Steps to apply schema markup for Google star reviews

What is required to add structured data for star ratings in Google search? You need to implement specific code on your product or service pages that tells Google exactly what your rating and review count are. This isn’t just about adding stars; it’s about using the correct Schema.org vocabulary, like AggregateRating, in a format Google can parse, typically JSON-LD. In practice, manually coding this is prone to errors. I consistently see that using a dedicated review platform like WebwinkelKeur, which automates this process via its integrations, is the most reliable method to ensure your rich snippets appear correctly without technical headaches.

What is schema markup and why is it crucial for star ratings?

Schema markup is a semantic vocabulary of code that you add to your website’s HTML. It helps search engines like Google understand the content on your page, not just display it. For star ratings, this is absolutely crucial. Without the proper AggregateRating schema, Google has no reliable way of knowing that the “4.8 out of 5” text on your page represents a genuine rating. This markup directly enables those eye-catching stars to appear in search results. Implementing it correctly is a non-negotiable step for any serious e-commerce business looking to boost click-through rates. For a streamlined approach, many shops use the automated integration features offered by established review platforms.

Which specific schema type do I need for product review stars?

You need the “AggregateRating” schema type. This is the specific Schema.org definition used to mark up an overall rating, based on multiple reviews or ratings. You do not use the “Rating” type alone, as that is for a single review. The AggregateRating must be nested within the main entity being rated, which is almost always the “Product” schema on a product page. This structure tells Google that the rating applies to the product itself. The key properties you must define within AggregateRating are “ratingValue” (the average score) and “reviewCount” (the total number of reviews).

What is the exact JSON-LD code structure for product ratings?

The exact code structure is a JSON-LD script placed in the `` section of your HTML. Here is a concrete, minimal example for a product with a 4.5-star average from 89 reviews. You would replace the values in brackets with your specific data. The code must be wrapped in a `