What schema markup is, in plain English
Schema markup is a short block of code that tells search engines exactly what a page is about: this is a plumber in Darlington, open 8 to 6, with this phone number. People never see it. Google uses it to understand your page and, for some types, to show richer results like star ratings, prices or event dates.
Does schema help with ChatGPT and Google’s AI?
Honestly, not directly. Google’s guide to its AI features (May 2026) says you don’t need special schema to appear in AI Overviews or AI Mode. What helps is a site that’s easy to read and accurate. Correct schema is part of that: it removes doubt about who you are, where you are and what you do, which is exactly what assistants need before they recommend a business.
Types that no longer earn rich results
Google has removed many rich result types, so don’t spend time on these expecting a visual boost:
- FAQPage: rich results stopped for almost all sites in May 2026. Keep FAQs on the page if they help visitors, but the markup won’t change how you look in Google.
- HowTo: removed in 2023.
- Course info, ClaimReview, estimated salary, learning video, special announcement and vehicle listing: removed in June 2025.
Tips for good structured data
- Only describe what’s really on the page. Reviews, prices and opening hours must match what visitors see.
- Use one block per thing. A home page usually needs LocalBusiness or Organization, not both.
- Add your official profiles (Google Business Profile, Facebook, LinkedIn, Companies House) under “Other profiles”. It helps search engines connect the dots.
- Test it with Google’s Rich Results Test after you publish.
Sources
- Google Search Central: LocalBusiness structured data
- Google Search Central: structured data search gallery
- Google Search Central: optimising for generative AI features
- Search Engine Land: Google removes more search features
- schema.org: LocalBusiness
By the Spyglo Team · Facts checked 10 October 2026