Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for increasing the visibility of your WordPress posts. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add SEO settings to a WordPress post using a popular SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math.

Step 1: Install and Activate an SEO Plugin

1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. In the search bar, type "Yoast SEO" or "Rank Math."
4. Click Install Now next to your preferred SEO plugin.
5. Once installed, click Activate.

Step 2: Edit Your Post

1. Navigate to Posts > All Posts.
2. Find the post you want to add SEO settings to and click Edit.

Step 3: Optimize the SEO Title

1. Scroll down to the Yoast SEO or Rank Math panel below the editor.
2. In the SEO Title field, ensure that the title is concise, descriptive, and contains your primary keyword.
   • Example: "How to Optimize WordPress Posts for SEO | Complete Guide"

Step 4: Write a Meta Description

1. In the Meta Description field, write a brief summary of the post that includes your primary keyword.
   • Aim for 150–160 characters, though Google may truncate longer descriptions.
   • Use the preview feature in the plugin to see how your title and description will appear in Google results.
   • Example: "Learn how to add SEO settings to your WordPress posts to improve search rankings using plugins like Yoast SEO."

Step 5: Set the Focus Keyword

1. In the Focus Keyword or Focus Keyphrase field, enter the main keyword or phrase you’re targeting.
   
   • Example: "Add SEO settings to WordPress post."
2. Optional (Rank Math only): Use the Schema tab to configure structured data for your post (e.g., article, recipe, product). This helps search engines better understand your content and may enhance how your post appears in search results with rich snippets.

Step 6: Check SEO Suggestions

1. After entering the focus keyword, the plugin will provide suggestions or indicate issues. Yoast SEO uses color indicators (red, orange, green), while Rank Math uses a score out of 100.
   
   • Adjust your post until the plugin’s suggestions show green lights (Yoast) or a high score (Rank Math).

Step 7: Optimize for Readability

1. The SEO plugin will also provide a readability analysis.
2. Follow the plugin’s recommendations for sentence length, passive voice usage, and subheading distribution.

Step 8: Use Internal and External Links

1. Add internal links to other relevant posts on your website.
2. Include external links to reputable sources.

Step 9: Add Alt Text to Images

1. Make sure all images in your post have descriptive Alt Text with your primary keyword.

Step 10: Publish or Update the Post

1. Once you’ve optimized all the SEO settings, click Publish (for new posts) or Update (for edits) to apply your SEO settings.