How to Configure Basic SEO in WordPress

Introduction Assuming you already have Yoast SEO installed and your site is connected to Google Search Console, this guide will show you how to optimize your pages and posts: setting SEO titles, meta descriptions, generating and locating your sitemap, and using Yoast’s built‑in analysis tools.

1. Set Page Titles and Meta Descriptions

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Pages or Posts and click Edit on the item you want to optimize.

2. Scroll down to the Yoast SEO box below the content editor.

3. Click Edit snippet.

4. SEO title: Enter a clear, keyword‑rich title (e.g., About Us - YourSiteName). Yoast will show a preview of how it appears in search results.

5. Slug: Adjust the URL if needed (keep it concise and relevant).

6. Meta description: Write a summary of 120–160 characters that includes your primary keyword and entices clicks.

7. Click Close snippet editor.

Tip: Aim for green bars in Yoast’s snippet preview — it indicates optimal length and keyword usage.

2. Locate Your XML Sitemap

1. In the WordPress sidebar, hover over SEO and click General.

2. Go to the Features tab and ensure XML sitemaps is enabled.

3. Click the question‑mark icon next to XML sitemaps, then select See the XML sitemap.

4. Your sitemap URL (e.g., yourwebsite.com/sitemap_index.xml) will open in a new tab.

Note: With Google Search Console already connected, your sitemap should auto‑update there. No further submission is needed.

3. Use Yoast’s SEO Analysis

1. While editing a page or post, click the SEO tab in the Yoast box.

2. Review the checklist of suggestions (e.g., use your focus keyword in the first paragraph, add internal links, optimize image alt text).

3. Click on each recommendation to get details on how to improve.

4. Update your content based on the feedback, and watch the traffic‑light icon turn green.

4. Improve Readability

1. In the Yoast box, switch to the Readability tab.

2. Follow suggestions such as using shorter paragraphs, adding transition words, and breaking up long sentences.

3. Yoast highlights problem areas and gives concrete tips—aim for a green score here too.

5. Configure Advanced Settings (Optional)

1. Breadcrumbs: If your theme supports them, go to SEO > Search Appearance > Breadcrumbs to enable and customize.

2. Social Metadata: Under SEO > Social, connect your Facebook and Twitter accounts to control how links appear on social platforms.

3. Bulk editor: Use SEO > Tools > Bulk editor to quickly update titles and descriptions site‑wide without opening each page.

Congratulations! You’ve optimized your WordPress pages and posts using Yoast SEO’s powerful features. Regularly check the SEO and Readability tabs as you create or update content to keep your site search‑friendly. If you need more advanced strategies, feel free to reach out!