How to get Schema.org data into your how-to WordPress posts
Are you wondering what structured data can do for you? It can make your links more clickable when they appear in Google search results, which means more opportunities to convert viewers into contacts. In this article, we’ll show you how to install structured data on your website or blog.
Google is constantly finding new and interesting ways to show rich Search Snippets, and everybody wants to be included. There are no guaranteed ways to get in, but you can use this structured data hack to increase your odds and get more clicks. If you’re a blogger, you’ve probably been hearing EVERYONE say that you need to be using Schema.org’s HowTo structured data. But ‘Schema Markup’ seems really complicated… So, is it really such a big deal? Sorry, but YES. It is a big deal. But there’s good news. You no longer need to use code to get in the game. Also, it’s free.
Now you can use Schema.org Structured Data Without Knowing Code
It used to be really complicated to include this structured data, so most people just let it go, but there’s now a free way to get it onto your WordPress website! Now it’s so easy! Structured data encourages Google to include your post in the rich results revolution. So follow along with the simple tutorial below to get the most out of your appearance in search results.
2 TUTORIALS: Get Structured Data into Your WordPress Post for Free
There are two free ways to add structured data to your WordPress post.
- If you have the Elementor plugin on your website, use this method.
(It’s pretty fantastic, so if you don’t have it yet, why not take a moment to install it, then come back to this page and use this method?) - If you do not use the Elementor plugin on your website, use this method.
How Can I Get Structured How-to Data on my WordPress website if I DO use Elementor?
Time needed: 15 minutes.
- Create a New How-to Post or Edit an Existing Post
From the left-hand menu in your WordPress dashboard:
To add a new post: POSTS > ADD NEW > EDIT WITH ELEMENTOR
To edit an existing post: POSTS > ALL POSTS > Scroll over the post you want to add a How-to Schema box into and click EDIT > EDIT WITH ELEMENTOR
Before going to the next step, make sure the How-to post has all of your questions and answers typed out clearly, and you’re ready to publish. If you didn’t use a Q & A format, that’s okay. Just take a moment now to type a question (the one the How-to article explains), then and add the question into your post before you list the how-to steps.
- Click here to open a free tool created by Saijo George in a new window.
In that new window, copy/paste the questions and answers from your post (WITHOUT CHANGING THE TEXT AT ALL) into the Q & A boxes. Select MINIFIED, then COPY FAQ SCHEMA.
- Paste the code into an HTML block in your Elementor Text Editor
Hover over the top of any section of your post, and click the blue and white plus sign tab to add a section. Click the pink plus sign and choose any box structure you like (it doesn’t matter which. I just use the single box). When you click it, a new area will appear with a gray plus sign inside. Click that. In the search bar on the left, type in HTML and drag the </> HTML box into your post. Click on it and paste your code into the HTML Code window on the left.
- Click the green UPDATE button in the Elementor editor to publish your post
That’s it! The structured data is taken care of behind the scenes!
If you want to make sure it’s working, you can use Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
How Can I use the free Yoast SEO plugin to get structured How-to data on my WordPress website if I DO NOT use Elementor?
Time needed: 10 minutes.
- Install the Free Yoast SEO Plugin
Log into the dashboard of your WordPress website (yourdomain.com/wp-admin). On the left side of the dashboard, Click PLUGINS > ADD NEW. Type Yoast into the search bar and push return (or enter, if you’re not on a Mac). When you see the Yoast SEO plugin, push INSTALL NOW > ACTIVATE.
- Create a New Post or Edit an Existing Post
From the left-hand menu in your dashboard:
To add a new post:
POSTS > ADD NEWTo edit an existing post:
POSTS > ALL POSTS > Scroll over the post you want to add a How-to Schema box into and click EDIT. - Add the How-To Content Block
Click the plus sign at the top left of your Post Editing screen, type “Yoast” into the search bar, and click How-To. This How-to template will appear in your post.
- Fill In Your D.I.Y. or How-to Content
You can (optionally) type in how long your steps will take, and add in a title, description, and (optional) image for each step. Add in as many steps as you need by clicking ADD STEP.
- Publish Your Post
The structured data is taken care of behind the scenes!
If you want to make sure it’s working, you can use Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
Did that work for you?
Let me know which method you used and how it went! And if this was useful for you, please consider supporting this project, either on Patreon, or by sharing our website with friends (with those colorful share tabs on the left). You can read about other ways to help here.