LocalBusiness schema guide for AI search
Updated July 1, 2026 · 5 min read
LocalBusiness schema is structured data that describes a business's name, address, phone, hours, geo-location, and type, making these facts machine-readable so engines can confidently surface you in local and 'near me' answers. Implement it with accurate, complete details that exactly match your listings elsewhere (NAP consistency), include opening hours and geo-coordinates, and validate it - inconsistent local data is a top reason engines hesitate to surface a business.
Key takeaways
- LocalBusiness schema makes NAP, hours, and location machine-readable for local AI answers.
- Consistency is everything - the details must match your listings across the web (NAP consistency).
- Include address, phone, opening hours, geo-coordinates, and the specific business type.
- Inconsistent or conflicting local data is a top reason engines won't surface you.
- Match the page, keep hours current, and validate the markup.
What LocalBusiness schema does
LocalBusiness schema (and its specific subtypes like Restaurant or Dentist) tells engines the core facts of a physical business: name, address, phone, hours, location, and type. For local and 'near me' queries - which are a huge share of AI and voice search - this machine-readable clarity helps engines confidently understand who and where you are, and surface you for relevant local questions.
Key properties
Capture the facts a local searcher needs:
- name, address (full structured postal address), and telephone.
- openingHours / openingHoursSpecification - kept current.
- geo coordinates (latitude/longitude) for precise location.
- The most specific business type (e.g. Restaurant, Dentist) rather than generic LocalBusiness.
Consistency is the whole game
The single biggest factor for local trust is consistency - your name, address, and phone (NAP) matching exactly across your site, your listings, and directories. Engines corroborate local businesses against many sources, and conflicting details (a different phone here, old hours there) make them hesitant to surface you. LocalBusiness schema only helps if the facts it states agree with everywhere else you appear.
Keep it current and validate
Hours change, businesses move - keep the markup current, especially opening hours and any temporary changes. Use the most specific business subtype for clarity, match the visible page, and validate with a structured-data testing tool. Accurate, consistent, current LocalBusiness schema is foundational for winning local and voice answers.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most important thing for LocalBusiness schema?
Consistency - your name, address, and phone (NAP) must match exactly across your site, listings, and directories. Engines corroborate local businesses across sources, and conflicting details make them hesitant to surface you. Schema only helps if it agrees with everywhere else.
Should I use LocalBusiness or a more specific type?
Use the most specific applicable subtype (e.g. Restaurant, Dentist, Plumber) rather than generic LocalBusiness - it gives engines clearer understanding of what you are, which helps for relevant local queries.
What properties are essential?
Full structured address, telephone, opening hours (kept current), geo-coordinates, and the specific business type. These are the facts local and 'near me' answers rely on.
Does LocalBusiness schema help with voice search?
Yes - a large share of voice queries are local ('near me', 'what time does X open'). Accurate, consistent LocalBusiness data helps engines confidently surface you in those spoken answers.
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