Best WordPress SEO Checklist to Boost Your Website Visibility (19 Practices)

Good, your WordPress-powered website is live, but is it optimized to rank on Google? Without a clear SEO strategy, even the best content can get buried in search results. Then a well-structured WordPress SEO checklist is what you need.

Google prioritizes fast, secure, and user-friendly websites. Factors like mobile responsiveness, keyword optimization, and structured data play a crucial role. This checklist is meant to ensure your site meets technical and content standards while improving visibility.

From SEO plugin installation to meta tags and beyond, we’ll break down the essentials to have your site align with search algorithms and enhance readability. You can, of course, hire professional SEO experts to get the best results. But this guide will be a good starting point.

Why Optimize Your WordPress Website for SEO?

SEO isn’t just about ranking higher—it’s about driving qualified traffic that converts. A vast majority of online experiences begin with a Google search (or maybe through another search engine). So appearing on the first page of Google can make or break your website’s success.

Higher search visibility

Ranking higher on Google isn’t just about vanity—it’s about being seen. Did you know, not even 1% of the Google searchers click on something from the second page? So even a slight boost in rankings can dramatically increase your reach.

Proper SEO ensures your content appears where your audience is actively looking. That turns searches into opportunities.

Better user experience

SEO isn’t just for search engines—it’s for people. A well-optimized site loads faster, is easier to navigate, and delivers user-focused content. Google rewards sites that prioritize UX. That means SEO improvements often lead to a smoother, more engaging experience for visitors.

Sustained organic traffic

Paid ads stop delivering the moment you cut the budget. Organic SEO, on the other hand, builds long-term traffic. With SEO, you can optimize the site for relevant keywords and maintain technical health. That way, your site continues attracting visitors months—or even years—after publication.

Credibility & Trust 

Users trust high-ranking sites more. When your page appears at the top of search results, it signals authority. Combine that with well-structured content, secure browsing (HTTPS), and a professional design. It’ll solidify your brand’s reputation as a reliable source.

Higher ROI

SEO delivers one of the best marketing ROIs. It costs 62% less than paid ads while driving qualified leads. Organic traffic converts at higher rates, so investing in SEO means more conversions without constantly increasing ad spend. The payoff compounds over time.

Ignoring SEO means losing potential customers to competitors. A well-optimized site ensures you’re found, trusted, and chosen.

Best Practices for WordPress SEO

As you may already know, there are several dynamic elements in a site that contribute to its SEO-friendliness. We’ll cover these elements through some key practices in this WordPress SEO checklist.

1. Install the SEO Plugins

WordPress plugins are the first step to integrating new functionalities into your website. When it comes to SEO, plugins can help with internal linking, meta tags, and content optimization. You can also install WordPress plugins for advanced tasks like XML sitemaps generation, broken link building, and schema markups.

Top WordPress SEO Plugins

Yoast SEO

Yoast SEO is considered as the most trusted WordPress SEO plugin. It offers real-time content analysis, readability checks, and XML sitemaps. Its traffic-light scoring system makes optimization intuitive for beginners while providing advanced controls for experts.

Rank Math

Rank Math combines power with simplicity. It features AI-powered suggestions, keyword rank tracking, and built-in schema markup. Its clean dashboard and advanced automation make it a favorite for performance-focused SEO.

All in One SEO

All in One SEO is a veteran in WordPress SEO. This pack delivers reliable meta tag management, XML sitemaps, and social media integration. Its straightforward setup is ideal for users who need essential SEO without complexity.

What to Do?

• Install Yoast SEO, Rank Math, or another SEO plugin for on-page optimization.
• Configure the plugin’s basic settings (XML sitemaps, breadcrumbs).
• Set up social media integration for better sharing.
• Enable readability and SEO analysis for posts.
• Use the keyword optimization feature for target phrases.
• Regularly update the plugin to ensure compatibility.

And if you want custom functionalities in your website, get our WordPress plugin development services. We’ll analyze your requirements and create a new, custom plugin.

2. Use SEO-Friendly Themes

When designing a WordPress website, there are usually two ways. You can go for a custom design or install a WordPress theme. An SEO-friendly theme can ensure your site is fast, crawlable, and suitable to the search engines. With it, you can enhance both user experience (UX) and search engine visibility.

Top SEO-friendly WordPress Themes

Astra

With over 1M+ installs, Astra is a lightning-fast theme built for performance. Its modular design integrates seamlessly with page builders while keeping code lean. Perfect for blogs, businesses, and WooCommerce stores prioritizing speed and SEO.

