Markup lifecycle

Reference

Structured data is not a one time task. This workflow covers the full lifecycle from the first decision through ongoing monitoring.

Lifecycle diagram

flowchart TD
  A[Identify the primary entity] --> B[Select the most specific type]
  B --> C[Map page content to properties]
  C --> D[Choose a syntax]
  D --> E[Write the markup]
  E --> F[Validate]
  F -->|errors| E
  F -->|clean| G[Deploy to production]
  G --> H[Confirm in production]
  H --> I[Monitor for errors over time]
  I -->|template or content change| C
  I -->|stable| I

Stages

1. Identify the entity. Decide what the page is fundamentally about.
2. Select the type. Use the type hierarchy to find the most specific accurate type.
3. Map content to properties. List every visible fact you want machines to read, then map each to a property.
4. Choose a syntax. See the choosing a format workflow.
5. Write the markup. Follow the relevant SOP.
6. Validate. Resolve all errors.
7. Deploy and confirm. Verify the production page emits the markup that you validated.
8. Monitor. Templates and content edits can change output. Re validate after changes.

Done when

• Production pages emit validated markup.
• A monitoring or re validation step is in place for future content changes.