Semantic code refers to writing HTML and programming code that clearly describes its meaning and purpose, making it easier for both humans and machines to understand. In web development, semantic HTML elements like header, article, footer, and nav convey the role of each section of content. Unlike generic div or span tags, these elements provide inherent meaning, enabling search engines, screen readers, and other tools to interpret the structure and content of a web page more effectively. Semantic code improves accessibility by assisting assistive technologies in delivering a better user experience to individuals with disabilities. It also aids search engine optimization (SEO) by giving crawlers clear indicators about the hierarchy and significance of content on a webpage.
Using Schema.org markup on a webpage enhances its visibility and functionality by providing structured data that helps search engines understand the content more effectively. Schema.org is a standardized vocabulary that can be embedded into HTML using formats like JSON-LD, Microdata, or RDFa to describe specific types of information, such as articles, events, products, reviews, or recipes. When implemented correctly, it enables rich search results, such as displaying ratings, images, event dates, or product prices directly in search engine results pages (SERPs). This not only improves the user experience by providing more relevant and detailed previews but also increases the likelihood of higher click-through rates. Additionally, Schema.org markup aids voice search and AI assistants in delivering precise answers, making it an essential tool for modern SEO strategies.