{"id":3199,"date":"2025-10-30T15:43:46","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T14:43:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mijn.host\/blog\/wordpress-seo-tips-maximize-visibility\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T16:27:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:27:58","slug":"wordpress-seo-tips-maximize-visibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wordpress-seo-tips-maximize-visibility\/","title":{"rendered":"14 WordPress SEO Tips to Maximize Your Site&#8217;s Visibility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) worldwide. In its basic form, it is already fairly search engine friendly. But to really rank high in Google, you&#8217;ll need to roll up your sleeves and make smart choices from day 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SEO (search engine optimization) sometimes feels overwhelming. Where do you start? Especially now, in the AI era? In this article, we discuss 14 practical tips. We start with the technical basics and work our way towards content and advanced optimization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that basic SEO, despite the rise of AI, hasn&#8217;t fundamentally changed. And as someone who has been in this industry for several years, I don&#8217;t see this changing anytime soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"part-1-the-technical-basics\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Part 1: The Technical Basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you start writing, you want your site to have the right foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"1-choose-a-lightweight-and-seofriendly-theme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Choose a lightweight and SEO-friendly theme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WordPress themes can differ like night and day. Some themes look beautiful, but are full of unnecessary code and functions. This is called &#8220;code bloat&#8221;. It makes your website slow and difficult for Google to read. Two things that can negatively impact your rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose a lightweight theme that focuses on speed. Popular and reliable options are Astra, GeneratePress, or Kadence. With such a theme, you no longer need a page builder like Divi or Elementor (which can slow down your site even more).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I personally use Kadence for more than 90% of my websites. This theme strikes an excellent balance between speed and user-friendliness. GeneratePress is even lighter and faster, but more aimed at advanced users. Astra is, in my opinion, also an excellent choice for beginners that is easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"2-check-the-visibility-settings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Check the visibility settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It almost sounds too simple, but it goes wrong more often than you think. WordPress has a built-in option to block search engines. This is useful during the building phase of your site, but disastrous at launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go to your dashboard and navigate to <strong>Settings &gt; Reading<\/strong>. Check if the box <em>&#8220;Discourage search engines from indexing this site&#8221;<\/em> is <strong>unchecked<\/strong>. If it&#8217;s checked, your website will never be found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"472\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zoekmachines-ontmoedigen.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zoekmachines-ontmoedigen.png 1000w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zoekmachines-ontmoedigen-300x142.png 300w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zoekmachines-ontmoedigen-768x362.png 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"3-optimize-the-permalink-structure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Optimize the permalink structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The URL of your page should make it clear what the page is about. By default, WordPress sometimes uses unreadable structures like <em>yourwebsite.com\/?p=123<\/em>. This says nothing about the content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go to <strong>Settings &gt; Permalinks<\/strong> and choose the option <strong>&#8220;Post name&#8221;<\/strong>. Your URLs will then look like <em>yourwebsite.com\/wordpress-seo-tips<\/em>. This is friendlier for your visitors and search engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"332\" height=\"618\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" src=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wordpress-permalinks.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2692\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wordpress-permalinks.png 332w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wordpress-permalinks-161x300.png 161w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"4-install-a-reliable-seo-plugin\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Install a reliable SEO plugin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good SEO plugin helps you with the technical settings and provides advice on your texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most used plugins are Yoast SEO and Rank Math. They help you set titles, sitemaps, and provide direct feedback as you write a post. Choose one and configure the basic settings via the wizard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I personally use Rank Math because it offers slightly more advanced options (especially regarding schema), but Yoast is also a great choice (which is also developed by a Dutch person).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"492\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/rank-math.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/rank-math.png 1000w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/rank-math-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/rank-math-768x378.png 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"5-use-an-xml-sitemap-and-google-search-console\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Use an XML sitemap and Google Search Console<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want Google to find your pages quickly? Give them a roadmap. An XML sitemap is a list of all your pages and posts. Your SEO plugin (from the previous tip) automatically creates this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then sign up your website with Google Search Console. This is a free tool from Google. Here you can submit your sitemap. This way, Google knows which pages exist and you gain insights into how your site performs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"447\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/google-search-console-sitemap.