Optimizing WordPress with Yoast SEO Plugin

Jun 29, 2024

Optimizing WordPress with Yoast SEO Plugin 🎉

Instructor: Daryl Wilson

Overview

  • Optimize WordPress using Yoast SEO Plugin
  • Free plugin for SEO and indexing
  • Works with major search engines: Google, Yahoo, Bing
  • Supports Rich Snippets for clean search results

What You'll Learn

  1. Installation and configuration of Yoast SEO Plugin
  2. Integrating WordPress with Google Search Console, Pinterest, and Bing
  3. On-page optimization of pages and posts

Section 1: Installation and Configuration

Installation Steps

  • Go to Dashboard > Plugins > Add New
  • Search for 'Yoast' and install 'Yoast SEO Plugin'
  • Click on 'Install Now' and then 'Activate'
  • Access Yoast SEO settings from the dashboard or left-side menu
  • Go to 'General' and start SEO data optimization

First-Time Configuration

  • Select Site Representation (Business or Person)
  • Enter Site and Organization Name
  • Upload Organization Logo
  • Add Social Profiles (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • Decide on usage tracking and newsletter preferences

General Settings

  • Ensure SEO analysis, readability analysis, and insights are enabled
  • Set website name, alternative name for mobile, and tagline
  • Choose a default separator for titles
  • Set a site image for social media sharing
  • Update user roles for SEO settings access
  • Site Policies (Relevant for large news networks)

Section 2: Integrating with Google, Bing, and Pinterest

Google Search Console

  • Create a Gmail account
  • Add property using URL prefix
  • Verify ownership with HTML tag
  • Paste verification code in Yoast settings
  • Submit sitemap for indexing

Bing Webmaster Tools

  • Sign in with Microsoft account
  • Import data using Google Search Console integration
  • Verify ownership

Pinterest

  • Claim website by adding meta tag provided by Pinterest
  • Verify ownership periodically if errors occur

Submitting Sitemaps

  • Yoast Settings > XML Sitemap
  • Copy sitemap link
  • Submit sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools

Section 3: On-Page Optimization

Optimizing Pages

  • Go to Dashboard > Pages > All Pages
  • Edit page content, adjust SEO title and meta description
  • Use relevant keywords in title and description
  • Add specific content for social media previews (Facebook, Twitter)
  • Set schema type (usually 'Web Page')
  • Ensure advanced settings are left as default

Optimizing Posts

  • Edit post content, adjust SEO title and meta description
  • Use relevant keywords multiple times
  • Optionally include publication date in the title for relevance

Rich Snippets

  • Help in displaying structured data in search results
  • Adding quality content, rich media, and backlinks can enhance rich snippet appearance

Additional Tips

  • Use Google and Bing analytics to monitor impressions and clicks
  • Consistently update SEO titles and meta descriptions with relevant keywords
  • Regularly generate and submit updated sitemaps

Advanced Settings and Recommendations

  • Always redirect media pages to parent pages
  • Disable tags and taxonomy index to avoid duplicate content
  • Enable breadcrumbs if your theme supports it
  • Adjust settings for managing archives to prevent SEO penalties
  • Regularly review SEO reports for insights and issues

Conclusion

  • Yoast SEO plugin supports effective website optimization
  • Focus on quality content and on-page optimization
  • Regularly monitor and update site settings for best performance

Useful Resources: