RDFa (Resource Description Framework in Attributes) is an HTML5 extension that allows web developers to embed structured data within web pages using HTML attributes.

This extension provides a way to annotate content with machine-readable metadata, making it easier for search engines and other applications to understand the meaning and context of the content.

Use in Schema Markup

Schema markup is a widely-used vocabulary for structured data, which can be added to web pages using various formats, including JSON-LD, Microdata, or RDFa.

When using RDFa for schema markup, you can:

  • Identify entities: RDFa allows you to assign specific schema types (e.g., Person, Organization, Event) to elements on your web page, helping search engines understand the nature of the content.
  • Define properties: You can use RDFa to add schema properties (e.g., name, date, location) to provide additional details about the entities on your page.
  • Establish relationships: RDFa enables you to define relationships between entities, such as indicating that a Person works for an Organization or that an Event takes place at a Place.

By incorporating schema markup using RDFa, you can enhance the way your web pages appear in search results (e.g., rich snippets), improve the chances of your content being featured in knowledge panels or answer boxes, and make it easier for search engines to index and understand your content.

Example of RDFa schema markup:

<div vocab="http://schema.org/" typeof="Person">
  <span property="name">John Doe</span>
  <span property="jobTitle">Software Engineer</span>
  <span property="worksFor" typeof="Organization">
    <span property="name">ABC Company</span>
  </span>
</div>

Schema Markup for WordPress Sites

While Google can read schema markup created with JSON-LD, Microdata, or RDFa, they recommend JSON-LD.

By using an SEO plugin like All in One SEO, WordPress users can get all the benefits of schema markup, without touching code.

All in One SEO provides a click-button way to add schema markup. And it uses JSON-LD.

Schema markup can help Google understand your pages better and rank them for relevant keywords.

rich snippet ecommerce example
Above: The multiple images and deliver and return information are displayed in Google, thanks to schema markup.

In addition, schema markup can make our pages eligible to be displayed as rich snippets. This is particularly useful for ecommerce sites who want to attract more click-throughs.

rich snippet ecommerce example
Above: Another example of how product rich snippets can display in Google search results.