How to Set Up Yoast SEO in WordPress

Yoast SEO is one of the most popular WordPress plugins for improving your site’s search engine visibility. It helps you set meta titles and descriptions, generates XML sitemaps, and provides real-time content analysis. dotCanada recommends it as an excellent starting point for any site focused on organic search.

Installing Yoast SEO

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for Yoast SEO.
3. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Initial Configuration

1. After activation, a notice will appear to run the setup wizard. Click Start first-time configuration.
2. Select your site type (blog, online store, news site, etc.).
3. Enter your organization or personal name and upload a logo if applicable.
4. Set your social media profile URLs so Yoast can link them to your site in search results.
5. Complete the wizard and save your settings.

Key Features to Configure

• Meta titles and descriptions: Edit any post or page and scroll to the Yoast SEO box below the editor. Set a focus keyword, meta title, and description.
• XML Sitemap: Enabled by default. Find your sitemap at yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml. Submit it to Google Search Console.
• Breadcrumbs: Enable under Yoast SEO > Settings > Breadcrumbs and add the breadcrumb code to your theme.

For help connecting your sitemap to Google Search Console, contact our support team.