Is Rank Math the Right SEO Solution for Your WordPress Site? Our Review

What is Rank Math SEO?

Rank Math is a popular WordPress SEO plugin used by over 1 million websites. It helps optimize site content to improve rankings and traffic from search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and others. In fairness, I will admit that I switched to Rank Math from Yoast and use it daily on the Software Oasis website. In this Rank Math review, I will cover the solution in detail, help you understand why I made the switch, and cover my actual experience with using both solutions. If you are short on time, I will sum it up quickly by saying that, hands down, Rank Math is currently the best SEO option available.

In this comprehensive review, I'll look in-depth at Rank Math's Pricing, Usability, Features, and Support. I will also highlight how it compares to top options you may be considering, such as Yoast SEO, SEOPress, the SEO Framework, and SEO Squirrly. I will outline the best use cases where Rank Math shines and walk through the setup process step-by-step. I aim to equip you with everything you need to determine if Rank Math is the right SEO solution for your WordPress site or client websites. Whether you're a blogger, marketer, web developer, or agency owner, read on to see if Rank Math should be your SEO plugin of choice.

Learn about our Oasis Rank^TM Review Methodology

Rank Math vs Other Top SEO Plugins: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right SEO plugin is crucial for optimizing your WordPress website's search engine visibility. To help you make an informed decision, we've created a comprehensive table comparing Rank Math with other popular SEO plugins like Yoast SEO, SEOPress, The SEO Framework, and SEO Squirrly.

Benefits of Using Rank Math

Producing the best quality content on the internet, focused on delivering a unique perspective that adds to the internet, and is written to answer the search intent of your visitor should be your ultimate goal. The only value that SEO plugins like this will add is to ensure that you are formatting your site in a structured way that is easy for search engines to index properly. The days of keyword stuffing, link building, and other tactics used to manipulate search engine results are a thing of the past.

Instant Indexing

One of the best yet least touted features of Rank Math is this instant indexing capability. In short, as you publish blog posts, Rank Math uses Google's Indexing API to submit your Pages. Other top search engines like Bing and Yandex use the IndexNow protocol, and it supports that as well. You can also manually click the Instant Index button next to any previously published page or post to resubmit them for indexing.

Google Search Console Setup

Rank Math will automatically configure your site and guide you through activating your Google Search console. This feature alone is worth the cost of the extension, in my opinion. If you have ever configured a search console by hand, you will understand what I am talking about.

Google Analytics Setup

Rank Math will also automatically configure your Google Analytics setup for your site. This is worth even more than the search console automation, as setting up Google Analytics can be even more time-consuming to do manually. The nice thing is that once you have completed the guided setup, you will have all your tracking and analytics updates and data in an easy-to-read dashboard within WordPress.

Content AI

One of the newest features in Rank Math is the content AI functionality which is an AI assistant integrated into the Rank Math plugin that provides writing and optimization suggestions to improve SEO. Key capabilities include automatically generating meta descriptions, writing SEO-focused content around target keywords, optimizing pages, and answering site-related questions through its RankBot chatbot.

Light Weight Plugin

Let's face it: the fewer plugins you have on your WordPress website, the better. The architecture of Rank Math is light and efficient, and from what I see in actual production, the extension does not impact site speed.

Comprehensive SEO plugin

While some SEO plugins only handle a couple of features, Rank Math is well thought out and packs in everything you need for on-page optimization. This includes meta tags, rich snippets, sitemaps, SEO analysis, rank tracking, redirections, and more. No need for extra plugins to slow your WordPress site down.

Easy-to-Use Interface

Rank Math stands out for its clean, simple interface that makes search optimization easy for beginners yet still provides advanced customization for SEO experts. The options are well-organized and easy to navigate compared to the cluttered UIs of some competitors.

Lightning Fast Performance

Despite its robust functionality, Rank Math maintains excellent page load speeds. Efficient code keeps your site fast rather than slowing down like bloated SEO plugins. Speed is essential for conversions and SEO.

Saves You Time With Automation

Forget manually optimizing each page on your site. Rank Math scans your content and automatically applies best practices so you can focus on creating. The SEO optimization happens in the background for you.

