Structured data is an important aspect of SEO that can improve click-through rates, conversion rates, and bring in more traffic to your website. As an often misunderstood part of SEO, many people are left wondering if it will improve their rankings. But is structured data a Google ranking factor?
Structured data is not a direct Google ranking factor. However, it can help you rank faster on search engines because it makes pages easier to crawl. Aside from this, it can also provide rich results in SERPs (search engine results pages) and improve click-through rate and conversion rates.
Read on to find out more about structured data, Google ranking factors, why structured data is important, and what types of structured data are available.
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Structured data, otherwise known as schema markup, are standardised pieces of data that you can attach to your website that organises the information and helps search engines understand what the site’s content is about.
While Google and other search engines are extremely sophisticated, they’ll still sometimes need help with understanding page content. That’s where structured data comes in. Providing a distinct explanation of your page and what’s offered on it through the use of a set list of data points will ensure that everything is understood.
Structured data will also allow search engines to add extra features called rich results to how your website appears in SERPs (search engine results pages). If you’ve ever seen an image or rating next to a search engine result, this is what we call rich results. They add extra information around your results and help to increase click-through rate. Because you’ve given Google all the information it needs to add these features through your structured data, it can choose whether to serve the extra features without being restricted by the information found on the page.
While the full extent of ranking factors that Google considers is not publicly known, what we do know is that there are hundreds of ranking factors that can influence Google’s decision on where to rank your page.
These can include niche specific factors such as the freshness of the content when searching for news related topics. They can also include off-page factors like backlinks or the site’s consistency with your social media profiles.
While it’s impossible to discuss every ranking factor, here’s our 7 most important Google ranking factors for SEO:
For more information about these ranking factors and more, read our guide on Google Ranking Factors and How They Impact SEO.
While structured data isn’t one of these ranking factors, it can still help you rank. While this may sound counterintuitive, it’s actually quite simple once you wrap your head around it. Essentially, structured data won’t be something that’s looked at when deciding if you should show up on the first page for a search term. However, it will make your content easier to crawl, which will lead to faster indexing and getting your page ranking faster.
Using structured data to let Google serve rich results can also make a huge difference to your click-through rate (CTR). This means that you’ll get more traffic, and it will also provide more trust to new users by showing your reviews or other information about you.
Structured data will also allow you to control the information that’s understood on your site and how it’s defined. This doesn’t mean that you should lie about your company in your structured data, but the opposite. You can define exactly what your company is and does, meaning that you won’t be classified incorrectly in Google’s eyes and struggle to rank for the correct keywords.
There are 797 types of schema and 1,453 schema properties, so we won’t be listing them all here. Depending on your website and what you’re looking to achieve, the types that you use can vary. Here we’ve listed the schema that’s most often used by SEO professionals.
Within all of these examples, there are multiple options for different schema properties. These properties mean that you can also add extra rich results such as reviews to your schema.
At Wildcat Digital, our team of technical SEO experts can create the perfect structured data to allow Google to understand your site and serve a range of rich results. We don’t focus solely on this though, and we optimise our campaign strategy based on what your site requires. After all, your site is unique so your SEO strategy should be unique too.Get in touch with a member of our friendly team or visit our SEO page for more information.
SEO Account Manager
Founder
Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.
Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.
Content Strategist Team Lead
With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.
Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.
SEO Account Director
Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.
Head of Operations
Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business.
Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management.
In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.
PPC Team Leader
Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.
Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.
SEO Account Manager
Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.
In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.
Senior PPC Executive
Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat.
Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.
Senior SEO Executive
After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online.
Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music.
Senior SEO Executive
Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.
Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.
In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!
In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.
SEO Executive
Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management.
Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.
Client Success Coordinator
Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond.
Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.
Senior SEO Executive
Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go.
Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening.
PPC Executive
Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.
Head of Growth
Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.
Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.
SEO Executive
Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.
In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.
SEO Executive
Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.
In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!
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