Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your website show up in search engine results like Google when users look for relevant topics. In this lesson, you’ll install Yoast SEO, configure the basic settings, and learn how to add keywords and meta descriptions to optimize your pages for better visibility.
Step 1: Understand SEO Basics
SEO = Search Engine Optimization.
Think of SEO like telling Google what your page is about.
Example: If someone searches for “planted tulips,” Google looks for pages that talk about “planted tulips” multiple times and ranks them higher.
SEO makes it easier for new visitors to find your site.
Step 2: Install and Activate Yoast SEO Plugin
Go to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
Search for “Yoast SEO”.
Click Install, then Activate.
Step 3: Walk Through the Yoast Setup Wizard
After activation, click Start First Time Configuration.
Follow the steps:
Site type: Choose Organization or Person.
Website name and Organization name: Fill these in.
Upload your logo if you haven’t already.
Add your social profiles (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
Opt-in for SEO tips (optional).
Finish and go to your SEO Dashboard.
Step 4: Basic Settings to Confirm
In Yoast > Settings:
Make sure SEO analysis and Readability analysis are On.
Choose a title separator (like a vertical bar
|for a clean look).Add a default site image under Site Basics (for pages with no featured image).
Set up or double-check your social handles.
Important:
- Leave Crawl Optimization settings alone unless you are an SEO expert.
- Leave Advanced Settings (Breadcrumbs, Archives, Media Pages) at default unless you know what you are changing.
Step 5: Setting SEO for Individual Pages
Go to Pages > pick a page like your Home page.
Click Edit (not Edit with Elementor).
Scroll down to find the Yoast SEO box.
Inside Yoast:
Focus Keyphrase: Add the main keyword (e.g., “planted tulips”).
SEO Title: Customize if needed (it auto-fills with page title + site name).
Slug: Customize the page URL if necessary (shorter is better).
Meta Description: Write a short paragraph enticing users to click your link.
Make sure it includes your keyword naturally.
Example meta description:
“Find the best planted tulips for your backyard with our expert gardening tips!”
Step 6: Understand the Yoast Traffic Light System
Green Smiley Face = Good SEO!
Orange Face = Needs improvement.
Red Face = SEO problems.
Common issues Yoast checks:
Keyphrase missing from headings.
Keyphrase missing from the first paragraph.
Not enough text on the page.
No internal or outbound links.
Images missing alt text.
Step 7: How Your Page Will Look on Google
Under the Preview section:
See what your page will look like on Mobile and Desktop in search results.
Edit your SEO Title and Meta Description for maximum click appeal.
Step 8: Social Sharing Settings
In Yoast, you can upload a special image for how your page will look when shared on Facebook or X (Twitter).
Write a social title and social description too if you want.
Homework & Action Items
Install and activate the Yoast SEO plugin.
Complete the Setup Wizard for your site.
Add SEO settings (focus keyphrase, SEO title, meta description) for at least two pages.
Check that each page’s Yoast score is green or orange (not red).
Add featured images to your pages (if you haven’t already).
Write meta descriptions that clearly describe what each page is about.
Run a search preview and adjust the title/description if needed.
Bonus: Add a social share image for your Home page.