OceanWP

OceanWP combines flexibility with built-in SEO enhancements like schema markup and fast-loading templates. It offers WooCommerce optimization and a range of demo sites. That makes it ideal for content-rich websites needing both aesthetics and technical SEO foundations.

GeneratePress

GeneratePress is one of WordPress’s lightest themes. It offers accessibility-ready code and a granular control panel. That optimizes site structure for search engines while maintaining blazing load speeds. It’s a developer favorite for technical SEO.

Neve

Designed for Core Web Vitals, Neve’s AMP-ready framework and mobile-first approach ensure Google-friendly performance. The theme’s smart code architecture and pre-built SEO starter sites help rankings without sacrificing design flexibility.

What to Do?

• Choose a lightweight, fast-loading theme (e.g., Astra, GeneratePress).
• Ensure the theme is mobile-responsive by default.
• Avoid bloated themes with excessive scripts.
• Check for built-in schema markup support.
• Verify clean, semantic HTML structure in the theme.
• Test the theme’s performance using Google PageSpeed Insights.

Besides these theme options, you can hire our WordPress theme development services for custom designs.

3. Optimize Website Speed and Performance

It doesn’t matter if a website has the best design, features, and functionalities; the traffic and engagement won’t be on par unless it performs well. That’s why the search algorithms consider good speed and performance as a major “upvote”. If a website takes too long (over 4-5 seconds) to load, the users may get fed up and bounce to the next website on SERP.

What to Do?

• Compress and optimize images with ShortPixel or TinyPNG.
• Enable GZIP compression via the .htaccess file or a plugin.
• Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files.
• Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like Cloudflare.
• Reduce server response time by optimizing hosting.
• Eliminate render-blocking resources.
• Optimize for CWV metrics like LCP, CLS, FID, and INP with plugins like Core Web Vitals Booster.

You can also opt for our WordPress speed optimization services to streamline the process and get the best results.

4. Use a Caching Plugin

Understandably, website speed is a critical ranking factor. A vast percentage of visitors abandon sites that take longer than 3 seconds to load. A caching plugin solves this by storing static versions of your pages. That reduces server load and dramatically improves performance.

Common Types of Caching

• Browser Caching: Stores static files (CSS, JavaScript, images) on a visitor’s device after their first visit. Subsequent page loads pull these files locally instead of re-downloads.
• Page Caching: Generates static HTML versions of dynamic WordPress pages. Serves these pre-built files instead of processing PHP/database queries repeatedly.
• Object Caching: Stores database query results (e.g., WooCommerce products, blog posts) in memory. Redis or Memcached are common backends for this.

Caching plugins like WP Rocket, LiteSpeed Cache, W3 Total Cache, and WP Super Cache will fix speed issues without touching code.

What to Do?

• Install WP Rocket or WP Super Cache.
• Enable page caching for faster load times.
• Set up browser caching for returning visitors.
• Exclude non-essential pages from caching (e.g., checkout).
• Preload the cache to ensure instant delivery.
• Monitor cache performance and clear it when needed.

For SEO, caching is non-negotiable as slow sites lose rankings and revenue.

5. Optimize the URL Structure

If the URL of your website is too complex, it will be harder to read and comprehend. So optimize the URL structure of your WordPress website for SEO-friendliness.

What to Do?

• Use short, descriptive URLs (e.g., /seo-checklist).
• Avoid numbers, dates, or random characters in URLs.
• Avoid the stop words like “a,” “an,” “the,” “and,” “or,” etc.
• Include target keywords naturally in the slug.
• Use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_).
• Set a consistent URL structure in WordPress settings.

With better readability, an SEO-friendly URL gains more “upvotes” from the search algorithms. That will ensure the website is more visible and ranks high on the SERPs for better organic traffic.

6. Optimize the Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

When a person searches for a particular topic, product, or service, the first thing they see is the title and meta description of the page on the SERP. Now, as you may already know, “the first impression is the last impression.” So a well-optimized title and meta description will help you improve the click-through rate and increase organic traffic on the website.

Keep the title tag and meta description concise and to the point. It’d be ideal to keep the title tag under 60 characters and the meta description under 155 characters. Anything over that won’t be visible to the user on the SERPs. Also, make sure to write a compelling meta description with the relevant keywords, and avoid KW stuffing at all costs.

What to Do?

• Keep titles under 60 characters and descriptions under 160.
• Include primary keywords near the beginning.
• Write compelling, click-worthy meta descriptions.
• Avoid duplicate titles across pages.
• Use dynamic tags (like %currentyear%) for consistency.
• Test variations for CTR improvement in Google Search Console.

