Knowledge Graph
A Knowledge Graph is a structured database that organizes information into "entities" (people, places, things) and the relationships between them (e.g., "CEO of," "Located in"). It allows search engines and AI to understand the meaning behind data, rather than just matching keyword strings.
The Brain of Modern Search and AI
Knowledge Graphs are how Google "knows" that searching "Tom Cruise" should show his movies, height, and spouse—not because of keywords, but because these entities are linked in its Knowledge Graph. When you implement JSON-LD schema, you're essentially contributing facts to Google's Knowledge Graph and creating your own entity relationships. This is critical for both traditional SEO (powers the sidebar Knowledge Panel) and GEO (gives AI models structured facts to cite). Brands that define their Knowledge Graph explicitly control how search engines and AI models understand and present their business.
Traditional Database vs. Knowledge Graph
Real-World Impact
Website has unstructured text: "John founded Acme in 2020"
Google can't create Knowledge Panel
No rich SERP features, generic search result
Add JSON-LD: "John" --(founder)--> "Acme", "foundingDate": "2020"
Google builds Knowledge Graph entity
Knowledge Panel appears, AI cites facts accurately