Welcome to this tutorial on setting up Rank Math the powerful SEO plugin for WordPress.
Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a crucial role in ensuring your content reaches your target audience effectively.
With Rank Math, you have a tool that can help you optimize your website’s performance on search engines.
In this tutorial, I will guide you through each step of the installation and setup process, making it easy even for beginners to follow along.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
I will cover everything you need to know to successfully install and configure Rank Math on your website.
I will start by installing the plugin from the WordPress dashboard and then move on to the initial setup process.
You’ll learn how to connect Rank Math to your Google account, configure essential settings, set up sitemaps, and optimize your website’s SEO.
Additionally, we’ll explore advanced features like 404 monitoring, redirections, and integrating with social media platforms.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of how to harness the power of Rank Math for your website’s SEO needs.
Installing Rank Math SEO Plugin:
To begin the installation process, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the “Plugins” section.
Click on “Add New” and search for “Rank Math.” Once you find the plugin, click on the “Install Now” button, followed by “Activate” once the installation is complete.
You will now see the Rank Math SEO plugin added to your WordPress menu.
Setting Up Rank Math With The Setup Wizard
After activating the Rank Math plugin, the setup wizard will greet you with a warm welcome.
In this step, you’ll be prompted to connect a free account.
This connection enables powerful features such as Google Search Console integration and keyword tracking (Pro feature) and it enables you to access valuable SEO insights through Rank Math’s newsletter.
Click on the “Connect Your Account” button, and a new window will guide you through the process.
Getting Started
After successfully creating your account, you’ll encounter the user-friendly setup wizard.
Tailored to your familiarity with the platform, three distinct approaches are available for configuring your profile.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of the advanced setup procedure.
Choose Your Site Type
In this step, you will need to fill out a few fields about your site, so ensure that you have the following elements ready. You will need to:
Verify with Rank Math the category of your WordPress site: Is it a blog, an online store, a small business platform, or a portfolio? Afterward, opt for the configuration that best suits your website type.
Next is the Website Name, Website Alternate Name and Person/Organization Name, which helps google know more about your website.
Upload your website’s logo. Rank Math suggests utilizing a square image, with a minimum dimension of 160×90 pixels.
Include your default image for social sharing.
This image will be employed whenever a link from your site is shared on Facebook or LinkedIn.
The recommended dimensions for this image are 1200 x 630 pixels.
If a specific image is already designated for a particular post or page, the default image from this setting won’t be used.
Once the above tasks are completed, proceed by clicking the “Save and Continue” button.
Connect Your Accounts
In this step, you’ll be prompted to connect your Google account.
This connection enables powerful features such as Google Search Console integration and keyword tracking.
Click on the “Connect Your Account” button, and a new window will guide you through the Google authorization process.
Configure Your Sitemap Settings
The next step is your sitemap settings.
Sitemaps are vital for search engines to understand your website’s structure.
I recommend keeping the default settings that Rank Math gives you for sitemap settings.
Proceed by clicking the “Save and Continue” button.
SEO Tweaks
The last phase of the wizard hones in on the finer details of SEO.
I suggest adhering to the settings outlined in the image provided below:
Proceed by clicking the “Save and Continue” button.
The base settings are now complete, we will now look at the advanced options by clicking the “Setup Advanced Options” button.
Advanced Options
The first option is the Role Manager
If you are running a team, The Role Manager feature will let you control who has access to what within the Rank Math settings.
This is especially handy if you want to grant specific permissions to different team members without compromising security.
404 Monitor
No one likes broken links, right?
The 404 Monitor in Rank Math keeps an eagle eye on any broken links that might pop up on your site.
It’s like having your own link detective, making sure your visitors always find what they’re looking for.
I would turn this option on.
Redirections
Change is constant, and so are URL changes.
But fret not! Rank Math’s Redirections feature helps you seamlessly redirect old URLs to new ones.
It’s like giving your website GPS directions, ensuring both users and search engines reach the right destination.
This is one of my favourite features of Rank Math.
Schema Markup
Want to stand out in search results?
Schema Markup is your secret weapon.
It adds extra details to your search listings, making them more attractive and informative.
Think of it as your website’s virtual business card.
The default settings Rank Math give you are fine for this section.
Proceed by clicking the “Save and Continue” button.
This will now take you to the Rank Math Dashboard.
So there you have it—some of the fantastic advanced options Rank Math brings to the table.
Remember, while these features might sound advanced, Rank Math’s user-friendly interface makes using them a breeze.
Whether you’re a seasoned SEO expert or just dipping your toes into the world of search optimization, Rank Math has something for everyone.
Conclusion
By setting up Rank Math, you’ve taken significant strides toward enhancing your website’s visibility and engagement.
You now can work on crafting captivating meta titles and descriptions, incorporating focus keywords strategically, and implementing structured data markup to contribute to a comprehensive SEO strategy.
Remember that SEO is an ongoing endeavour, and regularly revisiting and refining your settings based on performance metrics can lead to sustained growth in search engine rankings.
Not sure if Rank Math is the right SEO plugin for you, check out my review here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rank Math suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Rank Math’s user-friendly interface and setup wizard make it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Can I switch from another SEO plugin to Rank Math?
Yes, Rank Math provides a seamless migration tool that allows you to transfer your settings and data from other SEO plugins with ease
How often should I update my sitemap?
It’s recommended to update and submit your sitemap to search engines whenever you publish new content or make significant changes to your website’s structure.
Does Rank Math offer support for WooCommerce websites?
Yes, Rank Math provides specialized features for WooCommerce SEO, helping you optimize your online store effectively.
Is Rank Math Pro worth the upgrade?
In my opinion, yes. But deciding whether Rank Math Pro is worth the upgrade for you involves weighing the enhanced features and capabilities against your website’s specific needs and your budget. Remember, both the free and Pro versions of Rank Math offer valuable tools to enhance your website’s search engine visibility and engagement.