So you can improve the website visibility on the SERPs through well-optimized title tags and meta descriptions. That will help you gain more “upvotes” from the search algorithms to attract more organic traffic to the website.

7. Use Proper Header Tags on the Website

One of the significant aspects of the on-page SEO of any WordPress website is the heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.). Integrate these HTML elements to define a better structure and hierarchy of the contents on a page.

What to Do?

• Use only one H1 tag per page (typically the title).
• Structure content logically with H2, H3, and H4 tags.
• Include keywords naturally in headers where relevant.
• Ensure headers follow a hierarchical order (H1 > H2 > H3).
• Make headers scannable and descriptive for readers.
• Avoid using headers just for styling – use CSS instead.

But complicating the content with too many header tags in unnecessary places isn’t recommended.

8. Use Schema Markup

Structured schema helps search engine crawlers understand the content effectively. You can get rich snippets through schema markup by adding different types of schemas. Like ratings (for products and places), duration (like cooking duration), pricing (cost of products), product pics, and listicles.

What to Do?

• Install a schema plugin like Schema Pro, All in One Schema Rich Snippets, or WP SEO Structured Data Schema.
• Mark up key content types (articles, FAQs, products).
• Test markup with Google’s Rich Results Test.
• Add organization and website schema.
• Implement breadcrumb schema for better SERP display.
• Update schema when adding new content types.

Rich snippets can be excellent for local SEO since people are often looking for the best places around them. For them, rich snippets like ratings make it easier to find the best one. WordPress plugins can help with the schema markups on your WordPress website.

9. Optimize Images Alt Tags and File Names.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s a great saying, but search engines can’t recognize and comprehend the images. So you need to provide them with extra info to explain what the image is all about.

What to Do?

• Write descriptive alt text for all images.
• Include keywords naturally where appropriate.
• Rename image files before uploading (e.g., “wordpress-seo-checklist.jpg”).
• Compress images without losing quality.
• Use WebP format for better compression.
• Add images to your XML sitemap.

Don’t forget to use the relevant keywords in the file name and alt tags. So your image is visible in the “Images” section when a user searches for it.

10. Use Breadcrumbs for Easier Navigation

Breadcrumbs is one of the most significant on-page SEO techniques for WordPress websites. This navigational strategy improves the user experience of the website. That helps search engines understand the context, structure, and hierarchy of the website. 

What to Do?

• Enable breadcrumbs in your SEO plugin settings.
• Ensure breadcrumbs appear on all relevant pages.
• Implement breadcrumb schema markup.
• Make breadcrumbs clickable for navigation.
• Match breadcrumb structure to site hierarchy.
• Test breadcrumbs in Google Search Console.

The hierarchy should showcase a clear structure from the top-level category to the sub-categories. Moreover, the labels need to be descriptive. For e.g., instead of using “Home > Blog > Post 1”, use “Home > Blog > WordPress SEO Checklist”.

11. Submit an XML Sitemap to Google Search Console

An XML sitemap lists all web pages with important info, like their modified date and priority. This technical SEO strategy ensures that all the pages that have been mapped will be crawled by the search algorithms for indexing.  

Several SEO plugins like RankMath can help generate XML sitemaps for websites. These plugins can help generate and update the sitemaps when you add or delete new pages on the website.

What to Do?

• Generate sitemap using your SEO plugin.
• Submit to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
• Update sitemap after major site changes.
• Include only indexable pages.
• Set proper priority and change frequency.
• Monitor for errors in Search Console.

After updating a sitemap, crawlers will understand the structure of the website. So they will crawl effectively without spending a crawl budget. GSC also helps you to track website errors like indexing, broken webpages, redirections, page experiences, and many more.

12. Optimize Your Robots.txt File

Another significant WordPress SEO tip is optimizing the robots.txt file. This file specifies to the search crawlers which pages of the website they should be crawling. Optimize this file to ensure your website is crawled and indexed more effectively. 

What to Do?

• Locate your robots.txt file (yoursite.com/robots.txt).
• Block only non-public pages (e.g., admin areas).
• Allow access to CSS and JS files.
• Reference your sitemap location.
• Test with Google’s robots.txt tester.
• Avoid blocking important pages accidentally.

Google suggests you optimize the robots.txt files to help the search crawlers go through relevant web pages more effectively. That’s why it is one of the most significant technical SEO strategies.

13. Use Internal Linking

Another excellent practice in the WordPress SEO checklist is internal linking. It’s the technique of inserting the link of one page of a website onto another page of the same site. 

What to Do?

