Trying to improve SEO for my business site on WordPress. Any tips or methods that have worked for you?
SEO generally falls into three main areas: on-page optimization, Google listings and local citations, and off-page SEO (like backlinks and outreach). Focus on all three for the best results.
I used a free Ahrefs account and Rank Math for SEO. Following the basic guidelines, I got my site’s domain rating to 40 within six months—even with plenty of grammar mistakes in my content. SEO is all about consistency.
- Install an SEO plugin (Yoast, Rank Math, or The SEO Framework).
- Optimize meta titles, descriptions, and URLs.
- Write quality content that includes relevant keywords.
- Improve site speed and make sure it’s mobile-friendly.
- Use internal links and optimize your images with proper alt text.
Try The SEO Framework. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has no ads or unnecessary clutter. Does everything you need without the extra noise.
For on-page SEO, use Rank Math or Yoast, but remember to update your content regularly. For technical SEO and page speed, WP Rocket or NitroPack can help.
I’ve used Yoast’s free version for years, and it works well for basic SEO. But lately, Yoast feels cluttered with upsells. If I were starting today, I’d probably look at Rank Math or The SEO Framework instead.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Use a lightweight theme and avoid too many plugins.
- Do keyword research using Google Keyword Planner.
- Study your competitors’ SEO strategies.
- Write detailed, high-quality content that answers user questions.
- Optimize titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
- Improve site speed and make sure it’s mobile-friendly.
- Use Google Search Console and Analytics to track performance.
- Build quality backlinks over time.
- Regularly update and improve content based on traffic reports.
If you’re new to SEO, check out these beginner-friendly guides:
I don’t use SEO plugins. They’re not really needed. Semrush gives me all the insights I need, and I manually set meta titles and descriptions using WordPress’s custom fields. Less clutter, more control.
@Vaughn
How exactly do you set up custom fields for SEO? I’d love to avoid extra plugins if possible.
To improve SEO on WordPress:
- Add keywords naturally in post titles, headers, and throughout content.
- Optimize images with proper file names and alt text.
- Speed up your site—fast-loading sites rank better.
- Use an SEO plugin like AIOSEO if you want extra guidance.
Using an SEO plugin like Yoast or Rank Math makes things easier. They help you optimize meta descriptions, headings, and keywords while also providing readability tips. Besides that, focus on writing useful content and keeping your site fast.
Start with on-page SEO, then work on off-page SEO after a few months. Also, make sure to check for any technical SEO issues early on.
Jaime said:
Start with on-page SEO, then work on off-page SEO after a few months. Also, make sure to check for any technical SEO issues early on.
Off-page SEO should start immediately, not months later. The sooner you get backlinks, the better.