Schema Markup Templates for Zero-Click Recovery
Optimized JSON-LD schema templates to improve visibility in zero-click search results
By: Andrew Sturgeon, Head of SEO Strategy | Updated: July 2025
Optimized JSON-LD schema templates to improve visibility in zero-click search results
By: Andrew Sturgeon, Head of SEO Strategy | Updated: July 2025
Proper schema markup is essential for improving visibility in zero-click search results. These templates are specifically designed to enhance entity recognition, improve featured snippet eligibility, and increase the likelihood of being cited in AI-generated answers.
Always replace placeholder values (indicated by [brackets]) with your actual content before implementation. Test all schema using Schema.org Validator and Google's Rich Results Test.
This enhanced Organization schema establishes your business as a recognized entity in Google's Knowledge Graph, increasing the likelihood of appearing in branded searches and being cited in AI-generated answers.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Organization",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/#organization",
"name": "[Your Company Name]",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/",
"logo": "https://[yourdomain.com]/logo.png",
"slogan": "[Your Company Slogan]",
"description": "[Comprehensive company description with key services/products]",
"foundingDate": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"founders": [
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "[Founder Name]",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.linkedin.com/in/[founderprofile]/",
"https://twitter.com/[founderhandle]"
]
}
],
"address": {
"@type": "PostalAddress",
"streetAddress": "[Street Address]",
"addressLocality": "[City]",
"addressRegion": "[State]",
"postalCode": "[Zip/Postal Code]",
"addressCountry": "[Country]"
},
"contactPoint": {
"@type": "ContactPoint",
"telephone": "+1-[phone]",
"contactType": "customer service",
"email": "contact@[yourdomain.com]",
"availableLanguage": ["English"]
},
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/[yourcompany]/",
"https://twitter.com/[yourcompany]",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/[yourcompany]/",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/[yourchannelid]"
],
"knowsAbout": ["[Topic 1]", "[Topic 2]", "[Topic 3]", "[Topic 4]", "[Topic 5]"],
"areaServed": [
{
"@type": "GeoCircle",
"geoMidpoint": {
"@type": "GeoCoordinates",
"latitude": "[latitude]",
"longitude": "[longitude]"
},
"geoRadius": "[radius in meters]"
}
],
"award": ["[Award 1]", "[Award 2]"],
"member": [
{
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "[Industry Association]"
}
]
}
Include the "knowsAbout" property with highly specific topics related to your expertise. This helps search engines understand your authority in specific knowledge domains.
This article schema template is designed to maximize the chances of your content being featured in featured snippets and cited in AI-generated answers.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"mainEntityOfPage": {
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/[article-url]/"
},
"headline": "[Article Headline - Keep under 110 characters]",
"description": "[Clear, comprehensive description that summarizes the main points]",
"image": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/images/[image-filename].jpg",
"width": "1200",
"height": "630"
},
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "[Author Name]",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/authors/[author-page]/",
"jobTitle": "[Author Title/Position]",
"description": "[Author bio highlighting relevant expertise]",
"knowsAbout": ["[Topic 1]", "[Topic 2]", "[Topic 3]"],
"sameAs": [
"https://www.linkedin.com/in/[authorprofile]/",
"https://twitter.com/[authorhandle]"
]
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/#organization"
},
"datePublished": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"dateModified": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"keywords": "[keyword1], [keyword2], [keyword3], [keyword4], [keyword5]",
"articleSection": "[Article Category/Section]",
"wordCount": "[Total word count]",
"speakable": {
"@type": "SpeakableSpecification",
"cssSelector": ["h1", "h2", ".speakable-summary"]
},
"citation": [
{
"@type": "CreativeWork",
"name": "[Source Name]",
"url": "https://[source-url.com]"
}
],
"about": {
"@type": "Thing",
"name": "[Main Topic/Entity]",
"description": "[Brief description of the main topic/entity]"
},
"mentions": [
{
"@type": "Thing",
"name": "[Entity Mentioned 1]"
},
{
"@type": "Thing",
"name": "[Entity Mentioned 2]"
}
]
}
The "speakable" property is particularly important for voice search optimization. Also, include the "citation" property to show that your content cites authoritative sources, increasing your own perceived authority.
