Why Are You Getting Schema Errors & Warnings?

Structured data, or schema markup, is an important part of modern SEO, as around 70% of search engine results page is dominated by instances(eg-panels) with rich results.

It helps search engines understand your website's content and display rich snippets in search results. However, errors and warnings in schema implementation can compromise your website's visibility and cause frustration. Understanding the causes and solutions for schema errors can help you maintain a well-optimized website.

This article breaks down the reasons you might encounter schema errors and warnings, provides examples of common mistakes, and offers practical solutions.

What Are Schema Errors and Warnings?

Schema errors occur when your structured data markup does not comply with Schema.org guidelines or search engine requirements. Warnings indicate potential issues that may not invalidate your schema but could affect its effectiveness.

Why It Matters:

• Search Engines: Errors can prevent your structured data from being read, reducing your chances of appearing in rich results like star ratings, product details, or FAQs.

• User Experience: Accurate schema ensures better representation of your content in search results, enhancing click-through rates.

You're future-proofing your website for the voice search revolution with schema markup—an essential step for both today and tomorrow.

Our expert SEO team is ready to guide you through the process of implementing schema. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to schedule a meeting with us -

What Is The Difference Between Schema Errors & Schema Warnings?

Schema Errors

These occur when required properties in your structured data are missing or contain invalid values, rendering the markup non-compliant with Schema.org guidelines. Such errors can prevent your content from being eligible for rich results in search engine listings.

Example:

If a Product schema lacks the mandatory name property:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "price": "19.99"
}

Issue: The "name" property is missing, leading to a schema error.

Fix: Include the required name property:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Sample Product",
  "price": "19.99"
}

Schema Warnings

Warnings arise when recommended (but not mandatory) properties are missing or improperly formatted. While they don't disqualify your content from rich results, addressing them can enhance the quality and completeness of your structured data.

Example:

A Recipe schema missing the optional video property:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Recipe",
  "name": "Chocolate Cake",
  "recipeIngredient": ["2 cups flour", "1 cup sugar", "2 eggs"]
}

Issue: The "video" property is absent, resulting in a schema warning.

Fix: If available, add the video property to provide a richer user experience:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Recipe",
  "name": "Chocolate Cake",
  "recipeIngredient": ["2 cups flour", "1 cup sugar", "2 eggs"],
  "video": {
    "@type": "VideoObject",
    "name": "Chocolate Cake Recipe Video",
    "contentUrl": "https://www.example.com/video/chocolate-cake"
  }
}

What Are Schema Errors & Its Causes?

Schema errors indicate non-compliance with Schema.org guidelines. Errors often arise from missing required properties, using deprecated elements, syntax mistakes, or conflicting markup. These issues can prevent search engines from properly parsing your structured data.

Common Causes of Schema Errors and Fixes:

1. Missing Required Properties:

Issue: Mandatory fields for certain schema types are missing.

Example:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "price": "29.99"
}

Problem: The "name" property is missing, causing an error.

Fix:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Wireless Headphones",
  "price": "29.99"
}

2. Using Deprecated or Invalid Properties:

Issue: Outdated properties that are no longer supported by Schema.org.

Example:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "highPrice": "150.00"
}

Problem: "highPrice" is deprecated.

Fix:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "150.00",
    "priceCurrency": "USD"
  }
}

Explanation: Replace deprecated properties with current ones like offers.

Webrex SEO Optimizer ensures your website’s structured data is always up to date by automatically removing outdated schemas, integrating the latest ones, and enhancing existing schemas for optimal performance. Unlike most tools that rely on outdated schemas, Webrex keeps your site aligned with the latest standards, giving you a competitive edge in search rankings and maximizing your website's visibility.

3. Syntax Errors:

Issue: Incorrect formatting, such as missing commas or brackets.

Example:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product"
  "name": "Smart Watch",
  "price": "99.99"
}

Problem: Missing comma after "@type": "Product"

Fix:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Smart Watch",
  "price": "99.99"
}

Explanation: Ensure correct JSON-LD syntax with proper punctuation.

4. Conflicting or Duplicate Markup

Issue: Applying multiple, conflicting schema types to the same content.

Example:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Yoga Mat"
}

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Service",
  "name": "Yoga Mat Cleaning"
}

Problem: Conflicting Product and Service schema types.

Fix:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Yoga Mat",
  "category": "Fitness Equipment"
}

Explanation: Use a single schema type or clearly distinguish the items.

Schema Warnings

Schema warnings are less severe than errors. They indicate missing optional fields or suggest improvements to your structured data. Fixing warnings can enhance the quality of your schema and improve the likelihood of appearing in rich results.

Common Causes of Schema Warnings and Fixes:

1. Missing Recommended Properties:

Issue: Optional but recommended fields are not included.

Example:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Recipe",
  "name": "Pancakes",
  "recipeIngredient": ["Flour", "Milk", "Eggs"]
}

Problem: The name property is missing, causing an error.

Fix:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Wireless Headphones",
  "price": "29.99"
}

Explanation: Include optional fields if available to enrich the content.

2. Using Generic Types Instead of Specific Ones:

Issue: Using Event instead of a more specific type like MusicEvent.

Example:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Event",
  "name": "Music Concert",
  "startDate": "2024-12-01"
}

Problem: Using Event instead of a more specific type like MusicEvent.

Fix:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "MusicEvent",
  "name": "Music Concert",
  "startDate": "2024-12-01"
}

Explanation: Replace deprecated properties with current ones like offers.

3. Incomplete Offers Data:

Issue: Missing optional but useful information in the offers property.

Example:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Smartphone",
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "499.99"
  }
}

Problem: Missing priceCurrency property.

Fix:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Smartphone",
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "499.99",
    "priceCurrency": "USD"
  }
}

Explanation: Adding optional fields like priceCurrency makes the markup more complete.

Regularly auditing and validating your website's structured data using tools like Google's Rich Results Test or Schema Markup Validator can help identify and resolve these issues, ensuring that your content is accurately represented in search results.

How to Detect Schema Errors

Use these tools to validate and troubleshoot your schema markup:

1. Google’s Rich Results Test: Identify errors in rich result-eligible structured data.

2. Schema Markup Validator: Validate your JSON-LD against Schema.org standards.

3. Browser Developer Tools: Inspect structured data directly in your site's HTML.

Tips for Avoiding Schema Errors

1. Follow Schema.org Guidelines: Always refer to the latest definitions and examples.

2. Test Frequently: Use validation tools before and after implementing structured data.

3. Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates to schema types and properties.

4. Use Plugins (if applicable): Platforms like WordPress have plugins (e.g., Yoast SEO) to automate schema markup.

Webrex Schema SEO Optimizer:

Webrex Schema SEO Optimizer stands out by providing flawless schema implementation with zero errors. Unlike other Shopify SEO apps, which often have issues like missing required fields or outdated markup, Webrex ensures that all schema types are compliant with the latest Schema.org guidelines. It not only eliminates errors but also goes a step further by including the best optional schema properties, enhancing your website’s structured data for maximum visibility. With Webrex, you get a fully optimized schema setup that helps your site appear in rich search results like star ratings, FAQs, and product details, giving you a competitive edge in search engine performance.

Conclusion

Schema markup errors and warnings can hinder your website's performance in search results. By understanding the common causes—missing properties, deprecated types, syntax errors, conflicting markup, and hidden content—you can ensure your structured data is compliant and effective. Regular validation and adherence to Schema.org standards are key to avoiding these pitfalls and enhancing your site's visibility.

Invest the time to audit and optimize your structured data—it pays dividends in SEO performance and user engagement.