More visibility in Google thanks to structured data: 35% higher CTR in 4 weeks

Why do some websites get stars, prices, and answers directly in Google, while your site remains invisible? The secret lies in structured data - a simple code that can increase your CTR by 35% without an extra advertising budget. Schema markup tells Google exactly what your pages contain, resulting in striking rich snippets that generate more clicks.

💡 Key takeaway: Structured data is the most underestimated SEO tactic of 2025 for SMEs that want to accelerate organic growth.

What is structured data?

Structured data is a standardized way to label information on your website so that search engines understand exactly what each page contains. This is done via schema markup according to Schema.org standards.

Google's algorithm increasingly relies on structured data for accurate answers. According to research by Data World, AI systems with knowledge graphs achieve 300% higher accuracy than systems without structured data.

“Structured data helps our systems better understand content and can result in more prominent display via rich results and AI Overviews. It is a direct investment in future visibility.”

— Danny Sullivan, Google's Public Liaison for Search

Why structured data is crucial in 2025

AI Overviews dominate search results

Google's AI Overviews appear in 15% of all searches and use structured data as a primary source. By zero-click search optimization, you position content for AI-generated answers.

Voice search is exploding

35% of all searches happen via voice search in 2025. Voice traffic converts 3x better because users have more specific intent. LocalBusiness schema is essential for "near me" queries.

Visual search is growing exponentially

Google Lens uses structured data for visual search results. Product schema with ImageObject markup opens new traffic channels outside traditional text search.

E-E-A-T signals strengthen

Google's E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is increasingly valued. Structured data strengthens these signals via Author markup, Organization schema, and Review aggregation.

Proven results from practice

E-commerce: Product schema

Shopify webshops see dramatic CTR improvements with Product schema. Stars and prices in search results directly attract more clicks.

Result: 25-40% higher CTR for product pages

Local businesses: LocalBusiness schema

Address, opening hours, and contact details are prominently displayed in local search results. Perfect for local SEO strategies.

Result: 30% more local visibility

Content sites: FAQ schema

FAQ markup ensures that answers appear directly in Google. This increases authority and combines perfectly with conversion optimization.

Result: 35% more featured snippet appearances

“Implementing structured data without testing is like writing code without debugging. The results are measurable: customers see an average of 30% CTR increase within 4 weeks.”

— Bart Goethals, Technical SEO Consultant at iO

Implementation in 4 steps

Step 1: Choose schema types

Most relevant for SMEs:

• Product: E-commerce products with prices/reviews

• LocalBusiness: Local businesses with opening hours

• FAQPage: Frequently Asked Questions

• Article: Blog articles and content

• Service: B2B services

• Event: Workshops and courses

Step 2: Tools and implementation

Simple methods:

• Google Structured Data Markup Helper

• Shopify apps for e-commerce

• WordPress plugins (Yoast, RankMath)

• Google Tag Manager for flexible management

Advanced:

• Directly in HTML for complete control

• Programmatically via APIs for large sites

Step 3: Testing and validation

Mandatory tools:

• Google Rich Results Test

• Schema.org Validator

• Google Search Console Structured Data report

💡 Pro tip: Always test before publication to avoid Google penalties.

Step 4: Monitor and optimize

Track via Google Search Console:

• CTR changes per page

• Rich snippet appearances

• Error messages and warnings

Integrate data into your digital marketing analyses for a complete overview.

Advanced strategies for 2025

Combining multiple schema types

Product pages can combine Product + FAQ + Review schema for maximum rich snippet coverage.

AI-friendly optimization

GEO-targeting (Generative Engine Optimization):

• Fill in all schema properties, not just required fields

• Consistency across all pages and platforms

• Real-time updates for fresh data

• Contextual linking to knowledge graphs

Emerging schema types

Stay up to date with new developments:

• HealthAndSafetyGuidelines for post-COVID

• SustainabilityPlan for sustainable e-commerce

• DigitalService for online services

ROI and measurable results

Investment vs. Return

Costs:

• Implementation: 2-8 hours per page type

• Testing: 1-2 hours per implementation

• Maintenance: 1 hour per month

Benefits:

• 20-35% CTR increase

• Improved local search visibility

• Future-proof SEO strategy

• Increased authority and trust signals

KPIs for success

• Organic CTR per rich snippet page

• Featured snippet appearances

• Voice search traffic growth

• Local search ranking improvements

Monitor via performance marketing dashboards for complete ROI insight.