This enhanced FAQ schema is designed to capture featured snippet placement while encouraging click-through with strategically crafted answers.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "[Question 1 - Phrased exactly as users would search]",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "[Answer with first 40-50 words providing direct information, followed by text suggesting additional valuable details on your page. Include your brand name in the answer where natural.]"
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "[Question 2 - Phrased exactly as users would search]",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "[Answer with first 40-50 words providing direct information, followed by text suggesting additional valuable details on your page. Include your brand name in the answer where natural.]"
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "[Question 3 - Phrased exactly as users would search]",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "[Answer with first 40-50 words providing direct information, followed by text suggesting additional valuable details on your page. Include your brand name in the answer where natural.]"
}
}
]
}
Structure FAQ answers using the "Partial Value + Curiosity Hook" formula: First provide genuine value that could appear in a featured snippet, then create curiosity about additional information available on your page. Example: "The three main types of zero-click searches are featured snippets, knowledge panels, and direct answers. Our research has shown surprising differences in how each type impacts traffic, with some actually increasing clicks by up to 43% when properly optimized using the techniques detailed below..."
This HowTo schema provides comprehensive information while encouraging users to click through for the complete guide.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "[How To Title]",
"description": "[Comprehensive description of what this guide helps users accomplish]",
"totalTime": "PT[X]H[Y]M",
"estimatedCost": {
"@type": "MonetaryAmount",
"currency": "USD",
"value": "[Cost or 'Free']"
},
"tool": [
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "[Tool/Resource 1]"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "[Tool/Resource 2]"
}
],
"supply": [
{
"@type": "HowToSupply",
"name": "[Supply/Prerequisite 1]"
},
{
"@type": "HowToSupply",
"name": "[Supply/Prerequisite 2]"
}
],
"step": [
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/[article-url]/#step1",
"name": "[Step 1 Title]",
"itemListElement": {
"@type": "HowToDirection",
"text": "[Detailed instructions for step 1 with just enough information to be valuable, but indicating more detailed guidance is available in the full article]"
},
"image": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/images/step1.jpg",
"width": "800",
"height": "600"
}
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/[article-url]/#step2",
"name": "[Step 2 Title]",
"itemListElement": {
"@type": "HowToDirection",
"text": "[Detailed instructions for step 2 with just enough information to be valuable, but indicating more detailed guidance is available in the full article]"
},
"image": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/images/step2.jpg",
"width": "800",
"height": "600"
}
}
]
}
For HowTo schema, structure the steps so that the first 1-2 steps provide complete information, but later steps include phrases like "You'll need to consider several factors when..." or "Follow our detailed process below to ensure..." which encourage users to click through for the complete instructions.
