Effectively Using Yoast in WordPress: Tips and Tricks 

Yoast SEO is a powerful and indispensable tool for anyone using WordPress who wants to improve the visibility of their website. With a combination of easy-to-use features and advanced settings, Yoast SEO gives you the tools you need to create optimized content. Whether you’re new to SEO or have experience, Yoast helps you with everything from choosing the right keywords to analyzing readability and improving social media previews. 

Yoast SEO is a powerful and indispensable tool for anyone using WordPress who wants to improve the visibility of their website. With a combination of easy-to-use features and advanced settings, Yoast SEO gives you the tools you need to create optimized content. Whether you’re new to SEO or have experience, Yoast helps you with everything from choosing the right keywords to analyzing readability and improving social media previews. 

This article will take you through the most important features and settings in Yoast SEO, and give you practical tips for getting the most out of the tool. We’ll start with how to get started, before diving into specific features like the page editor, backend settings, and advanced optimization techniques. 

Get started with Yoast 

Yoast SEO is designed to be easy to use, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced SEO. Once you’ve installed and activated the plugin, Yoast is automatically available in the WordPress page and post editor. This is the first place you’ll encounter most of its features. 

When you open a post or page, you'll find the Yoast panel below the editor. From here, you can: 

• Optimize for keywords: Specify which keyword or phrase you want to rank for. 

• Customize how the page appears in search results: Adjust SEO title and meta description. 

• Set alternative image for sharing on social media: Ensure that shares on platforms like Facebook and X look professional. 

This interface gives you clear feedback through color codes (green, orange, red), indicating how well your content is performing and where it can be improved. The panel is divided into several sections, which we will go through in detail below. 

To get started with Yoast, you should: 

1. Open/create an existing page or post in WordPress. 

2. Navigate to the Yoast panel at the bottom of the page. 

3. Start filling in the fields for keywords, SEO title, and meta description. 

 
If you don't see the Yoast panel, check the display settings in the WordPress editor and enable it from there. 

With these simple steps, you're already well on your way to using Yoast to improve your website's visibility and attract more visitors. 

 
The fields in the Yoast panel 

Focus keywords 

Focus keywords are the cornerstone of Yoast SEO. Here you specify which keyword or phrase you want to rank for. Yoast then analyzes your content based on that keyword and provides feedback to ensure it is well optimized. 

What is a good focus keyword?

A good keyword is a word or phrase that: 

• Is relevant to your content. 

• Has a significant search volume, so many users are searching for it. 

• Not being overly competitive, especially if your website is new or has low domain authority.

How to choose keywords?

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to find keywords. Remember to choose words that reflect the purpose of your content, such as “best running shoes” if you’re writing a review of running shoes. 

Optimal use of the keyword: 

Include the keyword in the heading (H1), some of the subheadings (H2, H3), and spread it naturally throughout the content. Make sure the keyword is also in the meta description and SEO title. 

Advanced User Tip: If you have multiple pages with similar content, use related keywords on each page to avoid duplicate content. For example, one page could focus on “best running shoes for men,” while another could focus on “best running shoes for women.” 

SEO title 

The SEO title is one of the most important factors in how a page ranks in search engines and how it is perceived by users. A good SEO title should be informative, relevant and click-friendly. 

How to create an effective SEO title? 

• Include the main keyword early in the title. 

• Keep the title within 60 characters to avoid truncation in search results. 

• Make the title attractive to users by using powerful words like “guide”, “tip”, “best” or “2025”. 

• Example of a good SEO title: “Learn SEO with Yoast: Effective Tips and Tricks for 2025” 

• Common mistakes: 

• Too long titles that are cut off in search results. 

• Excessive use of keywords (keyword stuffing), which can be perceived as spam. 

Meta description 

The meta description gives users a preview of the content on the page and is an important factor in increasing click-through rate (CTR). 

How to write a good meta description? 

• Keep it between 120-155 characters. 

• Use an active voice and make the description engaging. 

• Include the keyword in a natural way. 

• For example, end with a call to action (CTA), such as “Read more”, “Discover now”, or “Get the best tips here”. 

Example of a good meta description: “Learn how to use Yoast SEO to improve your Google rankings. Follow our simple tips and tricks for better visibility in 2025.” 

Analysis of the content 

Yoast provides a detailed analysis of your content, helping you find the balance between search engine optimization and usability. The analysis covers the following: 

• Keyword Density: Ensures that the keyword is used sufficiently without appearing excessive. 

• Text length: Long enough articles provide more value to the reader. Generally, at least 300 words are recommended for posts and 900+ words for in-depth articles. 

• Use of headings: Helps organize content for both readers and search engines. 

• Internal and external linking: Ensures a good structure and improves the user experience. 

• Tip: Don’t get too focused on getting “green lights” from Yoast. Use the analysis as a guide and adjust accordingly. 

Readability analysis 

The readability analysis in Yoast is designed to make your content easy to consume for readers. The tool evaluates: 

• Sentence length: Long sentences can be challenging to read. Avoid this by keeping sentences under 20 words. 

• Paragraph length: Long blocks of text can seem overwhelming. Break the text up into shorter paragraphs. 

• Transitional words: Ensure a flow in the text and help the reader understand connections. 

• Passive vs. active voice: Active voice makes the text more engaging. 

• Tip: Use a conversational tone and avoid too much technical language, unless your target audience is experts. 

Social media preview 

Yoast lets you preview how your content will look when shared on social media. 

Customize images and descriptions for each platform to maximize engagement. 

Backend settings for Yoast SEO 

General settings 

Under “SEO > General” you can: 

Enabling advanced features 

Launch the SEO Configuration Wizard 

Use the wizard for a quick basic setup. 

Search functionality 

Under “SEO > Search Results Appearance” you can: 

Customize how content appears in search engines 

Set templates for SEO titles and meta descriptions 

Automate processes with templates that include your website name. 

Sitemap 

Yoast generates an XML sitemap that helps search engines index your website. 

The sitemap is located as usual at www.domene.no/sitemap.xml 

Submit the sitemap to Google Search Console for better visibility. 

Integrations 

Connect Yoast to Google Search Console to gain insights into your website's performance. 

Use the reports to identify improvement opportunities. 

Advanced Optimization Tips 

Internal linking 

Strong internal linking helps both users and search engines navigate your website. 

Link to relevant posts or pages for better flow and ranking. 

Image optimization 

Make sure all images have relevant alt texts that include keywords. 

Competitor analysis 

Use your competitors' keyword strategy as inspiration. 

Tip: Identify keywords that they rank for and integrate them into your content. 

With Yoast SEO, you can take your website to new heights. Take the time to fill out all the fields thoroughly and use the plugin’s feedback as a guide. Remember, good SEO isn’t just about search engines, it’s also about creating value for your users!