Genesis 2.0 is loaded with the latest web code standards. When 2.0 is released, the framework will be supporting HTML5 and Schema.org microdata.
HTML5, Oh Yeah!
Here’s the deal. There is NOTHING magical about HTML5. Having the Genesis Framework updated to HTML5 is not going to add some magical code to your site that will make it do something new. It is simply the updated standards for HTML.
The current standard, HTML4 introduced us to XML markup. It has been the basis of web development since 2000.
HTML5 is an updated standard. It is a more semantic markup. This makes the web markup more logical and uniform. Using tags that describe the content makes the code more understandable by search engines and computers. The HTML5 standards are designed to bring about a more semantic web that is better suited for computers.
There are a ton of added features that HTML5 will bring to the world and Genesis will now be able to access those features.
Schema Baby!
Search engines are trying to deliver the most relevant content to you as you search. One of the ways they are attempting to do this is by asking you to include some added markup that helps them know what the content is about. This microdata wraps around your content and gives very specific clues as to what the information is related to.
The Genesis Framework will now come with this microdata built in for blogs. But what was exciting to hear from Nathan is that you can filter and add or change the microdata for your specific needs.
Brian illustrated this with the example of a food blog. Imagine you are talking about a recipe. With microdata, you can make sure the search engines know which content is ingredients, baking time, description, chef, etc. When they generate the SERPS, this will be included.
Having this microdata will help give you a boost in search through SEO. It is one of the most exciting additions to the Genesis 2.0 to me. I can’t wait to begin using it and updating client sites.
Theme Me!
When 2.0 is released, there will be a release of new themes that take advantage of this new structure and metadata. There are several new themes in development and ready to release.
Brian also indicated that some of the best selling themes will be updated and re-released.
Sound Off . .
What are you excited about, confused about or wondering about Genesis 2.0? Share in the comments and we will try to get you an answer.
Genesis 2.0 will be released 5 – 10 days after WordPress 3.6 is released. Keep an eye peeled for these releases!
Really really great Hangout. Listened to it over coffee this morning. Thanks for posting it Alan.
Glad you enjoyed. I was so happy to hear what they had to say about Genesis 2.0. I am very excited about the schema.org microdata that is included. That is going to really help us Genesis users moving forward.
Alan,
Any Idea on how they will streamline the Schema tools? I’ve been using the Schema plugin for WP (created by Raven) and it easily allows inputting of information in a form – and then Viola! Schema.
Thoughts on how this will play out? Will each Schema have to be a custom function? For example, if I want to use Schema organization (for a locale), will I have to write my own function?
Would love to know what you think.
Eli
I know that there is certain schema built into Genesis 2.0 for blog related post. There have been a few developers who have put out Schema plugins for Genesis that will allow you to custom the microdata for your specific needs. You can also create custom functions with custom post types that will add the microdata for your post type.
I was happy to see StudioPress pushing forward with Schema and rolling into 2.0. I think it will make Genesis Framework users much more successful with SEO.
I think that the use of plugins for specific purposes will be the way most users go. For those who like to develop or tinker under the hood, custom functions will be the way.
Great video. So does the schema markup depend on the site owner implementing HTML5 in Genesis 2 ?
Yes. You have to have Genesis 2.0 installed and HTML5 activated in the theme in order to enable the schema microdata. By default, the blog post will have schema data added.