This product schema is optimized for both e-commerce visibility and entity recognition in knowledge panels.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Product",
"name": "[Product Name]",
"image": "https://[yourdomain.com]/images/[product-image].jpg",
"description": "[Detailed product description with key features and benefits]",
"brand": {
"@type": "Brand",
"name": "[Brand Name]"
},
"manufacturer": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "[Manufacturer Name]"
},
"model": "[Model Number/Name]",
"productID": "[Product SKU]",
"sku": "[Product SKU]",
"gtin13": "[Global Trade Item Number]",
"releaseDate": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"category": "[Product Category]",
"color": "[Color]",
"material": "[Material]",
"size": "[Size]",
"weight": {
"@type": "QuantitativeValue",
"value": "[Weight Value]",
"unitCode": "[Unit Code]"
},
"height": {
"@type": "QuantitativeValue",
"value": "[Height Value]",
"unitCode": "[Unit Code]"
},
"width": {
"@type": "QuantitativeValue",
"value": "[Width Value]",
"unitCode": "[Unit Code]"
},
"depth": {
"@type": "QuantitativeValue",
"value": "[Depth Value]",
"unitCode": "[Unit Code]"
},
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/products/[product-url]/",
"priceCurrency": "USD",
"price": "[Price]",
"priceValidUntil": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"itemCondition": "https://schema.org/NewCondition",
"availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
"seller": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "[Your Company Name]"
},
"hasMerchantReturnPolicy": {
"@type": "MerchantReturnPolicy",
"returnPolicyCategory": "https://schema.org/MerchantReturnFiniteReturnWindow",
"merchantReturnDays": 30,
"returnMethod": "https://schema.org/ReturnByMail",
"returnFees": "https://schema.org/FreeReturn"
}
},
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": "[Average Rating Value]",
"reviewCount": "[Number of Reviews]",
"bestRating": "5",
"worstRating": "1"
},
"review": [
{
"@type": "Review",
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "[Reviewer Name]"
},
"datePublished": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"reviewRating": {
"@type": "Rating",
"ratingValue": "[Rating Value]",
"bestRating": "5",
"worstRating": "1"
},
"reviewBody": "[Review Content]"
}
]
}
This enhanced Person schema establishes your content creators as recognized authorities, increasing the likelihood of citation in AI-generated answers.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Person",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/team/[person-name]/#person",
"name": "[Full Name]",
"givenName": "[First Name]",
"familyName": "[Last Name]",
"alternateName": "[Nickname or Professional Name, if applicable]",
"jobTitle": "[Current Position]",
"worksFor": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "[Organization Name]",
"url": "https://[organizationdomain.com]/"
},
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/team/[person-name]/",
"image": "https://[yourdomain.com]/images/team/[person-image].jpg",
"description": "[Comprehensive bio highlighting expertise, experience, and credentials]",
"sameAs": [
"https://twitter.com/[handle]",
"https://www.linkedin.com/in/[profile]/",
"https://www.facebook.com/[profile]/"
],
"alumniOf": [
{
"@type": "EducationalOrganization",
"name": "[University/College Name]",
"sameAs": "https://[university.edu]/"
}
],
"knowsAbout": ["[Knowledge Area 1]", "[Knowledge Area 2]", "[Knowledge Area 3]"],
"award": ["[Award or Recognition 1]", "[Award or Recognition 2]"],
"memberOf": [
{
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "[Professional Association 1]"
},
{
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "[Professional Association 2]"
}
],
"hasCredential": [
{
"@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential",
"name": "[Certification/Credential 1]",
"credentialCategory": "[Category]",
"recognizedBy": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "[Issuing Organization]"
}
}
],
"workExample": [
{
"@type": "CreativeWork",
"name": "[Notable Work 1]",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/[work-url]/"
}
]
}
The "knowsAbout" and "hasCredential" properties are particularly important for establishing subject matter expertise that can influence AI citation patterns. Be very specific with knowledge areas to establish your authors as authorities in niche topics.
This example demonstrates how to nest multiple schema types for maximum entity relationship clarity.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/[page-url]/#webpage",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/[page-url]/",
"name": "[Page Title]",
"description": "[Page Description]",
"isPartOf": {
"@type": "WebSite",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/#website",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/",
"name": "[Site Name]",
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/#organization"
}
},
"primaryImageOfPage": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/images/[featured-image].jpg",
"width": "1200",
"height": "630"
},
"datePublished": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"dateModified": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"about": {
"@type": "Thing",
"name": "[Main Topic]"
},
"mainEntity": {
"@type": "Article",
"mainEntityOfPage": {
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/[page-url]/#webpage"
},
"headline": "[Article Headline]",
"description": "[Article Description]",
"image": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://[yourdomain.com]/images/[article-image].jpg",
"width": "1200",
"height": "630"
},
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/team/[person-name]/#person"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"@id": "https://[yourdomain.com]/#organization"
},
"datePublished": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
"dateModified": "[YYYY-MM-DD]"
},
"speakable": {
"@type": "SpeakableSpecification",
"cssSelector": ["h1", "h2", ".article-summary"]
}
}