Understanding Structured Data

Structured data is one of the most powerful SEO features in OptimizedStoreFinder. This guide explains what it is and how it helps your stores get found online.

What is Structured Data?

Structured data is code that helps search engines understand your content. For store locations, we use the LocalBusiness schema from Schema.org to describe your business details in a format Google can read.

Think of it as a standardized business card that tells Google:

• Your store name and address
• Phone number and hours
• What type of business you are
• Your exact geographic coordinates

How OptimizedStoreFinder Implements It

We automatically generate JSON-LD structured data for every location page. Here’s an example of what gets added to your page:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "LocalBusiness",
  "name": "Your Store - Chicago",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "streetAddress": "123 Michigan Ave",
    "addressLocality": "Chicago",
    "addressRegion": "IL",
    "postalCode": "60601"
  },
  "telephone": "+1-312-555-1234",
  "openingHours": ["Mo-Fr 09:00-21:00", "Sa 10:00-18:00"]
}

Benefits of Structured Data

Rich Search Results

Google may display enhanced results with your business hours, ratings, and contact info directly in search results.

Knowledge Panels

Your business is more likely to appear in Google’s knowledge panel when people search for your store name.

Google Maps Integration

Structured data helps ensure your store information is accurate across Google’s ecosystem, including Maps.

Voice Search

When someone asks a voice assistant “What time does [your store] close?”, structured data provides the answer.

Verifying Your Structured Data

You can test your structured data using Google’s tools:

1. Visit Google’s Rich Results Test
2. Enter your location page URL
3. Review the detected structured data

All location pages created by OptimizedStoreFinder should pass validation automatically.

Best Practices

To get the most from structured data:

1. Keep information current - Update hours for holidays and special closures
2. Use consistent naming - Match your store name to your Google Business Profile
3. Add all details - The more complete your location data, the better

Related Articles

• Custom XML Sitemaps - Help search engines discover all your location pages
• Location Page SEO - Optimize individual location pages