My introduction to Article structured data

Applying article structured data, an advanced SEO technique, is essential for bloggers who want to convey their content to Google as clearly as possible. In this article, I review the ins and outs of article structured data and provide helpful tips and tricks for implementation. I emphasize its positive impact on search engine visibility and user engagement.

The essence of article structured data

Article structured data uses Schema.org terminology to give search engines detailed information about an article’s content and context. These are:

1. Labeling and classifying articles: make sure you correctly label and classify elements such as title, author, publication date, and modification date. In this way, you help search engines better understand the structure and relevance of the content.
2. Using JSON-LD for markup: JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data) is the preferred method for marking up article structured data. This is mainly because it is light to use and can be easily integrated into the HTML header.

Use of advanced strategies

To make article structured data even more effective, you can employ the following strategies:

• Integrate with SEO strategies: combine structured data with traditional SEO elements such as meta tags for improved readability and optimization of content for users.
• Use detailed metadata: add comprehensive information such as article section, reading time and featured images to offer richer content.

An example with JSON-LD

Below is an example of how article structured data can be used with JSON-LD:

jsonCopy code

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Article”,
“headline”: “Advanced applications of Article structured data”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Jane Doe”
},
“datePublished”: “2024-01-23”,
“dateModified”: “2024-01-24”,
“image”: “http://example.com/article_image.jpg”
“articleSection”: “SEO”,
“wordCount”: “1200”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “TechMagazine”,
“logo”: {
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“url”: “http://example.com/logo.jpg”
}
}
}

Explanation by section

1. @context: this communicates to the search engines that the data is structured according to the Schema.org vocabulary, allowing them to understand the terms used.
2. @type: this indicates that the structured data object is considered an “Article,” allowing search engines to recognize that the content is an article.
3. Headline: this indicates the title or headline of the article. It should be exactly the same title as displayed on the web page.
4. Author: this contains information about the article’s author.
   1. @type: indicates that it is about a “Person.
   1. Name: this indicates the author’s name.
5. datePublished: this indicates the publication date of the article. This should be in ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD).
6. DateModified: this indicates the last modification date of the article. This should be in ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). If the article has not changed since publication, this may be the same as the datePublished.
7. Image: this indicates the URL to the article’s image. This should be a relevant image used in the article.
8. articleSection: this indicates the section or category of the article. For example, “SEO,” “Technology,” etc.
9. wordCount: this indicates the number of words in the article. It may be useful to indicate the length of the item for the user.
10. Publisher: information about the article’s author.
    • @type: this indicates that it is about an “Organization.
    • Name: this displays the name of the issuing organization or company.
    • Logo: an object containing information about the publisher’s logo.
      • @type: Indicates that it is an ‘ImageObject’.
      • url: URL to the publisher’s logo.

By filling in this information accurately, structured data increases the likelihood that search engines will index and display the article correctly. This can ultimately lead to better SEO results and increased visibility.

The benefits of article structured data

Using article structured data properly can provide these benefits:

• Better ranking and visibility in search engines.
• Greater chance of getting rich snippets. This can provide a better CTR.
• Improved user experience through quick access to relevant information.

Summary

Article structured data is no longer a luxury but a must for today’s SEO. With deeper understanding and careful application, publishers and content managers can optimize articles for better visibility and performance in the digital ecosystem.