When it comes to local SEO, using the correct schema markup is essential. A common question that arises is whether local business schema can be applied to supporting location pages. The answer? No, and here's why.
Table of Contents
What is Local Business Schema?
Local Business Schema is a type of structured data that helps search engines understand what your business is about. It includes information like your business name, address, and contact details, making it easier for customers to find you online. However, it’s important to use this schema correctly to maximize its benefits.
Where to Place Local Business Schema
Local business schema should only be added to your location landing page. This is where you have a physical location that serves customers. Applying this schema sitewide or globally can confuse search engines and dilute the effectiveness of your SEO strategy.
What About Supporting Location Pages?
Supporting location pages do not represent a physical location. They are typically used to provide information about various areas served by your main location. Therefore, local business schema should not be applied to these pages. Instead, you should focus on other types of schema for those pages.
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Alternative Schema Types for Other Pages
For pages other than your main location landing page, consider using article or webpage schema. This allows you to still reference your local business schema within the content without making it the main entity of the page. For example:
- Use article schema to highlight blog posts related to your services.
- Employ webpage schema for content that doesn't fit neatly into other categories.
How to Reference Local Business Schema
When using article or webpage schema, you can reference your local business schema appropriately. This can enhance the relevance of your content while keeping the schema structured correctly. For instance, you can include a reference to your local business within the schema, but it should not be the primary focus of that page.
Recommended Schema Setup
Here's a quick setup guide for your schema implementation:
- Homepage: Use organization schema or a subtype that fits your business.
- Location Landing Page: Implement local business schema with the appropriate subtype.
- Supporting Pages: Use article or webpage schema.
Testing Your Schema
After implementing your schema, it's crucial to test it to ensure everything is working as intended. You can utilize tools like Google's Structured Data Testing Tool to validate your schema and check for any errors.
Conclusion
Using local business schema correctly can significantly improve your local SEO efforts. Keep in mind that this schema should strictly be applied to your location landing page, while other pages should utilize different schema types. By following these guidelines, you'll help search engines understand your business better and improve your online visibility.
FAQs
Can I use local business schema on multiple location pages?
No, local business schema should only be used on your main location landing page. For supporting pages, use article or webpage schema instead.
What if I have multiple locations?
If you have multiple locations, create separate local business schema for each location's landing page.
How do I test my schema?
You can use Google's Structured Data Testing Tool to check for errors in your schema implementation.
For more resources on local SEO, check out the Semantic Mastery Local SEO Toolkit for free tools and tips to enhance your strategy.
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