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/google-search-console-sitemap.png 1000w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/google-search-console-sitemap-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/google-search-console-sitemap-768x343.png 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"part-2-content-amp-onpage-optimization\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Part 2: Content &amp; On-page Optimization<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Technical aspects are important, but content is what it&#8217;s really about. Make sure your content scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"6-conduct-targeted-keyword-research\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Conduct targeted keyword research<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Writing based on intuition can work. But if you aim to drive traffic from search engines like Google or LLMs like ChatGPT, you need to write about topics people are actually searching for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use tools to find out what questions your audience has. Initially focus on &#8220;long-tail&#8221; keywords. These are specific queries of 3 or more words. Competition is often lower here, and the visitor has a clearer intent. Don&#8217;t hesitate to see what your competitors are doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"7-use-a-logical-heading-structure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Use a logical heading structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No one likes a wall of text. Headings provide structure. This makes scanning easier for readers and for Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the H1 tag only for the main title of your page. Use H2 tags for the main sections and H3 tags for subtopics within them. Think of it as the table of contents of a book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"8-write-unique-meta-titles-and-descriptions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Write unique meta titles and descriptions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The meta title and description are displayed in the search results. This is the link and the short piece of text below it that you see on Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ensure each page has a unique title and description. Include the primary keyword. Make the text enticing so that people are inclined to click through to your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(In my opinion, meta descriptions are no longer an absolute must). Search engines usually select one for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"9-optimize-images\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Optimize images<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Large images are the number one cause of slow websites. In addition, search engines cannot see what is on an image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do two things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Compress:<\/strong> Reduce file size before uploading, or use a plugin that converts them to WebP format. A good tool for this is TinyPNG. But you can also use the free LiteSpeed Cache plugin &#8211; if your host uses LiteSpeed servers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alt text:<\/strong> Always fill in the &#8220;Alternative text&#8221;. Briefly describe what is depicted in the image. This helps Google understand the context.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"442\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/litespeed-cache.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/litespeed-cache.png 1000w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/litespeed-cache-300x133.png 300w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/litespeed-cache-768x339.png 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"10-apply-internal-link-structure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Apply internal link structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By linking pages to each other, you help Google understand the structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you writing a new article? Then link to relevant older articles on your site. And vice versa: go to old articles and place a link to your new piece. This way, you pass on value and keep visitors on your website longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make the anchor text (where the link is embedded) as descriptive as possible so that your visitors know what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"part-3-advanced-optimization-amp-maintenance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Part 3: Advanced Optimization &amp; Maintenance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, here are some important details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"11-focus-on-core-web-vitals\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11. Focus on Core Web Vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Google places great importance on user experience, measured through the Core Web Vitals. These pertain to load speed, interactivity, and visual stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"693\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/google-core-web-vitals-mijn-host.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/google-core-web-vitals-mijn-host.png 1000w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/google-core-web-vitals-mijn-host-300x208.png 300w, https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/google-core-web-vitals-mijn-host-768x532.png 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use a caching plugin like LiteSpeed Cache. These tools ensure that pages load faster by saving a temporary version. Also, make sure your hosting provider is fast.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">my.host is an example of a hosting provider with <a href=\"https:\/\/my.host\/webhosting\/\">lightning-fast LiteSpeed servers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"12-use-schema-markup\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. Use Schema Markup<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ever seen stars (reviews) directly in the search results? That&#8217;s due to Schema Markup, also known as structured data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is extra code that tells what type of content is on your page. Many SEO plugins, such as Rank Math (including the free version), can add this for you automatically. It ensures you stand out more in the search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"13-optimize-for-mobile-use\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13. Optimize for Mobile Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Search engines use &#8220;Mobile-first indexing.&#8221; This means that Google looks at the mobile version of your site to determine your position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regularly check your site on your phone. Are the buttons big enough? Is the text easily readable? Are elements not overlapping? A good mobile experience has been a strict requirement for several years now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"14-keep-content-uptodate-content-pruning\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14. Keep Content Up-to-Date (&#8220;content pruning&#8221;)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SEO doesn&#8217;t stop after publishing. Information becomes outdated. An article from 2018 with tips that no longer work lowers the quality of your entire site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regularly go through your old content. Update outdated information, add new insights, or delete pages that really have no value anymore. Search engines love sites with up-to-date content. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) worldwide. It is fairly search-engine friendly out of the box. However, to truly rank high on Google, you need to roll up your sleeves and make smart choices from day one. SEO (search engine optimization) can sometimes feel overwhelming. Where do you start? Especially now, in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2688,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"hide_cta_migrate_site":false,"hide_toc_block":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[228,232],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-tricks","category-wordpress"],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":3199,"nl":2687},"pll_sync_post":{},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3199"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3316,"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3199\/revisions\/3316"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2688"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.host\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}