=== Schema & Structured Data Suite: Rich Snippets Made Simple ===
Contributors: caterhamcomputing
Donate link: https://ccplugins.co.uk/donate/
Tags: schema, structured data, json-ld, rich snippets, schema markup
Requires at least: 6.4
Tested up to: 6.9
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 1.1.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Add schema markup and structured data (JSON-LD) to WordPress. Create rich snippets for FAQ, HowTo, Article and more with a lightweight plugin.

== Description ==

**Schema & Structured Data Suite: Rich Snippets Made Simple** helps you add powerful, standards-compliant schema markup and structured data (JSON-LD) to your WordPress site without relying on bloated SEO plugins or external tracking services.

This plugin is part of the **CC Plugins** family of privacy-focused WordPress tools from Caterham Computing. It was formerly known as **CC Schema & Structured Data Toolkit**.

Designed with performance, privacy and flexibility in mind, this plugin lets you control exactly what schema is output on each page — while keeping your site lightweight and compliant.

Unlike many alternatives, this plugin:
- does **not track users**
- does **not rely on third-party APIs**
- does **not inject unnecessary scripts**

Everything runs locally and cleanly.

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### 🚀 Key Features

#### 📄 Page-Level Schema (Gutenberg Sidebar)
Add structured data directly within the editor:

- Article / BlogPosting
- TechArticle
- WebPage
- FAQPage (with automatic detection)
- HowTo
- Service
- AboutPage
- ContactPage

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#### 🖼️ Schema Image Support
- Use a custom schema image URL where useful
- Falls back to the featured image automatically
- Adds image data to Article and TechArticle schema
- Adds primary image data to WebPage schema

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#### 🧠 Smart FAQ Detection
- Detects FAQ content from:
  - headings + paragraphs
  - accordion blocks (WordPress, Kadence, Spectra, Stackable)
- Select or deselect detected questions easily
- Built for real-world content, not just ideal examples

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#### 🌐 Site-Wide Schema
Configure global schema from the settings page:

- Organization
- LocalBusiness
- WebSite
- BreadcrumbList (optional)

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#### ⚠️ Schema Validation
- Detects conflicting schema types
- Provides helpful warnings in the editor
- Prevents common structured data mistakes

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#### ✨ Clean JSON-LD Output
- Outputs a single structured `@graph`
- No duplication or fragmentation
- Fully compatible with schema.org standards

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#### 🔌 Developer Friendly
- Built with extensibility in mind
- Filters available for:
  - schema nodes
  - schema graph
  - settings
  - validation rules

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#### 🔒 Privacy First
- No cookies
- No tracking
- No remote requests
- No external dependencies

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### 💡 Perfect for

- SEO-conscious websites
- privacy-focused projects
- developers who want full control
- users who want structured data without complexity

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### ⚡ Lightweight Alternative to Heavy SEO Plugins

If you only want structured data without the overhead of large SEO suites, this plugin provides a focused and efficient solution.

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== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin files to `/wp-content/plugins/cc-schema-structured-data`
2. Activate the plugin through the WordPress admin
3. Go to **Settings → CC Schema**
4. Configure site-wide schema (optional)
5. Edit any post or page and use the schema sidebar

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== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= What is structured data? =
Structured data helps search engines understand your content better by providing additional context using schema.org standards.

= Does this plugin guarantee rich results in search engines? =
No. Structured data makes your content eligible for enhanced results, but search engines decide whether to display them.

= Do I need coding knowledge to use this plugin? =
No. You can add and manage schema using the Gutenberg sidebar and settings page.

= Does this plugin work with page builders? =
Yes. It works with content created in Gutenberg and can detect FAQ patterns from common block-based builders.

= Will this slow down my site? =
No. The plugin is lightweight and does not load unnecessary scripts or external resources.

= Can I use this alongside another SEO plugin? =
Yes, but avoid enabling duplicate schema types to prevent conflicts. The plugin will warn you if potential conflicts are detected.

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== Screenshots ==

1. Schema settings page with tabbed interface
2. Adding schema types in the Gutenberg sidebar
3. FAQ detection and selection interface
4. Example JSON-LD output in page source

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== Changelog ==

= 1.1.0 =
- Added TechArticle schema for technical documentation, coding tutorials and developer guides.
- Added schema image URL fields for Article, TechArticle and WebPage.
- Added primaryImageOfPage output for WebPage schema when an image is available.
- Improved schema conflict handling so TechArticle is treated as an article-style primary type.

= 1.0.1 =
- Renamed plugin to Schema & Structured Data Suite: Rich Snippets Made Simple.
- Updated repository tags and description to better reflect schema markup, JSON-LD and rich snippets use cases.
- Added former plugin name reference for continuity.

= 1.0.0 =
- Initial public release
- Page-level schema support (Article, FAQ, HowTo, Service, etc.)
- Site-wide schema (Organization, LocalBusiness, WebSite)
- Smart FAQ detection
- Schema validation warnings
- Tabbed settings interface
- Privacy-first architecture

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== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.1.0 =
Adds TechArticle schema and image support for stronger structured data on technical content.

= 1.0.1 =
Renamed plugin for clearer repository positioning and updated readme keywords.

= 1.0.0 =
Initial release of CC Schema & Structured Data Toolkit.
