Local Business Schema: What to Add and How to Test It
Local business schema explained: which fields to include, a simple JSON-LD example, how to add and test it, and the rules to follow.
Short answer: local business schema is structured data, usually in JSON-LD format, that tells search engines your business name, type, address, phone, hours, service area and website in a format machines can read. Add it to your home page and contact page, use the most specific business type that fits, and test it with Google’s Rich Results Test.
What to include
- @type: the most specific type, for example Plumber, Electrician, HVACBusiness, RoofingContractor, HousePainter, Locksmith or MovingCompany. Use LocalBusiness if nothing fits.
- name, url, telephone
- address (if you show it publicly)
- areaServed: the cities you cover
- openingHoursSpecification
- logo and image
- sameAs: links to your Google profile, Facebook, Yelp and other official profiles
- priceRange, if you are comfortable sharing it
A simple example
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Plumber",
"name": "Summit Plumbing",
"url": "https://example.com/",
"telephone": "+1-555-010-0199",
"areaServed": ["Mesa", "Gilbert", "Chandler"],
"openingHours": "Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00"
}Our free local business schema generator writes the full version for you.
How to add it
- Generate the code.
- Add it to your home page, or site-wide with your SEO plugin.
- Test the page with Google’s Rich Results Test or the Schema Markup Validator.
- Keep it in step with your Google Business Profile whenever details change.
Rules to follow
- Only mark up information that is visible and true.
- Do not add fake reviews or ratings to your own schema.
- Match your name, address and phone exactly to your profile. See NAP consistency.
Frequently asked questions
Will schema make me rank higher?
Not on its own. It helps search engines and AI tools understand your business clearly, which supports everything else you do.
Does schema help with AI answers?
Clear, structured facts make your business easier to understand and cite. See GEO vs SEO.
Do I need FAQ schema too?
It is useful on pages with real FAQs. Google shows FAQ rich results only for some sites, but the structure still helps.
Want it done for you?
Schema is included in our local SEO service. Ask for a free audit.
Written by Qasim Qureshi, founder of Synova Digital, who has six years of hands-on experience in local SEO and Google Business Profiles for service businesses.