The Benefits of Structured Data for Service-Based Businesses on Google

Google's John Muller's answers to the question of what structured data should be used by companies offering services at different price points shows how Google's recommendations for the use of structured data sometimes differ from the official Schema.org documentation . Questions from people who don't use structured data according to Google's guidelines, but can follow Schema(dot)org guidelines.

One such guideline from Google is the use of structured data. This allows Google to understand the content of a page and present it in a useful way to users.In this article, we will specifically focus on how businesses that offer services, as opposed to physical products, can use structured data to improve their SEO and online presence.

Structured product data from a service company?

Schema.org's official definitions of product types include services. So while it is technically possible to use structured product data for service companies, Google does not recommend doing so. Here is the official structured data type description for the Schema(dot)org. 

However, Google's structured product data documentation explicitly focuses on product content and does not include any provision for service businesses. Search Central's structured data page says to use this type of structured data for products for search-optimized listings.

What structured data to use?

Schema(dot)org is founded and maintained by Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Yandex. It is not a standards organization like the W3C (which creates HTML standards). What search engines like Google choose to use as a search function is really important when deciding how to publish structured data. Using structured data not supported by Google Business will not harm the website. Tags will not be used for advanced SERP listings. So if you are not sure whether to follow Google's recommendations.

Today is digital age, businesses need to have a very strong online presence to stay high competitive. One of the key factors in achieving a strong online presence is search engine optimization (SEO). Google, being the largest search engine in the world, has a significant impact on a business's SEO. That's why it's important for businesses to understand Google's guidelines and best practices for SEO.

Why Use Structured Data For Service-Based Businesses?

Improved Search Engine Visibility

One of the main benefits of using structured data is improved search engine visibility. By providing clear and concise information about your services, Google can better understand your business and display it in relevant search results. This can lead to higher click-through rates, more traffic to your website, and improved overall search engine rankings.

Enhanced User Experience

In addition to improving search engine visibility, structured data can also enhance the user experience. By providing detailed information about your services, such as pricing, availability, and location, users can quickly find the information they need and make informed decisions. 

Rich Snippets

Another benefit of using structured data is the ability to display rich snippets in search results. Rich snippets are special displays that provide additional information about a website, such as ratings, reviews, and images. This can help your business stand out in search results and attract more clicks.

How To Use Structured Data For Service-Based Businesses

Choose the Right Schema Type

The first step in using structured data for your service-based business is to choose the right schema type. There are several schema types to choose from, including Local Business, Service, and Offer.

Local Business schema is a type of structured data that provides information about a physical business location, such as the address, phone number, and business hours.

Service schema is a type of structured data that provides information about services offered by a business, such as the types of services, pricing, and availability.

Offer schema is a type of structured data that provides information about special offers, such as discounts and promotions.

Provide Accurate Information

It's important to provide accurate information in your structured data. This includes information about your business, such as the name, address, and phone number, as well as information about your services, such as pricing and availability. Providing accurate information helps Google understand your business and improves the chances of displaying your information in search results.

Use Consistent Naming Conventions

To ensure that your structured data is easily understood by Google, it's important to use consistent naming conventions. This includes using the same names for services and products across your website and in your structured data.

Test Your Structured Data

Once you've added structured data to your website, it's important to test it to ensure that it's working properly. Google provides a structured data testing tool that allows you to test your structured data and see how it will appear in search results.

Conclusion

The use of structured data is an important aspect of search engine optimization for service-based businesses. By providing accurate information about your business and services, you can improve your search engine visibility, enhance the user experience, and stand out in search results with rich snippets. To get the most out of structured data, it's important to choose the right schema type, provide accurate information, use consistent naming conventions, and test your structured data. By following these best practices, service-based businesses can improve their online presence and attract more customers.