Term
Structured Data
Structured data is machine-readable markup in HTML — typically using the Schema.org vocabulary in JSON-LD format — that explains a page's content precisely to search engines.
Structured Data — explained in more detail
Structured data is the bridge between HTML and semantic meaning: while a search engine can only indirectly infer that “4.7 stars” is a product rating, an AggregateRating schema makes that explicit. The recommended format has long been JSON-LD, placed in <head> or <body> — Microdata and RDFa are technically allowed but more cumbersome.
Correctly implemented structured data is the prerequisite for rich results in the SERP: star ratings, prices, FAQ accordions, recipe cards, event data, breadcrumbs. These rich results increase visibility and click-through rate but are not a direct ranking factor — they merely make hits in the SERP more eye-catching.
Example / practical context
JSON-LD for a glossary entry:
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "DefinedTerm",
"name": "Structured Data",
"description": "Machine-readable markup in HTML…",
"inDefinedTermSet": "https://example.com/glossary/"
}
</script>Validate via the Schema Markup Validator (validator.schema.org) or the Rich Results Test in Google Search Console.
Distinction from similar terms
Schema.org is the vocabulary, JSON-LD is one of three markup formats. Open Graph and Twitter Cards are related markup standards for social-media previews — not for search results.
Entdecke mehr
Author Schema / sameAs
Structured markup of a page's author via Schema.org `Person` with a `sameAs` array of profile URLs (LinkedIn, ORCID, Mastodon) — supports E-E-A-T and knowledge graph entity recognition.
LexikonJSON-LD and Structured Data — The Basics
Structured data makes content machine-readable. Why Google prefers JSON-LD, how a block is built, and why markup never guarantees a rich result.
NewsGoogle Search Central Live Toronto 2026 — what Google officially said about the future of search
Information Gain as the new guideline, Google-Extended clarified, AI Mode with 93% zero-click. The key statements from Toronto.