JSON-LD

JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data) is a lightweight data format that uses JSON to serialize Linked Data.

It provides a way to structure and link data using a schema, making it easier for search engines and other applications to understand the context and meaning of the information on a webpage.

Examples of JSON-LD usage:

1. Structured data markup: JSON-LD is commonly used to add structured data to web pages, helping search engines better understand the content and display rich snippets in search results.
2. Knowledge graphs: JSON-LD can be used to represent knowledge graphs, which are networks of entities and their relationships, enabling applications to perform complex queries and inferences.
3. Data integration: JSON-LD allows data from different sources to be easily combined and linked, facilitating data integration and interoperability across systems.

JSON-LD in Schema Markup

Schema markup is a way to provide structured data about a webpage using a standardized vocabulary.

JSON-LD has become the recommended format for implementing schema markup due to its simplicity and flexibility.

Here’s an example of JSON-LD used for schema markup:

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "John Doe",
  "jobTitle": "Software Engineer",
  "worksFor": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Acme Inc."
  }
}
</script>

In this example, the JSON-LD script provides structured data about a person named John Doe, his job title, and the organization he works for. The @context key specifies the schema vocabulary (schema.org) used to define the terms, while the @type key indicates the type of entity being described.

Search engines and other applications that support schema markup can parse this JSON-LD data and use it to enhance the display of search results, enable rich snippets, and improve the overall understanding of the webpage’s content.

By using JSON-LD for schema markup, websites can provide a more semantic and machine-readable representation of their data, ultimately leading to better visibility and user engagement.

Adding Schema Markup in WordPress

WordPress users don’t need to know JSON-LD or get involved in code in order to add schema markup to their pages.

Popular SEO plugins like All in One SEO (AIOSEO) provide a click-button way to add schema markup. This puts the benefits of structured data into the hands of non-technical users.

For how-tos on this see:
How to Use Schema Markup to Boost Your SEO
How to Add Rich Snippets to WordPress