• Link to 3-5 relevant internal pages in every post.
• Use descriptive anchor text (avoid “click here”).
• Prioritize linking to cornerstone content.
• Check for orphan pages (pages with no internal links).
• Use a plugin like Link Whisper to find linking opportunities.
• Update old posts with links to new content.

Internal linking ensures users understand the content a little better with more context. It also spreads link equity and improves the authority of the page and domain.

14. Optimize the Navigation of Your Website

User experience is a significant aspect of SEO and a potential “voting factor” of search algorithms. One of the major factors controlling the UX is the site’s navigation. 

Good navigation would mean the user is able to explore the website and find relevant products or services more efficiently.

What to Do?

• Keep main navigation simple and intuitive (max 7 items).
• Place important pages in top-level navigation.
• Include a search function for large sites.
• Ensure navigation is consistent across all pages.
• Make navigation mobile-friendly.
• Use descriptive labels (avoid generic terms).

Good navigation enhances the user experience and improves dwell time. It also ensures more “upvotes” from the search algorithms for better rankings on the SERPs.

15. Optimize the 404 Pages & Fix the Broken Links

Fixing the broken links is a crucial WordPress SEO practice since the users may get frustrated when they click on a link and see “Error 404”, which means the page doesn’t exist. That may lead to them quitting your website and moving on to the next alternative.

So monitor and identify the 404 errors through a popular SEO tool and fix the broken links.

You may also try optimizing the 404 pages to ensure the visitors don’t click off. The 404-page optimization includes adding useful info, adding branding, and using a friendly tone. You should also add a CTA to the sign-up form or other relevant pages.

What to Do?

• Create a helpful 404 page with navigation options.
• Set up 301 redirects for important broken links.
• Run monthly broken link checks with Screaming Frog.
• Add a search bar to your 404 page.
• Consider creating a custom 404 design.
• Monitor 404 errors in Google Search Console.

Fixing the broken links can ensure a better user experience, leading to better search rankings.

16. Optimize the Website for Mobile Usage

More than 58% of the web traffic comes from mobile devices. So the search algorithms consider the mobile-friendliness of a website as one of the major search engine ranking factors. So you need to use mobile-friendly themes and plugins, optimize the images, use better mobile-friendly fonts and designs, and use better navigation menus.

What to Do?

• Test with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
• Ensure text is readable without zooming.
• Space tap targets appropriately.
• Use a responsive theme.
• Compress images further for mobile.
• Check mobile load speed separately.

Afterward, make sure to test the site on the mobile to check if it loads, renders, and looks as well as you expected.

17. Install and Use SSL and HTTPS on Your Website

Security is another significant ranking factor recognized by every search algorithm. One of the best ways to secure your website is by installing an SSL certificate and using HTTPS protocol. People tend to find websites with these security enforcements more trustworthy because the data transfer between the website and its visitors is encrypted and secured from hackers.

So trustworthiness ensures a better search ranking and higher organic traffic. 

The SSL certificate can be installed through the web host or a certified authority. Moreover, after installing the SSL and HTTPS, make sure to configure your website so that its URL, along with the resources (like images and scripts), runs over this newly secured protocol.

What to Do?

• Get an SSL certificate from your hosting provider.
• Force HTTPS via .htaccess or plugin.
• Update all internal links to HTTPS.
• Set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS.
• Update Google Search Console with new HTTPS property.
• Fix any mixed content warnings.

There are several WordPress plugins, like Really Simple SSL, Easy HTTPS Redirection (SSL), etc., that can help you redirect your website to HTTPS.

18. Choose the Right WordPress Hosting Provider

WordPress hosting controls your website’s performance, security, and overall success. But before selecting the best WordPress hosting provider, you need to consider your website’s size and traffic along with your budget.

Key factors to consider when choosing a hosting for your website:

1. Speed and Performance: Look for providers with SSD storage, CDN integration, and optimized servers. Check server locations for proximity to your target audience.
2. Security: Prioritize providers with robust security features like SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular backups. Consider managed WordPress hosting for enhanced security.
3. Reliability and Uptime: Aim for providers with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Check customer reviews for insights into their reliability.
4. Scalability: Ensure the provider offers upgrade options to accommodate growth.
5. Customer Support: Evaluate response times, availability, and support channels (live chat, phone, email).
6. Pricing and Plans: Compare features, storage, bandwidth, and pricing across different providers. Be aware of hidden costs and renewal rates.
7. Ease of Use: Consider one-click WordPress installation and user-friendly control panels.

What to Do?

• Select hosting with SSD storage.
• Ensure PHP 8.0+ is available.
• Check for built-in caching solutions.
• Verify server locations match your audience.
• Look for automatic backups.
• Test server response times before purchasing.

