When you search for something Google, you can usually count on the top few links to have the information you need. But how do you get your site at the top of a Google search? Top-ranking sites use Yoast for their SEO or Search Engine Optimization.
Top-ranking articles use keywords, phrases, and other strategies to rank higher on certain searches. This is the best way for your website to increase its traffic, without paying for search engine ads. You don’t have to become a top-ranking website on your own. You can use SEO content services like Yoast. Yoast makes it easy to upgrade your SEO, and become a leading website on a Google search.
What is Yoast?
Yoast is a WordPress plug-in to help your site’s SEO. Yoast is one of the most popular SEO content services because it is free and easy to use. This plug-in examines your website’s keywords, content, structure, and code to help your website rank higher on search engines.
If you have a self-hosted WordPress site, you can get started with Yoast today. The plug-in is free, but you can also pay for the premium feature and gain access to more tools.
We know that it can be hard when you are starting your SEO strategies. Yoast can be intimidating at first, but have no fear! We can help you out with the basics:
How to Use Yoast
To start, Yoast needs some key information. This way it can give you accurate SEO assistance. The SEO configuration workout is your perfect first step.
Yoast’s SEO Configuration Workout
With 5 easy steps, the SEO configuration workout will give you a headstart in the world of SEO. The configuration workout starts with SEO data optimization. When you share your data with Yoast, it will view your site the way Google does. Then, it will be able to provide accurate SEO tips.
If you have ever Googled a person or a business, you may have seen a Knowledge Graph. A Knowledge Graph is a block with key information on the right-hand side of Google. Tell the plug-in if your site is for a person or an organization, and it can form an optimal knowledge graph.
There are also many hidden aspects of SEO that this configuration workout will help with. A website needs both optimal content and well-structured data to succeed. You don’t need to be an expert in coding to have strong SEO. Yoast will provide Google with structured data. Google can then understand and rank your site easily. Search engines also use an XML sitemap to locate and organize your site’s information – Yoast will create this map for you!
Yoast will explain each step of the configuration workout as you go along. The SEO plug-in makes it easy for you to understand how to go about each step, and why it is important for your SEO. Once you have completed your SEO configuration workout, you can start writing!
Using Yoast’s Sidebar or Meta Box
When you create content in the WordPress Block editor, you will see the Yoast SEO sidebar on the right. This sidebar’s color-coded system gives SEO performance feedback in real-time. It will show you either green, orange, or red bullets. Green bullets mean that you get an A+ in that field of SEO. If the bullet is orange or red, the plug-in will provide tips on how to improve your SEO performance. There are four main fields that the SEO checker analyzes:
1. Focus Key Phrase
Before you start creating, Yoast recommends inputting your keyphrase in the sidebar. This key phrase is what you would expect someone to search so they find your content. The sidebar will gauge if you have used use your keyphrase enough, or even if have used it too much.
2. Readability Analysis
Top-performing articles are easy to read. Yoast analyzes your content to see if it is easy to understand. If your writing is too complex, the sidebar will give you tips on how to make your writing more reader-friendly.
3. SEO Analysis
Yoast will also look at your title and meta description. It will analyze any pictures or links you added to your content. The sidebar may advise you to add a key phrase into your title or provide a link to another article of your own.
4. Google Preview
Yoast will show you how your website will appear on Google. In this preview, you will be able to edit your title and meta description. This is your chance to advertise what your site is about and entice more readers.
Remember, you do not need to make every bullet green! It may be satisfying to receive a green bullet for every field. But, the bullet system does not promise a top-ranking website. Strong SEO increases your chances of ranking higher, but the reader’s experience is always a priority. Keep your keywords and site structure at the front of your mind. Then, do what you can to improve the other fields.
Wrapping Up
Now, you are well on your way to becoming an SEO expert! As you continue to implement Yoast’s SEO tips, you can become a master in SEO yourself. Don’t be too intimidated by the world of SEO. Yoast’s configuration workout, color-coded bullets, and dashboard can help you every step of the way.
You can also use SEO copywriting services like Content Cucumber to upgrade your site! Our writers know the ins and outs of SEO. We make sure you don’t have to worry about using the right number of keywords or keeping your content reader-friendly. Schedule a call with us to learn more SEO tips and tricks, and check out our Advanced SEO Techniques.