As a tradesperson, you know your reputation and local presence are everything.
Whether you're a plumber, electrician, landscaper, or builder, when customers search for services like yours online, you want your business to be the one they find first. But let’s face it—getting your website to stand out in search results can be tricky, especially with all the technical jargon out there.
That’s where Local Business Schema comes in.
Local Business Schema is a powerful tool that can help boost your visibility online by making it easier for search engines like Google to understand and showcase your business. In simple terms, it’s like giving your website a digital badge that tells search engines who you are, what you do, and why local customers should choose you.
And the best part? It’s not as complicated as it sounds.
This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about Local Business Schema—from what it is and why it matters, to a step-by-step guide on how to add it to your site. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle this on your own, or you’d prefer to get some expert help, we’ve got you covered.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to give your website the boost it needs to attract more local customers.
Let’s get started!
What is Local Business Schema?
Let’s break this down simply.
Imagine your website is like a shopfront on a busy street. You want passersby—your potential customers—to know exactly who you are, what you do, and when you’re open just by glancing at your sign.
Local Business Schema is like adding that sign to your website, but for search engines like Google and Bing.
So, what exactly is it?
Local Business Schema is a type of structured data, or code, that you can add to your website’s HTML. It gives search engines detailed information about your business, like your name, address, phone number, business hours, services, and more.
Think of it as giving Google a cheat sheet so it knows exactly what your business is all about.
Why should you care?
As a tradesperson, your time is precious, and you want your website to work as hard as you do. By adding Local Business Schema, you’re making it easier for search engines to understand your business and connect you with local customers who are searching for your services.
When someone types 'plumber near me' or 'electrician in [your town]' into Google, your chances of appearing in those local results go up if your site is properly marked up with schema.
How does it work?
When search engines crawl your website, they use the schema to help determine what your business does and how it should appear in search results. This could mean showing your business in those special local packs, rich snippets with your contact info, or even highlighting your customer reviews directly in the search results.
In simple terms, Local Business Schema helps search engines help you by making sure your business shows up where it matters most—right in front of potential customers.
An example in action
Let’s say you’re a roofer based in Manchester.
Without schema, your search result might just be a plain link to your website. But with Local Business Schema, that same search result could display your business name, phone number, hours of operation, and even a snippet of a customer review—all before the customer even clicks on your site.
It’s like giving your website a digital handshake that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Benefits of Adding Local Business Schema
Now that you know what Local Business Schema is, let’s talk about why it’s worth your time.
You might be thinking, 'Do I really need this?' The answer is a big, resounding yes—especially if you’re a tradesperson who relies on local customers.
Here’s how adding schema to your website can make a real difference.
Boost Your Visibility
When someone in your area searches for a service you offer—whether it’s 'emergency plumber' or 'landscaper near me'—you want your business to be at the top of the list.
Local Business Schema helps search engines understand your website better, which can improve your chances of appearing in those top spots. This means more eyes on your business, and more potential customers finding you, instead of your competitors.
Improve Your Local SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) might sound like a fancy term, but it’s really just about making sure your business shows up when people search online.
Local Business Schema is like giving your SEO a turbo boost. By telling search engines exactly where you are and what you do, you’re more likely to show up in local searches, which are crucial for tradespeople who work within a specific area.
You’re putting your business on the digital map—and making sure it’s easy to find.
Build Trust with Customers
First impressions matter.
When your business shows up in search results with detailed information like your business hours, customer reviews, and even your logo, it immediately looks more professional and trustworthy. People are more likely to choose a business that has all the info they need right there in front of them.
By adding schema, you’re not just improving your search ranking—you’re also building credibility with potential customers before they even visit your website.
Stand Out from the Competition
In the trades industry, competition can be fierce.
Schema gives you an edge by enhancing how your business appears in search results. While other businesses might just have a basic listing, yours could show up with rich snippets that include your phone number, address, and even a star rating.
This added detail can be the difference between someone scrolling past or picking up the phone to call you.
Get Found on More Platforms
Adding Local Business Schema doesn’t just help with Google. It can also improve your visibility on other platforms like Bing, Yahoo, and even voice search services like Siri and Alexa.
As more people use voice search to find local services, having your business information structured correctly becomes even more important. It ensures that no matter where potential customers are searching, your business can be found.
In short, adding Local Business Schema is like giving your website a superpower.
It helps you show up where it counts, makes your business look more professional, and can even put you ahead of the competition. With these benefits in mind, it’s clear that schema is a smart, simple way to enhance your online presence and attract more local customers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Local Business Schema
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get that Local Business Schema added to your website?
Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through each step. By the end, you’ll have your schema markup in place and be well on your way to improving your online visibility.
And if you’d rather not tackle this on your own, there’s an easy option for getting some expert help!
Step 1: Identify Your Key Business Information
Before you start adding anything to your website, it’s important to gather all the key details about your business.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Logo URL
- Website URL
- Phone Number
- Business Name
- Business Hours
- Services Offered
- Service Areas (areas you serve)
- Social Media Links (if applicable)
- Business Type (plumber, electrician, roofer)
- Address (including city, postcode, and country)
- Geo-coordinates (business locations latitude and longitude, use Google Maps)
Having this information at your fingertips will make the next steps much easier.
Step 2: Generate the Schema Markup
Now that you’ve got your business details ready, it’s time to generate the schema code. This might sound technical, but it doesn’t have to be.
Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Use an Online Tool: There are free tools available, like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper, where you can input your business information, and it will generate the schema code for you.
- Get Expert Help: If you’d rather skip the hassle, there’s a great resource available—ChatGPT (you might have heard of it 😃) ChatGPT can help you generate the perfect schema markup tailored to your business—in seconds. Simply provide your business details, and your very own AI minion will create the code for you, ensuring you don’t miss anything important.
