SEO for WordPress: Complete Guide (2026)

SEO Basics for WordPress

WordPress has its own approach to SEO. Understanding how WordPress handles URL structure, meta descriptions, XML sitemaps, and page rendering is the foundation of ranking WordPress sites in search.

Technical SEO for WordPress

URL Structure

Check how WordPress generates URLs. Clean, descriptive URLs perform better in search. Configure your WordPress settings to use keyword-rich slugs.

Meta Tags

Ensure you can customize title tags and meta descriptions for every page. Some platforms limit this. If WordPress restricts meta tag editing, look for plugins or workarounds.

Sitemap

Verify that WordPress generates an XML sitemap automatically, or create one. Submit it to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.

Page Speed

WordPress sites vary in page speed depending on themes, plugins, and hosting. Test with Google PageSpeed Insights and optimize images, scripts, and CSS.

Keyword Research for WordPress Sites

Use Delulu9 to find keywords relevant to your WordPress site. The MCP server integrates with Claude Code and Cursor, so you can research keywords without leaving your editor.

Focus on keywords that match the content types WordPress supports well. If WordPress is strong for blog content, target informational keywords. If it’s an ecommerce platform, focus on product and category page keywords.

Content Strategy for WordPress

Build content that plays to WordPress’s strengths. Create pillar pages for your main topics, with supporting blog posts targeting related long tail keywords.

Optimize each page for one primary keyword. Include it in the title, H1 tag, meta description, and naturally throughout the content.

Common WordPress SEO Mistakes

• Not customizing default meta tags
• Ignoring page speed optimization
• Missing schema markup
• Not submitting sitemap to search engines
• Duplicate content from tag and category pages

Related Guides

• SEO for Umbraco
• SEO for Hashnode
• Keyword Research for Cosmetics
• Keyword Research for Sports Memorabilia

Optimize Your WordPress Site

Delulu9 gives you keyword research for your WordPress site. Google, Bing, and Reddit data for $12/mo.