Content Management systems like WordPress thrive on their modular structure. If a function is not included, it can be easily installed via an extension – which makes it very convenient, especially for inexperienced users. This also applies to search engine optimization. In recent years, two SEO plugins have established themselves as solutions: Yoast SEO and Rank Math. The former has been on the market for a decade, the latter just a few years.
But how do these extensions differ – and which one is the better choice? We got to the bottom of this question for you…
What is an SEO plugin for anyway?
SEO plugins are useful in many ways. They help to optimize the website both technically and in terms of content for search engines. On the one hand, this is achieved through a structured setup process in which the right basis for successful SEO is laid. On the other hand, the core of these extensions is an aid in content creation.
These extensions are interesting for both newcomers and professionals. They help newcomers to identify relevant SEO factors and to optimize the content in a targeted manner. For professionals, they give extra reassurance and confirmation that everything has been thought of.
So all in all, these are plugins that should not be missing from any WordPress website, as they bring many advantages.
Yoast SEO – the popular SEO plugin
Yoast SEO has become the most popular WordPress extension for SEO since it was released in 2010. It’s now something of a standard for the popular CMS. More than 288 million downloads worldwide speak for themselves. No wonder: It is intuitive to use, easy to set up, and already includes many helpful functions in the free version. It is also available for other content management systems such as TYPO3.
Features of Yoast SEO
The free version of Yoast SEO already includes many functions that are easily sufficient for the majority of websites and companies. Examples include:
- Metadata for search engines
- XML Sitemap
- Keyword analysis with a focus keyword
- OpenGraph Data for Social Media
- Breadcrumbs
- Readability Analysis
- Link counter
A generous range of functions is already provided as standard. In addition, a paid premium version is available, which scores with additional functions:
- Forwarding Manager
- Link suggestions
- More Focus Keywords
- Related Keyphrases
- Extensions for Local SEO, Video SEO, WooCommerce SEO, and News SEO
- Overall, the SEO plugin can map the entire SEO process in the on-page area. In addition, the extension is always updated with updates and thus regularly receives additional functions. The ones mentioned here are just the core features, a full list can be found here.
Application and Setup
By default, the extension includes an extensive setup manager. This guides you through the setup in several steps, whereby you will already find many options for individual settings. At the same time, the setup is designed in such a way that it can also be used by inexperienced users.
The most important tool – after successful setup – is definitely the OnPage optimization. Yoast SEO evaluates your content in two categories (SEO & readability). You will each be shown a traffic light, with the aim of course being to turn it green. The plugin provides help and comments on the content, which can also be implemented by inexperienced copywriters.
Conclusion Yoast SEO
It is not without reason that this is the most successful SEO plugin for WordPress. Yoast SEO already offers almost everything your heart desires in the free version. In special cases, the premium version must be used, but the standard scope is sufficient for most companies. It is very compatible with the entire WordPress system and is a powerful tool overall.
You should always keep in mind, however, that such a tool will never exceed the creative power of copywriters and can replace copywriters. Because in the end, you are not optimizing for a plugin, but for your customers. Especially since some of the annotations, especially as far as readability is concerned, do not always make sense. It’s a matter of careful consideration.
Rank Math – the up-and-coming SEO plugin
Rank Math is like the new challenger in the market. After years of development, it was only launched at the end of 2018 but has enjoyed steadily increasing popularity ever since. Installations on over 500,000 websites speak for themselves, and the trend is rising. No wonder: Even the free version of Rank Math convinces you with an extraordinarily large range of functions, which provides both newcomers and professionals with everything they need.
Functions of Rank Math
The SEO plugin already offers an enormous range of functions in the free version. Overall, it even outperforms its competitor Yoast SEO with a few details. Examples include:
- Metadata for search engines
- OpenGraph Data for Social Media
- Up to five focus keywords
- XML Sitemap
- Local SEO optimization with one location
- Automatic alt and title tags for images
- Breadcrumbs
- redirects and 404 monitor
So overall, some features are included that go beyond the scope of the competition. In addition, there are add-ons that are subject to a fee, such as e.g. E.g.:
- Keyword Rank Tracking
- Google: Trends, Video SEO Sitemap, News SEO
- More locations for Local SEO in all, Rank Math offers a free version with enormous scope and lets in the two available paid versions leave nothing to be desired. A list of all functions can be found here.
Application and Setup
Rank Math also comes with a setup manager that is strongly reminiscent of the competition. However, it goes even further in a few places and allows more detailed settings. Overall, however, the facility remains clear. A special feature: The settings from Yoast SEO can be fully adopted when switching.
Also, the help for content optimization is very pleasant. It works with a numerical score of up to 100 with additional coloring from red to orange to green, with the latter being achieved from 81 points. The instructions for the SEO plugin are simple and easy to understand. A total of up to five keywords per content article can be defined and checked.
Conclusion Rank Math
The challenger is also convincing across the board. The range of functions of the SEO plugin is already immense in the standard version and leaves hardly anything to be desired. Content optimization works well, although there are bound to be a few tips that experienced copywriters will ignore. Finally, the same applies here: The optimization is done for the target group, never just for a tool or a score – and when in doubt, you should rather listen to your intuition and experience than to a tool.
Rank Math vs Yoast SEO – which SEO plugin is better?
We have to disappoint you right away: There is no answer to the question in the title. Because both plugins convince with a high range of functions in the standard and diverse options in purchase versions. Overall, the functionality of the premium versions at Rank Math seems to be a bit larger, but of course, you have to ask yourself beforehand which functions you actually need.
And that’s the crux of the matter: Both plugins offer many functions and differ mainly in nuances. Which one you use ultimately depends on what you hope to get out of the tool. If you’ve always used Yoast SEO, there’s no reason to stop. However, if you are new to this field, you should give Rank Math a try.
Because in the end, it is also a lot about how you use the tool in everyday life to cope with content creation. Of course, everyone has different preferences in this area. So check the range of functions carefully and see which SEO plugin convinces you to use it. Personally, we now mostly use Rank Math due to the larger, free scope. However, you can’t go wrong with either plugin!