Step 3: Add the Schema to Your Website
With your schema code in hand, it’s time to add it to your website.
Here’s how to do it:
- For WordPress Users:some text
- Using a Plugin: There are several plugins, like Yoast SEO or Schema Pro, that allow you to add schema markup without touching any code. Simply follow the plugin’s instructions and paste the generated code where required.
- Manually: If you’re comfortable with HTML, you can add the schema code directly to your site’s header or footer file using the theme editor.
- For Other Platforms (Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, etc.):some text
- Most website builders have a section for adding custom code. Look for a place to insert HTML code in the <head> section, and paste your schema there.
- For Custom-Built Sites:some text
- If your site is custom-built, you might need to access the HTML files directly. Paste the schema code into the <head> section of your homepage’s HTML.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, or if you’re short on time, consider using ChatGPT. This tool can offer guidance and even help handle the technical aspects for you.
Step 4: Test Your Schema Markup
Once you’ve added the schema to your website, it’s essential to make sure everything’s working correctly.
Here’s how:
- Use Google’s Rich Results Test: This free tool lets you see if your schema is properly implemented and what it looks like in search results. Simply enter your website URL and let the tool do the rest.
- Troubleshooting: If you spot any errors or warnings, the tool will highlight them. Don’t worry—most issues are simple to fix. If you’re unsure how to resolve them, ChatGPT can help. This tool is great for troubleshooting and can guide you in making the necessary adjustments.
Adding Local Business Schema doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with the right guidance.
Whether you follow these steps on your own or use ChatGPT to assist you, the key is to get that schema markup in place so your business can be seen by those who need you most. This is all about making your life easier and your business more visible, so don’t hesitate to use the available resources to help you out!
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding Local Business Schema to your website is a smart move, but like any task, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for.
Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure that your schema does its job effectively, helping you get found by more local customers.
Ignoring the Details
One of the most common mistakes is entering incorrect or incomplete information into your schema.
Remember, this data is what search engines use to display your business, so it needs to be accurate. Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and other details match exactly what’s on your website and Google My Business profile.
Even small inconsistencies can confuse search engines and hurt your local SEO efforts.
Overcomplicating the Process
It’s easy to get caught up in all the options available when adding schema, but you don’t need to include every possible detail right away.
Start with the basics—your business name, address, phone number, and business hours. These core pieces of information are what matter most to search engines and your potential customers.
Once you’re comfortable, you can always go back and add more details later.
Forgetting to Update
Your business information might change over time—whether it’s your phone number, hours of operation, or even your location.
A common mistake is forgetting to update your schema markup when these changes happen. Outdated schema can lead to incorrect information being displayed in search results, which can frustrate customers and hurt your credibility.
Make it a habit to review and update your schema whenever your business details change.
Not Testing the Schema Markup
Another mistake is skipping the testing phase after adding schema to your website.
Using tools like Google’s Rich Results Test to check if your schema is working correctly is vital. This tool will help you identify any errors or warnings that could prevent your schema from being properly read by search engines.
If issues arise, don’t ignore them—take the time to fix them, or seek help if you’re not sure how.
Overlooking Professional Help
While adding schema is something you can definitely handle on your own, it’s okay to seek help if you’re unsure or too busy to do it yourself.
Ignoring the need for professional assistance can lead to mistakes that might have been easily avoided. If you’re ever in doubt, using a resource like ChatGPT for assistance can save you time and ensure your schema is set up correctly from the start.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you make the most of your Local Business Schema, ensuring it works effectively to boost your visibility and connect you with more local customers. By keeping things simple, accurate, and up-to-date, you’re setting your business up for success online.
And remember, if you ever need help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert assistance.
Next Steps: Monitoring and Maintaining Your Schema
Congratulations! If you’ve followed the steps so far, you’ve successfully added Local Business Schema to your website.
But your work doesn’t stop here—just like maintaining a well-oiled machine, your schema needs regular attention to keep running smoothly.
Here’s how to make sure your schema continues to work its magic over time.
Regular Checks Are Key
Once your schema is up and running, it’s important to periodically check that everything is still functioning as expected.
Search engines update their algorithms frequently, and your schema might need tweaking to stay in line with the latest standards. Set a reminder to test your schema every few months using tools like Google’s Rich Results Test.
This will help ensure your business information is always correctly displayed in search results.
Keep Your Business Information Up to Date
Your schema is only as good as the information it contains.
Whenever you make changes to your business—whether it’s new opening hours, a change of address, or even a new phone number—make sure to update your schema markup as well.
Doing so prevents outdated information from showing up in search results, which can confuse or frustrate potential customers.
Stay Informed About Schema Updates
The world of SEO and schema markup is constantly evolving.
New types of schema are regularly introduced, and existing formats can be updated or deprecated. Staying informed about these changes is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness of your schema. Consider subscribing to SEO newsletters or following industry blogs to keep up with the latest developments.
This way, you can make adjustments as needed and keep your website in top shape.
Monitor Your Search Performance
Keep an eye on how your website is performing in search results.
Tools like Google Search Console can provide valuable insights into how your schema is affecting your visibility and click-through rates. If you notice any sudden drops in performance, it might be time to review your schema and see if any updates are needed.
Consider Professional Maintenance
If you find that monitoring and maintaining your schema is taking up too much of your time, or if you’re unsure about how to handle updates, it might be worth considering professional help.
Our team can assist in keeping your schema up to date, making adjustments as needed, and ensuring that your business continues to benefit from a strong online presence without you having to worry about the technical details.
