No 1 Rank Math: WA Plus 1 Level Guide to Mastering SEO
No 1 Rank Math: WA Plus 1 Level Guide to Mastering SEO
Introduction
When I first joined WA in June last year, my understanding of SEO was a flat 0%. I didn’t know how keywords worked, what meta descriptions were, or why internal links mattered so much. I used to employ people to do this sort of work for me, so I did have a little knowledge of terminology. But still, the whole process felt overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate through the constant updates and now the recent changes from Google.
But as I’ve progressed on this journey, I’ve discovered tools that have made learning and applying SEO much more manageable. Rank Math has been one of those tools. Rank Math was actually referred to me by another now-ambassador member after I was talking about how great I thought Yoast was. His name is Richard, and you may have come across him in your WA travels Richardgb.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or intimidated by SEO, I’m here to tell you: you’re not alone. My learning curve has been steep, and I’m still climbing, but I’ve realized that with the right tools and guidance, it’s entirely possible to turn that initial frustration into confidence. Rank Math has been a massive stepping stone for me, and I believe it can be for others too, saving you time.
This article is the first where I’m trying to cover any of the steps I have had problems grasping, or that I was truly ignorant on, starting with Rank Math—a personal favorite for its free version's value and robust inclusions. Let’s explore why it stands out and how you can make it work for your site.
Why Choose Rank Math?
Rank Math is more than just an SEO plugin; it’s like having a personal SEO assistant built into your website. From keyword optimization to schema markup, it offers features that many premium tools charge for—all in its free version. It has taught me more about SEO than anything else because I enjoyed learning how to use it and seeing the effects it had on its ratings—probably obsessing a little at some points, but it was great fun to learn on my own at my own pace.
Here are some of the reasons I’ve found it invaluable:
- User-Friendly Setup: The step-by-step setup wizard makes it easy to configure, even if you’re new to SEO.
- Comprehensive Dashboard: Everything is organized and accessible, so you’re never lost in menus or settings.
- Advanced Features for Free: Features like schema markup, local SEO, and SEO analysis are all included without requiring a premium upgrade. Admittedly, some of these options you are best to ask others about.
- Google Integration: Rank Math seamlessly integrates with Google Search Console, helping you monitor your site’s performance and indexation directly within WordPress.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Getting started with Rank Math is straightforward. Here’s how to set it up:
- Install and Activate: Head to your WordPress dashboard, search for “Rank Math” in the plugins section, and click Install > Activate.
- Run the Setup Wizard: Once activated, Rank Math guides you through an intuitive setup wizard. You can select from Beginner, Advanced, or Custom settings based on your comfort level.
- Connect to Google Services: Link your Google account to access Search Console data and other integrations.
- Adjust Key Settings: Customize your site’s meta titles, descriptions, and social media settings directly through the wizard.
Exploring the Dashboard
Once setup is complete, the Rank Math dashboard becomes your control center. Some key sections to explore include:
- SEO Analysis: Provides a health score for your site and actionable tips for improvement.
- General Settings: Adjust everything from breadcrumbs to sitemap configurations.
- Titles & Meta: Set default meta titles and descriptions for posts, pages, and taxonomies.
- Schema Markup: Enable structured data to help search engines understand your content better.
Top Features to Focus On
Here are some of Rank Math’s standout features that I’ve personally benefited from:
- Keyword Optimization: The content analysis tool scores your content for SEO friendliness and suggests improvements.
- Schema Markup Integration: Add structured data like FAQ or how-to schema without needing additional plugins.
- Local SEO Tools: Perfect for small businesses targeting specific areas.
- Advanced Redirections: Easily set up 301 redirects to avoid broken links and maintain SEO equity.
- Rank Math's Redirections module makes it easy to handle 404 errors by redirecting users to relevant pages, preventing the dreaded 'Page Not Found' message and maintaining a seamless experience
My Personal Insights
Rank Math has been a crucial part of my journey. When I first tried to optimize my content, I’d often forget things like adding alt text to images or using internal links effectively. Rank Math’s prompts and clear suggestions have been a lifesaver. For example, its built-in keyword density checker helped me realize I was overstuffing certain keywords, which could’ve hurt my rankings.
One challenge I faced early on was understanding schema markup. Rank Math made it simple with its intuitive interface. I didn’t need to learn coding or rely on external tools—everything was built in.