Some of the common types of WordPress hosting include shared hosting, VPS hosting, managed WordPress hosting, cloud hosting, and more. And, some of the best hosting services for WordPress websites include WP Engine, SiteGround, Hostinger, etc.

19. Monitor All SEO Factors in the WordPress Regularly

SEO isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Regular monitoring ensures your WordPress site maintains its rankings, adapts to algorithm updates, and continuously improves. The aim is to ensure your optimization efforts are paying dividends in terms of traffic, engagement, and rankings.

Some of the factors to consider are:

• Content Quality: High-quality, informative, and engaging content is essential.
• Keyword Optimization: Strategic use of relevant keywords in titles, headings, and content.
• Meta Tags: Crafting compelling meta titles and descriptions to improve click-through rates.
• Image Optimization: Using descriptive file names, alt text, and proper sizing for images.
• Internal Linking: Connecting related pages within your website to improve navigation and SEO.
• Website Speed: Optimizing website load times for a better user experience.
• Mobile Friendliness: Ensuring your website is responsive and accessible on mobile devices.
• XML Sitemap: Creating a sitemap to help search engines understand your website’s structure.
• Robots.txt: Controlling search engine crawlers’ access to specific pages.
• URL Structure: Using clear and descriptive URLs.
• Backlinks: Acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable websites.
• Social Signals: Leveraging social media platforms to increase visibility.
• Local SEO: Optimizing your website for local search results (if applicable).
• Brand Mentions: Building brand awareness and authority through online mentions.
• Website Navigation: Creating a user-friendly and intuitive navigation structure.
• Bounce Rate: Reducing the percentage of visitors who leave your site quickly.
• Time on Page: Increasing the average time visitors spend on your pages.
• Mobile Experience: Ensuring a seamless user experience on mobile devices.

Several SEO tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, SEMRush, Ahrefs, etc. are available to analyze the website comprehensively. That way, you will be able to ensure this SEO checklist for WordPress has helped your website achieve the best rankings on the SERPs.

If after this monitoring, you find your efforts are not giving suitable results, hiring our professional SEO services will be much better.

Top WordPress SEO Plugins

WordPress plugins can solve the smallest issues and help integrate some significant functionalities in the website. That includes the ones for SEO functionalities, like:

Yoast SEO

Yoast SEO offers a robust suite of tools designed to enhance your website’s search engine visibility. Beyond basic keyword optimization and meta tag management, it provides in-depth readability analysis, XML sitemap generation, social media integration, and internal linking suggestions.

Yoast also offers premium features such as focus keyword analysis, video SEO, and e-commerce support.

Rank Math

Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set, Rank Math is a strong contender in the SEO plugin market. This plugin boasts advanced keyword research, schema markup generation, local SEO optimization, and integration with popular page builders.

Rank Math also prioritizes speed and performance, making it a popular choice for websites seeking to improve load times.

AIOSEO

AIOSEO is a versatile SEO plugin with a balance between feature-rich and user-friendly. It offers core functionalities like keyword optimization, meta tag management, XML sitemaps, and social sharing. AIOSEO also provides advanced options for schema markup, image SEO, and WooCommerce integration.

While it may not have the same depth of features as some competitors, it’s a solid choice for many website owners.

SEOPress

SEOPress positions itself as a lightweight yet powerful SEO plugin. It focuses on core SEO functionalities such as keyword optimization, meta tags, XML sitemaps, and redirects. It may lack some of the advanced features offered by its competitors. But SEOPress prioritizes speed and performance, making it a suitable option for resource-constrained websites.

Google Keyword Planner

While not a WordPress plugin, Google Keyword Planner is an essential tool for keyword research. It provides valuable data on search volume, competition, and related keywords. While it’s primarily designed for Google Ads campaigns, the insights gained can be effectively utilized to optimize your WordPress content.

Choosing the right SEO plugin depends on your specific needs and website goals. Many of these plugins offer free versions, so you can test their functionality before committing to a premium plan. Get our dedicated WordPress development services if you want a custom plugin for your website.

FAQs on WordPress SEO

Let’s Take Your WordPress Website to the Top!

Optimizing your WordPress website for search engines is a multifaceted challenge that requires a strategic and consistent approach. That includes a range of tasks to be completed to ensure the best results.

From keyword research and on-page optimization to technical SEO and content creation, each step contributes to your overall SEO success. It’s an ongoing process, which has to be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure the best results.

So, want help taking your website to the top? Then connect with our SEO professionals today!