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How does microdata improve search engine visibility and how does it work?

In today's online world, standing out in search engine results is important. Microdata is a tool that helps search engines understand and display your website’s content in a better way. By using microdata, businesses can get more visitors, improve their search rankings, and make their websites easier to use. In this article, we’ll explain how microdata helps online stores, job postings, and other commonly used types of website content.

What is microdata?

Microdata is a way to add extra details to a webpage’s code so that search engines can better understand it. It follows a system called schema.org, which is supported by Google, Bing, and Yahoo. By adding microdata to things like product details, reviews, and job listings, websites can show up in search results with extra information, like star ratings or prices.

Why should you use microdata?

1. Better search engine rankings

Microdata makes it easier for search engines to understand what a webpage is about. This can help a website appear in better positions in search results and display extra details, such as ratings and prices. For example, in the image below, you can see that Google has featured some job postings from the pia.be website we created.

2. More clicks from search results

When search results include more useful information, such as customer ratings or prices, people are more likely to click on them. This can help businesses get more visitors to their websites.

3. Improved user experience

Microdata makes it easier for people to find important details without extra clicks. For example, customers can see if a product is in stock or when an event is happening right from the search results.

How different types of websites benefit from microdata

1. Online stores

For businesses selling products online, microdata can make their product listings more detailed by showing:

  • Product names
  • Prices
  • Availability (in stock or out of stock)
  • Customer ratings and reviews
  • Brand names

Adding these details helps shoppers make quick decisions and can increase sales.

2. Job listings

Employers and job websites can use microdata to make job postings stand out in search results. Google for Jobs, for example, uses this information to display job listings with details like:

  • Job title
  • Salary range
  • Type of job (full-time, part-time, etc.)
  • Location
  • Application deadlines

Using microdata for job postings makes it easier for job seekers to find and apply for jobs.

3. Events and local businesses

Businesses that hold events can use microdata to highlight important details, such as:

  • Event name
  • Date and time
  • Location
  • Ticket prices
  • Sign-up links

Local businesses can also add details like opening hours, addresses, and customer reviews, making it easier for customers to find and visit them.

How to add microdata

To add microdata, website owners can include special tags in their webpage code. Here’s a simple example for a product listing:

<div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Product">
  <h2 itemprop="name">Popcorn</h2>
  <span itemprop="brand">Floorify</span>
  <span itemprop="price"€109</span>
  <meta itemprop="availability" content="InStock" />
</div>

It’s also possible to use a json string:

{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Product","name":"Popcorn","description":"Step into a world of timeless elegance with Floorify F056 Popcorn. This luxury vinyl plank, inspired by the beauty of premium oak planks, exudes an aura of pure class. The light, white color, inspired by the light hue of popcorn, brings a touch of freshness to any room. Water-resistant, extremely durable, and whisper-quiet, this floor is ideal for any space. Enjoy easy installation and effortless maintenance. Make your home a haven with the charming appearance of Popcorn.","offers":{"@type":"AggregateOffer","availability":"https://schema.org/InStock","priceCurrency":"EUR","highPrice":109.07,"lowPrice":109.07}}

After adding microdata, it’s a good idea to check if it’s working correctly using Google’s Rich Results Test or Schema Markup Validator.

Conclusion

Microdata is a simple but powerful way to help websites stand out in search results. Whether you run an online store, a job board, or an event website, adding microdata can help you attract more visitors and improve your search rankings. Taking the time to use microdata can lead to better results and more success online.

Wieni uses microdata whenever possible, whether on Floorify’s product pages or PIA Group’s job postings. We implement it whenever we can because it has greatly improved organic traffic. Want to see how this could benefit your website? Feel free to reach out to us at contact@wieni.be.