Search engine optimisation (SEO) is key to helping people find your WordPress site. It can feel like a lot to manage, but with a few key practices, you can improve your site’s rankings and visibility. Let’s walk through some practical SEO tips.
Install an SEO plugin
The easiest way to start with SEO on WordPress is to install an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO. These plugins guide you through optimising each post or page, helping you focus on the right keywords, meta descriptions, and readability.
Optimise your content for keywords
Choose a keyword or phrase for each page that reflects what people are searching for. Use this keyword in your headings, content, and meta description, but avoid overstuffing it. The content should still sound natural and relevant.
Create clean permalinks
A permalink is the URL for each page or post. Clean, concise URLs are better for SEO. Instead of a generic string of numbers, make sure your URLs include relevant keywords. You can change the permalink structure under “Settings” > “Permalinks.”
Optimise images with alt text
Search engines can’t “see” images, but they can read alt text (the text that describes an image). Add clear, descriptive alt text to every image you upload, and include your keywords where it makes sense.
Ensure your site is mobile-friendly
More users are browsing the web on mobile devices, and Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites in its rankings. Make sure your WordPress theme is responsive (most modern themes are), so your site adjusts to different screen sizes.
Improving your site’s SEO takes time, but these steps can make a big difference. Focus on optimising your content, using the right keywords, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly. With a few adjustments, you’ll start to see better search engine rankings.