SEO Checklist (for WordPress)

Are you launching a new WordPress website? Good! The following SEO measures should be taken immediately (in order of importance):

1. Install an SEO plugin

An SEO plugin is the foundation for search engine optimization of your WordPress site. Popular options include:

• Yoast SEO
• Rank Math
• All-in-One SEO Pack

These plugins offer features such as:

• Optimization of meta titles and descriptions: Customize these to stand out in search results.
• Create XML sitemaps: Helps search engines crawl your pages efficiently.
• Readability analysis: Improve the quality of your content.

By installing an SEO plugin, you lay the foundation for successful optimization.

I personally use Rank Math because it is the easiest to configure and I find it the most convenient.

2. Adjust permalink structure

A search engine friendly URL structure is crucial.

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard.
• Step 2: Select the option Post name.

This results in clear, understandable URLs such as www.deinewebseite.de/example-post instead of www.yourwebsite.de/?p=123.

I use the following setting: Post name https://blitzwp.de/beispielbeitrag/

3. Install SSL certificate (HTTPS)

It's self-explanatory, but still important to mention: security is an important ranking factor.

• Why HTTPS?: It encrypts data transmission and signals trust.
• installation:
  • Many hosts offer free SSL certificates (e.g. Let's Encrypt).
  • Install it via your hosting dashboard or contact support.
• Plugin support: Use plugins like Really Simple SSL for easy setup.

After installation, your website should have https:// be reachable.

4. Create a sitemap and submit it to search engines

One Sitemap makes it easier for search engines to find your content.

• Creation:
  • Use your SEO plugin (I use Rank Math as I said) or special plugins like Google XML Sitemaps.
• submission:
  • Google Search Console:
    • Sign up and add your website.
    • Go to Sitemaps and submit your sitemap URL.
  • Bing Webmaster Tools:
    • Similar process as with Google.

A sitemap speeds up the indexing of new or updated pages.

5. Optimize Robots.txt file

Control which parts of your website are crawled by search engines.

• Creation/Editing:
  • Create a file named robots.txt in the root directory.
• Sample content:copy javascript codeUser agent: * Disallow: /wp-admin/ Disallow: /wp-includes/
• Important: Avoid blocking important content.

A well-configured robots.txt file improves crawl efficiency.

6. Ensure mobile optimization

Over 50% of users surf the internet on their smartphones.

• Responsive design: Choose a theme that looks good on all devices.
• Mobile-Friendly Test: Use this Google toolto check your page.
• Loading times: Optimize images and reduce scripts for mobile users.

A mobile-friendly site improves user experience and ranking.

7. Improve page loading time

Nobody wants a slow site.

Fast websites are preferred by users and search engines.

• Caching plugins: – click here for an overview of all cache plugins
  • WP Super Cache (Free)
  • Swift Performance (Free & Pro version)
  • FlyingPress (costs about €50)
  • WP Rocket (also costs about 50 €)
  • Litespeed cache
• Image optimization:
  • Use Smush, ShortPixel or Imagify.
• Minify CSS and JS: Reduce file sizes with plugins like Autoptimize.
• Content Delivery Network (CDN): Use services like Cloudflare.
• Use a fast WordPress theme!

A fast website reduces bounce rates and increases dwell time.

8. Create high-quality content

Content is king. Oh, and we're speaking German here: Content is king.

• relevance: Write for your target audience.
• Quality: Offer added value & solve problems for your readers.
• Currentness: Keep content fresh and up-to-date.
• Readability: Use paragraphs, headings and lists.

Good content attracts visitors and promotes organic Backlinks.

9. Conduct keyword research

Find out what your target audience is looking for. There are tools for keyword research!

• tools:
  • Google Keyword Planner
  • Ubersuggest
  • SEMrush
• Long-tail keywords: Less competition, but more targeted traffic.
• analysis: Check search volume and competition.

Integrate keywords naturally into your content and don’t spam!

10. Optimize heading structure

Clear headings help readers and search engines.

• H1: Only once per page as main title.
• H2-H6: For subheadings and structuring.
• Keywords: Use in headings where appropriate.

A good structure improves readability and SEO.

11. Use alt tags for images

Alt tags describe images for search engines and visually impaired users.

• Description: Be precise and descriptive.
• Keywords: Integrate relevant terms.
• File names: Use meaningful names (example-image.jpg instead of IMG_1234.jpg).

Optimized images can bring additional traffic through image search.

12. Build internal linking

Link your content together in a meaningful way.

• relevance: Link to thematically relevant posts.
• Anchor text: Use descriptive text instead of “Click here.”
• structure: Helps search engines crawl and users navigate.

Strong internal linking increases user engagement.

There are also tools that do this automatically (of course only where it makes sense):

• Internal Link Juicer
• Link Whisper (I use it myself)

13. Optimize meta titles and descriptions

These items appear in the search results.

• Unique: Create individually for each page.
• length:
  • title: Max. 60 characters.
  • Description: Max. 155 characters.
• Keywords: Include main keyword.
• Call to action: Encourage users to click.

Attractive metadata increases the click rate.

14. Implement schema markup

Structured data for enhanced search results.

• What is schema markup?: Code that provides additional information to search engines.
• Plugins:
  • Schema Pro
  • All In One Schema Rich Snippets
• Application: For reviews, recipes, events, etc.

Rich snippets can increase visibility.

15. Avoid duplicate content

Avoid duplicate content, which can lead to ranking losses.

• Canonical URLs: Specify the preferred URL.
• 301 redirects: Redirect duplicate pages.
• Unique Content: Make sure each piece of content is unique.

This strengthens the authority and presence of your WordPress website.

16. Social Media Integration

Increase the reach of your content.

• Sharing buttons: Enable easy sharing.
• Link profiles: Integrate your social media channels.
• Open Graph Tags: Optimize the presentation on social networks.

Social signals can indirectly influence SEO.

17. Maintain a clean URL structure

Clear URLs are better for users and search engines.

• Short and concise: Avoid unnecessary words.
• Readable: Use words instead of numbers or codes.
• consistency: Maintain a consistent pattern.

A good URL structure improves the click rate.

18. Build backlinks

Increase the authority of your website.

• Qualitative links: Aim for links from trustworthy sites.
• Guest posts: Write for other blogs.
• Broken link building: Find broken links and offer your content as a replacement.
• Content marketing: Create shareable content.

Avoid buying links or other black hat practices.

19. Set up Google Analytics and Search Console

Monitor and analyze your website traffic.

• Google Analytics:
  • visitor numbers
  • Length of stay
  • Bounce rate
• Google Search Console:
  • Search queries
  • Indexing status
  • Security issues

This data helps you optimize your SEO strategy.

In general, you don't necessarily need Google Analytics; it's enough to use Google Search Console.

20. Perform regular backups

Protect your work from data loss.

• Plugins:
  • UpdraftPlus
  • BackWPup
• Storage locations:
  • External hard drive
  • Cloud services
• automation: Schedule regular backups.

In an emergency, you can get back online quickly.

With this comprehensive checklist, you'll lay the foundation for a successful SEO strategy for your WordPress website. Remember, SEO is an ongoing process. Stay on track and continuously optimize – don't stop! 🙂

That's it. If you have any questions, I'm happy to help.