What It Is
Schema markup is a standard vocabulary (from Schema.org) for labeling information on a page so search engines know exactly what it means. Your page may say "Open 9 to 5," but schema markup tells Google, in code, that these are your business hours. It is like filling out a form with labeled boxes rather than writing a paragraph. It is usually added in a format called JSON-LD, which visitors never see.
Why It Matters for Your Business
Schema can make your search listings richer and clearer. Pages with the right markup may be eligible for enhanced results, such as event dates, product prices and availability, or breadcrumb trails. A local business can describe its name, address, phone, hours and service area, which helps search engines connect the website with the business in their local results.
Good to Know
Tip: many WordPress SEO plugins add basic schema automatically, and they let you choose the right business type. Test pages with Google’s Rich Results Test. Only mark up information that is visible and true on the page. Adding fake reviews or misleading details can lead Google to ignore your markup or take action against the site.