Setting Up Yoast SEO on WordPress

Installing Yoast SEO

  1. Go to WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Add New.
  2. Search for “Yoast SEO”.
  3. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Configuring Yoast SEO

  1. Go to SEO > General in the dashboard.
  2. Click First-time SEO Configuration.
  3. Follow the wizard:
    • Select your site type (blog, business, etc.).
    • Enter organization or personal details.
    • Add social media links.
    • Choose what content should be indexed.


Optimizing a Post/Page with Yoast

  1. Create or edit a post or page.
  2. Scroll down to the Yoast SEO meta box.
    • Enter your main keyword.
    • Yoast will suggest improvements.

SEO Title & Meta Description/URL Slug

    • Click “Edit Snippet”.
    • Write a compelling SEO title (50-60 characters).
    • Add a meta description (150-160 characters).

    URL Slug

    • Keep it short and keyword-rich.
    • Example: yourwebsite.com/wordpress-seo-guide/.

Readability Optimization

  1. Check the Readability Score in the Yoast SEO box.
  2. Improve readability by:
    • Using short paragraphs (2-3 sentences).
    • Adding subheadings (H2, H3, etc.).
    • Writing in active voice.

Social Media Previews

  1. Click the Social tab in the Yoast SEO meta box.
  2. Add custom images for Facebook & Twitter.
  3. Write a title & description for social sharing.

Track SEO Performance

  • Use Google Analytics to monitor traffic.
  • Check rankings in Google Search Console.

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