll have to test and validate it to make sure everything works as expected. This step is crucial to ensure that search engines correctly interpret your schema and avoid potential penalties or misinterpretations.

First, use Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool. It’s a handy tool that checks if your schema is correctly implemented and can pinpoint errors. Just paste your webpage URL or the schema code, and it will show you how Google reads your markup. 

Next, try the Rich Results Test. This tool specifically checks if your page is eligible for rich results, which are those enhanced listings you see in search results with extra details. It helps ensure that your schema is not only valid but also optimized for better visibility.

Best thing? Both these tools are free!

Best Practices for Maintaining and Updating Your Local Business Schema

Maintaining and updating your Local Business Schema Markup is crucial for keeping your search engine presence accurate and relevant. 

If your business hours, services, or contact details change, it’s essential to update your schema to reflect these changes. Outdated information can lead to frustrated customers and missed opportunities.

To keep your schema markup up to date, regularly review and update it whenever you make changes to your business details. For instance, if you extend your operating hours or add new services, make sure these updates are mirrored in your schema code.

Here are a few tips for managing your structured data:

1. Set Reminders: Schedule periodic reviews of your schema markup to ensure it stays up to date.
2. Use Tools: Leverage Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool and Rich Results Test after making updates to verify that everything is correctly implemented.
3. Be Consistent: Ensure that the information in your schema matches what’s displayed on your website. Consistency across your online presence helps avoid confusion and enhances trust.