Schema Markup for Local Businesses: The Ultimate Technical Guide

Why Schema Markup Matters

Schema markup is structured data (usually JSON-LD) that helps search engines understand your business, enabling rich results like reviews, hours, and local info. It’s essential for ranking in Google’s Local Pack and for long-tail local keywords (e.g., “best estate agent Liverpool”, “emergency dentist near me London”).

Benefits for UK Businesses

Enhanced Listings: Show business hours, reviews, address, and phone in search results.
Local Pack Boost: Get featured for “near me” and city-specific searches.
Voice Search: Optimise for voice assistants (“find a plumber near me open now”).
Trust & Clicks: Rich results increase trust and CTR.

Step-by-Step: Adding Schema Markup

1. Choose the Right Schema Type

Use LocalBusiness or a subtype (Restaurant, MedicalBusiness, Store).

2. Add JSON-LD Schema to Your Pages

Paste this example into your <head> or Next.js <Head> component:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "LocalBusiness",
  "name": "Kreative Kommit",
  "image": "https://kreativekommit.com/assets/profile_img.jpg",
  "@id": "https://kreativekommit.com/",
  "url": "https://kreativekommit.com/",
  "telephone": "+44 1234 567890",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "streetAddress": "123 High Street",
    "addressLocality": "London",
    "postalCode": "E1 1AA",
    "addressCountry": "GB"
  },
  "geo": {
    "@type": "GeoCoordinates",
    "latitude": 51.5074,
    "longitude": -0.1278
  },
  "openingHours": "Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.facebook.com/kreativekommit",
    "https://twitter.com/kreativekommit"
  ]
}

3. Validate Your Schema

Use Google’s Rich Results Test.
Fix any errors and warnings.

4. Advanced Tips

Add FAQPage schema for common questions.
Use Review schema for testimonials.
Update schema for each location/service.

Case Study: Local Pack Success

A Liverpool estate agent added LocalBusiness schema and saw a 40% increase in Local Pack impressions and a 25% boost in calls.

FAQs

Q: Can I use schema for multiple locations? A: Yes, add separate LocalBusiness objects for each location.

Q: Does schema guarantee rich results? A: No, but it greatly increases your chances.

Action Steps

Audit your site for schema opportunities.
Implement and validate JSON-LD markup.
Monitor results in Google Search Console.

Implement schema today and watch your local SEO results grow!