Using Enumeration Values
Overview
When creating schema markup for your website, certain schema properties (such as availability, dayOfWeek, eventStatus, and itemCondition) require specific, pre-defined enumeration values. Instead of manually copy-pasting these values, you can now select them directly from a convenient drop-down menu. This streamlined approach reduces errors, improves consistency, and speeds up your tagging process. This guide explains why you should leverage this feature, the steps involved in using it, and provides clear definitions to help you understand the key terms.
Why You Need This Feature
Time-Saving Efficiency:
Manually entering enumeration values can be tedious and prone to typos. Using drop-down menus allows you to quickly select the correct values for properties like 'Item Condition' or 'Day of Week' without additional hassle.
Consistency Across Schemas:
When you choose from pre-defined options, you ensure that the values are standardized across different schema types—be it Product Schema, Event Schema, or Job Posting Schema. This consistency is crucial for reliable data processing by search engines.
Improved Accuracy:
Pre-defined enumeration values help reduce errors, ensuring that the generated schema (in your schema.json file) includes the exact, correct values as expected by various search engines and data consumers.
Better Readability:
The simplified interface with a drop-down improves the readability of your schema markup in the editor, making it easier for you to review and verify the data before publishing.
List of Enumerations
dayofWeek
applicationCategory
actionPlatform
bookFormat
eventStatus
eventAttendanceMode
employmentType
educationalProgramMode
itemCondition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Accessing the Enumeration Drop-down
Background:
To begin using this feature, navigate to the schema property that requires an enumeration value. The editor will display a drop-down list next to these properties if they have pre-defined values available.
How to Begin:
Open your schema editor where you are creating or editing schema markup.
Locate the schema property (for example, availability or dayOfWeek) that supports enumeration values.
Step 2: Selecting an Enumeration Value
Objective:
To ensure that you select a valid, pre-defined value for the schema property without copy-pasting manually.
Process:
Click on the Drop-down Arrow:
Next to the schema property, click on the drop-down arrow. This will display the list of available enumeration values.
Select the Appropriate Value:
Browse through the list and click the value that matches the information you wish to tag.
Confirmation:
Once selected, the chosen value is automatically added to the property in the schema markup.
Background:
This direct selection not only saves time but also guarantees that the value conforms to the required standard. This is particularly important for properties that have strict format specifications, such as Day of Week.
Step 3: Verifying and Publishing Your Schema
Objective:
Ensure that your schema markup is correct and ready for deployment.
Process:
After selecting all necessary enumeration values using the drop-downs, review your schema markup in the editor.
Click “Save & Generate” (or the equivalent action) to compile your schema into the final schema.json format.
Verify that the generated schema includes the exact enumeration values you selected. This step confirms that the tagging process was successful.
Background:
Properly generating the schema ensures that the pre-defined enumeration values are correctly embedded in your markup, which helps search engines understand and process your structured data accurately.
Glossary
Enumeration Values:
Pre-defined, standardized options that can be selected for specific schema properties. Examples include values for properties such as availability, dayOfWeek, eventStatus, etc.
Schema Markup:
Structured data added to web pages to help search engines understand the content and context of the page, often leading to enhanced display in search results.
Drop-down Menu:
A user interface element that allows you to choose one value from a list of pre-defined options, ensuring standardized input for schema properties.
Save & Generate:
The process of finalizing your tagged data into complete schema code that can be embedded into your webpage.
Tips for Success
Always Verify:
After selecting an enumeration value, double-check that the correct value appears in the schema markup.
Maintain Consistency:
Use the drop-down for all eligible properties to ensure consistency across different pages and schema types.
Review Regularly:
Periodically review your schema markup using testing tools to ensure that the pre-defined values are correctly applied and recognized.
Leverage the Feature:
Embrace this simplified approach to save time and reduce manual errors, especially when dealing with multiple schema properties across your website.