Affordable Pricing With Free Version

Rank Math has a forever free version with all the core SEO features. The paid PRO plan adds advanced functionality for only $99 per year. Compared to specific competitors, Rank Math delivers better value.

Exceptional SEO Support

Having spent tens of thousands of dollars over the years on expert SEO consulting, I can tell you that reaching out to the Rank Math team for support is worth the extension's price. With Rank Math enabled you can breathe a big sigh of relief knowing that from day one, your site will be correctly set up and optimized. You can spend your time focused on running your business.

As you launch your site and begin producing content, you will surely come across many SEO-related question marks along the way. The Rank Math support team is standing by to answer your questions. I have found that every question that I have had, they have answered quickly and in great detail. In my experience, the support team responds to all requests within one business day. They even have a new AI support chatbot that can field many simple questions in real-time.

Rank Math: SEO Powerhouse

A few additional points before we get into our testing. Rank Math is an SEO plugin packed with features. It offers Schema Markup options for rich snippets like FAQs and reviews. The Content Analysis tool scores your content's optimization. The Redirection Manager handles redirects, while the 404 Monitor finds broken links. It also generates XML Sitemaps for better crawling. With Rank Math, you get a comprehensive SEO solution.

Sitemap Settings Made Simple

Rank Math lets you easily create and manage XML sitemaps for your whole website. The sitemap settings allow you to include or exclude certain content types with just a few clicks.

Great Support and Always Improving

On top of stellar support, Rank Math has an ambitious roadmap for continuous improvement based on user feedback and industry trends. They consistently roll out impactful new features and optimizations to stay ahead of the curve.

As an experienced SEO, I'm thoroughly impressed with Rank Math's support and ongoing development efforts. Their knowledge base is top-notch, with clear tutorials that make complex topics approachable.

Our Rank Math Testing

What better place to show you Rank Math than on this site and the page you are reading? I captured some screenshots to help you understand how Rank Math works to help you improve your SEO scores. I will walk you through each step to help you understand the steps for optimization, schema markup, and more. Read our detailed article on mastering schema markup with Rank Math for WordPress SEO.

Rank Math's Lightweight Performance Advantage

Rank Math is designed as a lightweight and performance-optimized SEO solution. The developers have focused on minimizing its resource footprint to avoid negatively impacting site speed. Our tests show that Rank Math can improve overall performance scores compared to not using the plugin or relying on multiple single-purpose alternatives. With its lean codebase and lack of front-end assets, Rank Math demonstrates faster load times and reduced overhead.

Rank Math Scoring

In this screenshot, you can see at the top right Rank Math assigns a score out of 100 possible points for your blog post. This is not an exam, and you do not need to ace this test; you need to follow the suggestions to end up with a well-structured page.

Setup Wizard

When you first set up Rank Math and upgrade to the Pro version, you will be prompted to complete the setup steps. I would suggest you opt for the Advanced setup, a guided setup that will still allow you to customize many options. From start to finish, you will have your site properly configured in less than an hour. The custom mode is really for advanced users, and the easy mode will leave many items set at their defaults.

Optimization Suggestions

Along the right-hand side of your blog post editor, you will see the Rank Math suggestions for improving your page. Follow each suggestion, and you will quickly end up with a well-structured page. Hopefully, the end result will be higher SERP positions and increased organic traffic

Schema Markup

By default, one of the ingenious bonuses of using Rank Math is that it automatically adds schema to your pages and posts. When you add a video, for example, it will add the correct schema. Or if you have an article, it will enter the correct schema. You can also use their wizard to create custom schemas, import schemas, or even choose from a wide range of default schema types such as directory schemas, review schemas, or course schemas, among many others.

Dashboard Modules View

One of the exciting things about Rank Math is that it has everything you could possibly need and then some for functionality. For example, if you have a bbPress forum or need to enable AMP for your site, there is a configuration option. You can configure instant indexing, which is by far one of the best features of the solution. There is a configuration setup for image SEO, among many other modules, that you enable or disable from this interface.

How Rank Math Compares to Competitors

I launched my first site in 1998 and have been around SEO for some time. I have had the opportunity to try out all of the top solutions. I have even done most of the work by hand. I can tell you that no matter which solution you choose, having one in place is half of the battle. So, which one to choose? Here are my thoughts below.

