Operating a WordPress website necessitates SEO optimization for increasing traffic and improving search engine visibility. To assist with these tasks, two of the most widely used SEO plugins are available: Yoast SEO and Rank Math. This article compares the features and pros and cons of the two plugins to determine which one is more suitable for your site.
Basic Features and Pricing Model
Rank Math's major advantage is that it offers many advanced features for free. It includes multi-keyword optimization, Google Search Console integration, various schema markups, and a built-in SEO analysis tool, allowing you to set up to five keywords. This is attractive considering it offers a relatively high number of features for free.
On the other hand, Yoast SEO provides basic SEO features for free, but advanced features like Google Search Console integration and multi-keyword support are only available in the paid version. While the basic features are often sufficient, there may be a financial burden if additional optimization features are required.
Keyword Optimization
Rank Math allows users to set up to five keywords for free and provides real-time keyword optimization scores, giving users immediate feedback. This feature is appealing to users who require multi-keyword optimization for their site.
In the case of Yoast SEO, only one focus keyword can be used in the free version, with additional keyword optimization available through purchase. This may be more suitable for users who want to concentrate on a single keyword.
Interface and Usability
Rank Math provides a lightweight and clean interface that integrates perfectly with Gutenberg, offering a very smooth user experience. This helps anyone easily perform SEO tasks.
While Yoast SEO features a user-friendly interface, its integration with Gutenberg may be less seamless compared to Rank Math. However, the intuitive use of Yoast SEO remains a strong point.
Additional Features
Rank Math offers schema markup with a variety of schemas to choose from, along with advanced features like a redirect manager, internal link suggestions, a 404 error manager, and external link counters, all for free. Various features that aid SEO, such as Google indexing tracking and local search optimization, are easily accessible.
Yoast SEO supports basic SEO functionalities like automatic XML sitemap generation, meta tag, and title optimization, and content analysis, and offers social media settings and video/news SEO, as well as WooCommerce SEO extension features in its paid version. This plugin is excellent for executing more in-depth SEO strategies.
Language and Writing Rules
Both plugins support Korean well, though Yoast SEO can sometimes have recognition issues when particles are attached to words, requiring users to be mindful of this aspect. These issues are less frequent with Rank Math, allowing for a more intuitive use for Korean users.
Conclusion
Users who want a variety of features for free may prefer Rank Math, while those who prefer easy-to-use basic functions may choose Yoast SEO. Rank Math is positioned as a versatile plugin, offering multi-keyword optimization and various features for free, whereas Yoast SEO remains a traditional and stable plugin. A suitable choice should be made based on site requirements and budget.