How to test your structured data (and fix common errors)
Updated · 2 min read
Structured data only helps if it's valid and complete. A single missing comma can make a whole block unreadable, and missing fields mean search engines and AI assistants don't get the facts you intended.
Step 1: Check the page
Enter your page address into our free structured data checker. It lists each structured data block on the page, the types it found (such as LocalBusiness, FAQPage or Article), and any errors or missing fields.
For full validation, also use Google's Rich Results Test and the Schema Markup Validator.
Step 2: Fix the most common errors
- “Invalid JSON”: usually a missing or extra comma, a missing quote, or a curly quote pasted from a word processor. Regenerate the code rather than hand-editing it.
- Missing address or name on LocalBusiness: add the full street address, city, postcode and country.
- FAQ question without an answer: every question needs an acceptedAnswer with text.
- Product without offers or reviews: add a price (offers) or reviews, or remove the Product markup.
- No structured data at all: create it with the schema generator or FAQ schema generator.
Step 3: Check it matches reality
Structured data must describe what's actually on the page and in your listings. Make sure the name, address, phone number and hours match your Google Business Profile exactly, and that FAQ answers are visible on the page.
Step 4: Re-test after changes
Website builders, themes and plugins can add, duplicate or remove structured data when they update. Re-check key pages after any change to your site.
Questions
Is it a problem to have several structured data blocks on one page?
No, as long as they don't contradict each other. It's common to have Organization, WebSite and LocalBusiness blocks together. Watch out for plugins adding duplicate LocalBusiness blocks with different details.
What's the difference between JSON-LD and microdata?
Both are ways of adding structured data. JSON-LD is a separate block of code that's easier to maintain, and it's what Google recommends. Microdata is mixed into the page HTML.