Quick Comparisons
While Rank Math is my current favorite, I’ve also used other SEO tools. Compared to Yoast, Rank Math feels more modern and less restrictive in its free version. Unlike All-in-One SEO, Rank Math’s interface is cleaner and more beginner-friendly.
Conclusion
Rank Math has helped me go from zero understanding of SEO to a place where I feel confident applying its principles. It’s a tool that grows with you, whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your strategy. If you’ve been struggling with SEO, I highly recommend giving Rank Math a try.
Have any of you been struggling with what SEO is and does? Let me know in the comments, and as I said in my intro, I will expose what my other weaknesses have been as I have learned here on WA.
Rob
Recent Comments
32
I use RankMath too.
About easiness, I will have to say that you have to watch videos on how to work the system. I also need to recommend taking notes especially what parts mean like what are meta titles, meta description, and even sitemaps. It will take time. When I initially started using this plugin with my first website, I have had over 60% of my posts not being indexed because I didn’t get trained. Now, I am starting up a new website and am taking the needed time to understand how to set it up as best as possible. I appreciate the plugin especially that the support is quick to respond and very supported.
Thanks Rob for the post and just a side note-I know also who to call for RathMath support. 😁
Rick
Hi Rickster,
Some of us may have to watch the videos, 😂🤣😂🤣⚡others like me dive in feet first, when things went green and numbers got into the 90's I knew I was on the right track.
I can actually say its one of the best parts of learning all of this stuff that I have really enjoyed. Perhaps its because it taught me so much,
But "onward and upward" next big learn is just around the corner!
And I don't use every part of Rank Math yet but I use it on my other sites too.
Later
Rob
The way you put it…things (the feet) got warm fast. lol
Personally, my feet, are slightly beyond refrigerator cool. I’m attempting to understand the mechanics of the RankMath.
“Onward & Upward” it shall be.
Rick
Thanks for the info Rob yes I use Rankmath now which is very good even the free version so much better than SEO Framework that WA recommends or AIO they used to recomment.
Plus Rankmath with one click can get your post notified with Google to have it indexed without the need to go to GSC.
It is so simple to use and very user friendly I would recommend it too.
Also the face of Rankmath on YouTube is Jack Cao who is also a member here in WA an added bonus https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/jackcao/profile
Just one note to add is that regardless how good an SEO plugin is we should still focus on quality and unique content based for our readers intent and not to focus on any SEO plugin.
SEO plugins should only be a guide not an actual fact to follow these days regardless how easy and good they seem to be including Rank Math
Andre
Thanks Andre,
I never new that, so an interesting tidbit. Yes, the instant submit for indexing is another cool feature.
As for what's being written and posted for me it goes without saying, I don't adjust my posts other than increasing the focus keyword in appropriate ways.
Rob
Great post Rob - Rank Math is so easy to use and understand.
They also have a great blog that takes you through the processes.
Just click on any of the question marks and the site takes you to the answer.
This my third year as a pro member. New this year is their AI add on, which is a big help when you are already in the editor and need to make changes.
and yes....they do have an affiliate program
Happy blogging
Flo
Hi Flo,
I have used the ? marks and followed, never even considered them as an affiliate source, more because I am sure most people would stay put at the free version, because its so good.
Nice to hear that you are in your 3rd year.
Rob
See more comments
rank math is not really liked on this platform as it is very resource hungry and if loads of other members use it then it is likely to be added to the 'do not use' list....
i do like the program and have used it in the early days, but then found it got to intrusive and noisy....
Hi Phil,
I am not quite sure how I would be aware of it not being liked on WA, alls I know is it has taught me so much.
Others I tried were far more aggressive and filling up my inbox.
Is there a warning list anywhere I can keep an eye on, I am not one for breaking the rules.
Rob
this is the only link i know of at the moment and details most of the 'not liked' plugins...
but you will find that you cannot update or install the ones that wa really doesn't like....filemanagers and caching plugins Boost Your Site's Performance: Understanding Plugin Restrictions at Wealthy Affiliate it is good that it has taught you so much - as you say filling the inbox is
a bit annoying...
i tend to learn and then do myself with a checklist plugin as a memory jog, i think it is this one ...PublishPress Checklists