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, UseLocalBusinessfor most,FoodEstablishmentfor 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