Avoiding common mistakes

❌ Incomplete markup - Fill in all relevant fields

❌ Incorrect schema types - Use the most specific type available

❌ Inconsistent data - Sync markup with visible content

❌ No maintenance - Update with price changes and new content

Structured data as a growth strategy

Structured data works best as part of a holistic digital strategy:

• AI automation for efficient implementation

• Technical SEO for solid foundations

• Performance marketing for rapid growth

• LinkedIn marketing for B2B authority

Action plan for this week:

1. Audit your top 10 pages for schema opportunities

2. Implement LocalBusiness/Organization schema on homepage

3. Test markup with Google Rich Results Tool

4. Monitor results in Search Console

Conclusion

Structured data is no longer a nice-to-have, but essential for organic growth in 2025. AI-driven search engines rely on schema markup for accurate answers, voice search optimization, and visual discovery.

Start today with an audit of your most important pages. The investment in structured data pays for itself within weeks via higher CTR, better rankings, and increased authority.

Ready for implementation? Schedule a call to use structured data as part of your complete growth strategy.

Frequently asked questions about structured data

• What exactly is structured data?

  Structured data is standardized code (schema markup) that helps search engines understand your content and display it as rich snippets.

• How quickly will I see results?

  Rich snippets can appear within 1-4 weeks. CTR improvements are often measurable within 2 weeks.

• Does structured data influence my rankings?

  Not directly, but indirectly through higher CTR and better user signals. AI Overviews do use schema markup as a ranking factor.

• What tools do I need?

  Start for free with Google's Structured Data Markup Helper and Schema.org validator. Specific apps exist for Shopify.

• Is maintenance complex?

  Minimal. You only need to update your markup when prices change, new products are added, or company information is updated.

• Can I implement it myself?

  Basic implementation via CMS plugins can be done yourself. Technical knowledge is useful for more complex sites.

• Which schema types are a priority?

  E-commerce: Product schema. Local businesses: LocalBusiness. Content sites: Article + FAQ schema.

• Can too much structured data be harmful?

  Only incorrectly implemented markup harms rankings. Use relevant schema types that match visible content.

• How do I measure success?

  Monitor CTR in Google Search Console, track rich snippet appearances, and measure conversions from organic traffic.

• Does it work for local SEO?

  Absolutely. LocalBusiness schema is crucial for local pack rankings and Google Business Profile integration.

🚀 Get better results from AI, online marketing and e-commerce

Do you have ideas you want to implement faster? Do you want more leads, smarter marketing, or to better utilize AI in your company? We actively collaborate with you. Discover what AI can do for your growth, online marketing or e-commerce.

💬 Prefer to discuss things directly? Schedule a no-obligation video call with Frederiek.

👉 Or ask your question via the contact form, email frederiek@clickforest.com, or call +32 473 84 66 27.

📄 Looking for inspiration? Download our free whitepaper 'AI for SMEs in 2025' for practical tips & insights.

Together, we'll explore how you can get more out of your marketing, technology, and AI today.

Sources and references

Structured data and schema markup

• Google for Developers: "Introduction to how structured data markup works" - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/intro-structured-data

• Search Engine Land: "Structured data and SEO: what you need to know in 2025" - https://searchengineland.com/structured-data-seo-what-you-need-to-know-447304

• Schema.org: "Structured data vocabulary for search engines" - https://schema.org/

Rich snippets and CTR improvement

• Search Engine Land: "How to get a 30% CTR increase with structured markup" - https://searchengineland.com/how-to-get-a-30-increase-in-ctr-with-structured-markup-105830

• Backlinko: "What is click-through rate (CTR) and how to improve it" - https://backlinko.com/what-is-ctr

• All About AI: "Do rich snippets help SEO - boost CTR and maximize visibility" - https://www.allaboutai.com/ai-seo/rich-snippets-guide/

Local SEO and LocalBusiness schema

• Dalton Luka: "LocalBusiness schema markup for SEO with templates" - https://daltonluka.com/blog/local-schema-markup

• Bird Marketing: "Using structured data for local SEO" - https://bird.marketing/blog/digital-marketing/guide/local-seo/structured-data-local-seo/

SEO trends and visibility

• Smart Insights: "SEO CTR statistics to inform your 2024 SEO strategy" - https://www.smartinsights.com/search-engine-optimisation-seo/seo-analytics/comparison-of-google-clickthrough-rates-by-position/

• Channelwill: "Rich snippets SEO 2025: 4 steps to boost your website's CTR" - https://www.channelwill.com/blogs/rich-snippets-seo-2025-4-steps-to-boost-your-websites-ctr/