Local Business Schema: Complete Implementation Guide

If you run a local business, local schema markup is non-negotiable in 2025. It's the #1 factor for getting cited by AI, and Duda's research proves it: sites with local schema get 400% more AI crawler visits.

What is Local Business Schema?

Schema is structured data (code) that tells search engines and AI: your business name, address, phone number, hours, services, and more. It's like giving AI a business card — clear, structured, machine-readable.

Why Bother?

Without Schema	With Schema
AI guesses your info	AI knows exactly
Inconsistent listings	Consistent everywhere
Hard to cite	Easy to reference
0% visibility boost	+400% crawler visits

How to Add Schema (3 Methods)

Method 1: Use a Plugin (Easiest)

WordPress: Install "Schema Pro" or "WP Schema Pro", fill in business details, save. Wix/Squarespace: Look for "Business Info" or "SEO" section, fill details, publish.

Method 2: Google's Structured Data Markup Helper

Go to Google's Markup Helper
Select "Local Business"
Enter your info
Copy the generated JSON-LD code
Paste into your site's <head> section

Method 3: Manual Code

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "LocalBusiness",
  "name": "Your Business Name",
  "image": "https://yourdomain.com/logo.png",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "streetAddress": "123 Main Street",
    "addressLocality": "City",
    "addressRegion": "ST",
    "postalCode": "12345",
    "addressCountry": "US"
  },
  "telephone": "+1-555-123-4567",
  "url": "https://yourdomain.com",
  "openingHours": "Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00, Sa 10:00-15:00",
  "priceRange": "$$",
  "servesCoverageArea": {
    "@type": "AdministrativeArea",
    "name": "City, State"
  }
}
</script>

Required Fields (Minimum)

Field	Example
`@type`	`LocalBusiness`
`name`	Your business name
`address`	Full street address
`telephone`	`+1-555-123-4567` (E.164 format)
`url`	`https://yourdomain.com`

Test Your Schema

Use Google's Rich Results Test: paste your URL, click "Test URL", check for errors/warnings, fix any issues.

Common Mistakes

Wrong @type — Use LocalBusiness for most, FoodEstablishment for restaurants
Missing phone format — Use +1-555-123-4567 (E.164 format)
Incomplete address — Include street, city, state, zip
Old schema version — Use @context: "https://schema.org"
Placed in body — Must be in <head> section

TL;DR Checklist

Add LocalBusiness schema to homepage
Include name, address, phone, hours
Test with Google Rich Results Test
Verify no errors
Keep updated when info changes

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