WordPress: SEO and Why to Use It

What is Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is clean use of keywords and content to increase rankings on search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.  Since WordPress uses a “call and response” PHP base, SEO isn’t as easy to use as it is with HTML and CSS. However, there are several options to include SEO into WordPress very easily.

The ways that SEO gets added WordPress vary depending on method of creation. Some themes have SEO capabilities built into them. These themes are good, however to what extent the SEO included isn’t always clear.

Many designers and developers, including Mr. D Studios, use SEO plugins. The two most used are SEO by Yoast and All In One SEO. Both have a free version, and several levels of premium options. The Studios here uses WordPress SEO due to simpler interface, and what appears as more features in the free version.

 

***However it is a matter of personal Preference. ***

 

Along side some of the themes and plugins, there are other tools that can help with SEO rankings and keywords.

 

Blogging – The blog setup of WordPress is a great way to add extra SEO value to your site. Writing more about your business and what you do or what you know can help drive traffic to your site. Also it can increase keyword rankings greatly.  Best part, it’s free.

Google Webmaster Tools – GWMT is Google’s own way of helping someone analyze a site’s SEO from the search engine perspective. Most Used Keywords, indexing, and structured data and very handy features among other things. It gets better, it’s free too.

Countless SEO Firms –  Perhaps you know some SEO practices, but want to move further with it. Achieve that higher ranking. Having an SEO firm set it up for you is always an option. However, the cost can vary greatly depending on two factors: The depth of requested services and the cost the firm charges.

I am sure there are far more options than I listed, but those are the best ways I include SEO into a wordpress site.

 

But what is the point of Search Engine Optimization?

Now that we have discussed the tools of SEO in WordPress, there is one thing to know: What the true point of SEO is.

Put simply, The point of SEO is to make what you do or offer more accessible to your audience, by making you rank higher more easily in their searches online. Every business’s audience has one need, and are trying to find a solution. SEO makes it so when they are looking on Google, Yahoo!, Bing, or other search engines, you and your solution come up sooner than your competition.

Hopefully thank help to explain SEO at a glance.  If you have any questions or comments let me know via comments, email, or on twitter.

Owner, Author, Designer, Consultant

Dylan “Mr. D” Roush is a graphic design professional with over 6 year experience. Based out of Pittsburgh,  Mr. D specializes in WordPress design, print design, typography and illustration.

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