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Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/the-benefits-of-using-an-seo-plugin/
Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most powerful digital marketing tools available to us. However, 57% of businesses still don’t have an SEO strategy, which is great news for you. Not only do you have less competition in your way, but you have plenty of tools at your disposal to get a headstart.
Among SEO tools, WordPress SEO plugins are among the most popular. If you want to boost SEO rankings as soon as possible, let’s talk about the benefits of using an SEO plugin in WordPress.
What Is an SEO Plugin?
Plugins on CMS tools like WordPress are pieces of software that “plug into” your WordPress site. You can download plugins for a wide variety of services on your website.
For example, there are plugins for weather widgets, creating better tables, or helping improve your site’s SEO value. Some plugins are free with certain WordPress plans, some require purchase, and others require a subscription.
SEO plugins are just as diverse! Regardless of the type of SEO plugin, you can expect different features from different plugins. Some may offer ongoing data analysis, some may offer keyword insights, and others may offer a well-rounded look into your content before uploading it.
For example, some SEO plugins will analyze your content as you create it and “score” your content based on a variety of factors. These may include:
- Internal and external links (optimization and number of)
- Keyword usage
- Word count
- Mobile optimization
- Image optimization
- Meta information
The list goes on, and different tools will offer different insights. However, this is generally what you can expect from a standard SEO plugin.
Benefits of Using SEO Plugins
While they are no substitute for professional SEO services, SEO plugins are very helpful for any SEO strategy, especially for DIY content marketing. Here are some of the key benefits of using an SEO plugin in your WordPress plan!
Free SEO Analysis
Yes, you read that correctly. In the business world, you should take any free help you can get.
SEO tools are often expensive or require a lot of work. With the right SEO plugin, you’ll receive detailed reports for free before every post. If you’re already paying for a WordPress business plan, then you won’t need to pay a dime for some of the best SEO tools.
Having a Second Set of Eyes
If you use tools like Grammarly or other online editors, you know how helpful it can be to have a second set of eyes on your content. No matter how skilled you are as a content writer or SEO specialist, we all make mistakes. Having safeguards in place is the best solution to common problems or aspects of our SEO strategy that we may forget.
For example, you may write out a brilliant piece on a given topic and optimize the entire piece. However, think about how easy it is to forget to add a meta description after checking off that list. An SEO plugin will keep a checklist open for you at all times and show you a score before you publish your work, so you’ll never have to worry about missing anything.
Keeping It All in One Place
32% of the web is run by WordPress, and most businesses prefer the platform. If you’re already using WP, why not keep everything in one place?
There are thousands of SEO tools available online, and you’ve likely tried one or two at some point. However, copy+pasting your content from one platform to another is not always best practice.
For example, those tools won’t offer any value for your meta information, image alt text, or anything else. Yes, there are tools available for these, but you will have to open up multiple tabs and check all of these items individually. Well, instead of all of that work, you can get a detailed report on your entire page without ever leaving the tab.
Also, this will eliminate a lot of work on your part with editing. While you should still proofread your copy before publishing, an SEO tool can tell you if you remembered to put your focus keyword into your alt text or link titles, improve your search engine snippet, and help you improve the readability of your piece!
Is an SEO Plugin Enough?
SEO plugins are helpful tools that can make your job a lot easier. However, they can’t do everything. If you want to improve your SEO strategy, then try the SEO Power Booster to help improve your domain authority and rating. This is one of the only WordPress SEO plugins that help improve domain authority (DA) and domain rating (DR).
Essentially, it works by analyzing your website and determining a score for your DA and DR. If you score below a 20, which most websites do, then you have a lot of room for improvement!
Remember that SEO plugins can only help with your content, which can only take your strategy so far. Without improving your domain authority, your hands are tied as to how far you can go. Beyond that, remember to be consistent with your content schedule, keep your website up to date, and follow general SEO best practices!
Start Ranking Higher Today
Now that you know the key benefits of using an SEO plugin on your WordPress plan, you can see the importance of using them in your strategy. SEO is only becoming more competitive over time, so without using all of the tools at your disposal, you’re running a race with your feet tied together.
Keep reading our blog for our latest SEO tips, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for help with your SEO strategy!
