To use Yoast SEO, install and activate the plugin, run its setup wizard (site type, organisation or person, logo, social profiles), then on each page or post set a focus keyphrase, write an SEO title under about 60 characters and a meta description under about 155 characters, and fix the most important suggestions in the SEO and readability analysis. Connect Google Search Console and submit Yoast’s sitemap, found at /sitemap_index.xml.
- Run the first-time configuration wizard.
- Write unique titles and descriptions for every page.
- The traffic lights are guidance, not rules.
- Submit /sitemap_index.xml in Search Console.
- Helpful content matters more than a green light.
What should you set up first?
- Install Yoast SEO and open the configuration wizard.
- Choose organisation or person, add name and logo.
- Add social profiles.
- Check Search Appearance settings for post types you want indexed.
- Submit the sitemap in Google Search Console.
How do you optimise a page with Yoast?
| Field | Tip |
|---|---|
| Focus keyphrase | The main search phrase, for example “dentist in Uttara” |
| SEO title | Keyphrase first, brand last, about 60 characters |
| Slug | Short, keyphrase-based |
| Meta description | Benefit and call to action, about 155 characters |
| Headings | One H1, clear H2s |
| Internal links | Link to related pages |
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Should you chase green lights?
Imagine forcing a keyphrase into every paragraph to get a green light. The text reads awkwardly and visitors leave. Yoast’s checks are helpful hints, but Google’s guidance is to write for people first. A natural, helpful page with an amber light often outperforms a stuffed page with a green one. Next: permalinks and the WordPress SEO checklist.
Want to learn WordPress SEO faster with a tutor?
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Frequently asked questions
How do I set up Yoast SEO?
Install the plugin, run the configuration wizard, set your organisation details and submit /sitemap_index.xml in Search Console.
What is a focus keyphrase in Yoast?
The main search phrase you want a page to rank for.
Do I need all green lights in Yoast?
No. They are guidance; natural, helpful content matters more.
Where is the Yoast sitemap?
At yoursite.com/sitemap_index.xml.
Sources
Live 1-to-1 WordPress and Elementor lessons on your own site, from $40. Every lesson recorded. Beginners welcome.
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Tanvir H is a Bangladesh-based WordPress and Elementor web designer with 7+ years of experience, 650+ projects and a 4.9 client rating. New websites, redesigns, fixes, speed, security and SEO, handled by one expert who explains everything in plain English and works with clients worldwide.
