Yoast Schema Markup
Yoast schema markup is the structured data Yoast SEO adds to WordPress pages so search engines can better understand a site, page type, and content relationships.
Key takeaways
- Yoast schema markup is JSON-LD structured data added automatically by the Yoast SEO plugin.
- Correct site identity (Organization or Person) is the foundation of good schema output.
- You can set default schema types per content type and override per page in the metabox.
- Always validate your schema with Google Rich Results Test or Schema Validator.
- Common mistakes: wrong site identity, missing logo/author data, and mismatched schema types.
Yoast SEO automatically generates JSON-LD structured data for every page, helping search engines understand your content and potentially qualify for rich results.
What Yoast Schema Markup Is Used For
- Define site identity – Set your site as an Organization or Person, including name, logo, and social profiles.
- Add page-level schema – Choose schema types like Article, BlogPosting, or WebPage for each post/page.
- Enable rich result blocks – Use HowTo and FAQ structured data blocks for eligible search features.
- Maintain schema consistency – Site-wide defaults ensure all pages inherit correct schema references.
Quick Start: Configure Yoast Schema Markup
- Go to Yoast SEO → Settings → Site Representation
- Choose Organization or Person – Match your actual business or personal brand.
- Fill in name, logo, and social profiles – Incomplete data weakens schema output.
- Set default schema types – Under Content Types, assign Article, BlogPosting, etc. for Posts and Pages.
- Validate with Google Rich Results Test – Paste a page URL to check for errors or warnings.
When Not to Start Here
- You don’t use WordPress – Yoast is a WordPress plugin only.
- You need advanced custom schema – For complex schemas like Product, Event, or LocalBusiness, consider a dedicated schema plugin or manual JSON-LD.
- You want to learn schema fundamentals first – Start with the [Schema](/schema) guide before diving into plugin-specific settings.
Alternatives to Yoast Schema Markup
| Tool | Best For | |------|----------| | Rank Math | Built-in schema module with more schema types and local SEO support | | Schema Pro | Custom schema types and advanced mapping for WooCommerce, events, etc. | | Manual JSON-LD | Full control over schema output; no plugin dependency |
Next step
FAQ
Does Yoast schema markup guarantee rich results?
No. Valid markup is required but does not guarantee rich results. Google decides eligibility based on content quality and relevance.
Can I customize schema types per page?
Yes. In the Yoast metabox, you can set page type and article type for each post or page.
What if my schema output is missing or wrong?
Common causes: incorrect site representation settings, conflicting plugins, or misconfigured custom post types. Check Yoast settings and validate with Google Rich Results Test.
Related topics
Sources
- Yoast Help: Implementing schema with Yoast SEO — Primary product documentation for how Yoast configures schema, site representation, and structured data blocks.
- Google Search Central: Structured data — Google’s official guidance on how structured data works and how it relates to search features.
- Google Search Central: Introduction to rich results — Explains rich result eligibility and why valid markup does not guarantee display.
- Schema.org — Canonical vocabulary reference for schema types and properties used in JSON-LD.
Reviewed by Lucía Marín, Founding editor.