Four levels of checking
Choose a type describing the page’s actual content. Google recommends JSON-LD among its accepted formats, but only certain uses have documented search features. The table separates frequently confused checks.
| Level | Question checked | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| JSON syntax | Does the text decode correctly? | Factual accuracy. |
| Schema.org vocabulary | Are types and properties suitable? | Support by a Google search feature. |
| Google eligibility | Are the intended feature’s rules met? | Actual display in searches. |
| Actual observation | Was an appearance observed? | Permanent display or display for every query. |
Keep data aligned with the page
- Connect each property to accurate, visible and current information. Do not invent reviews, qualifications or prices to fill markup.
- Check required properties and rules for the intended feature. An existing Schema.org type does not automatically mean a Google rich result is available.
- Use consistent entity identifiers and avoid conflicting blocks from different components. Also check language versions and URLs.
Monitor without promising visibility
Test rendered markup, then follow diagnostics and actual appearances in Search Console. Correct stale information alongside visible content. A successful test means a check passed, not a promise of positions, clicks or inclusion in generated answers.
Primary references
- Google Search Central — Introduction to structured data [EN]
- Google Search Central — Structured data guidelines [EN]
Test JSON-LD after a business-data change
Fictional example: these inputs describe no customer or observed result.
The displayed price changes, but a JSON-LD object built by another module retains the old value.
- Check a published page and its variants against visible price and the authorised business source.
- Restore consistency and check future data changes. Valid JSON does not establish that its values are true.
Primary reference: Google Search Central — General structured data guidelines. Related method: read the practical guide.