Rank Math vs Yoast SEO

Rank Math has more features in its free version, is more affordable at $59 per year for unlimited sites, and is generally easier to use. Yoast SEO costs $99 annually but may be better for beginners, with more guidance on optimizing content. Both have good support.

Yoast was the previous front-runner, in my opinion, but has lost its edge since the founder, Joost de Valk, sold to Newfold Digital in 2020. Yoast focuses more on content readability. User reviews for both are positive overall, with both scoring well. For multiple sites, Rank Math is more affordable. It also has more SEO capabilities for the price. Yoast suits beginners with its simpler interface. For serious SEO, Rank Math is better. Both can help improve search rankings. 

Rank Math vs SEOPress

Rank Math has more features in its free version and is affordable at $69 per year. SEOPress's free version includes all core features, and paid versions start at $49 annually. Both have easy-to-use interfaces, but Rank Math offers more customization options for advanced users.

SEOPress focuses more on beginners. Rank Math has more advanced SEO features. For multiple sites, Rank Math costs less. SEOPress suits those new to SEO better. Overall both get good reviews and can improve search rankings. Support response times were tested for both plugins and are equally as good.

Rank Math vs All In One SEO Pack

Rank Math costs $69 annually, while All In One SEO pricing starts at $49.60. Both have easy-to-use interfaces, with Rank Math offering more advanced features. Rank Math has more SEO features like site audits and rank tracking. Support is good for both, though response times are faster with Rank Math.

All In One focuses more on usability and is simpler for beginners. Both get positive consumer reviews overall. Rank Math suits agencies and multiple sites better. All In One fits those new to SEO who want an easy tool. Overall, Rank Math provides better value, given its unlimited site pricing.

Rank Math vs the SEO Framework

Rank Math costs $69 annually, while The SEO Framework pricing starts at $84 annually for up to 2 sites. Both have easy-to-use interfaces, though Rank Math offers more features like redirections and internal linking suggestions. Support for both SEO plugins is excellent and responsive.

Rank Math has more advanced SEO features like site audits. In some of our testing, the SEO Framework appeared lighter and faster. For multiple sites, Rank Math is less expensive. The SEO Framework suits those wanting a simplified SEO tool. Both get positive user feedback overall.

Rank Math Vs SEO Squirrly

Rank Math and Squirrly SEO both offer paid plans to help optimize websites. Rank Math's paid plans start at $69 per year. This includes keyword tracking, adding markup to pages, and basic analytics. Squirrly SEO's paid Business plans are quite a bit more expensive, starting at $71.99 monthly. The latest versions of both tools have features like detailed audits, tracking keyword rankings, optimizing content, and connecting with other platforms.

Previously, Squirrly SEO's paid plans offered more capabilities for agencies managing multiple websites. But now, both tools provide robust features for agencies and individual users. In my opinion, they are on equal footing. Rank Math covers both agencies and power users looking for an easy-to-use solution. Squirrly SEO seems aimed more at agencies. User reviews for both are positive overall. 

Best Use Cases for Rank Math

Optimizing Blogs

For bloggers who want to enhance on-page SEO without learning technical details, Rank Math is perfect. It optimizes your posts in the background so you can concentrate on creating content.

Small Business Websites

Local businesses can leverage Rank Math's location SEO features to improve local search visibility. Fully optimized Google My Business listings help drive foot traffic.

Ecommerce Product SEO

Rank Math integrates with WooCommerce to optimize product pages and improve conversions. Integrated tools like rich snippets help ecommerce sites stand out in crowded markets.

Agencies Managing Many Sites

Digital agencies maximize efficiency by installing Rank Math on all client sites to enhance SEO performance. The affordable pricing works for agencies managing small to large portfolios.

Rank Math Pricing & Plans

Free Version

The forever free version equips you with core SEO functionality like meta optimization, site analysis, sitemaps, 301 redirects, and more, but does not include support.

Pro – $83.88 per year

Adds advanced features like rank tracking, role manager, SEO analytics, Google Search Console integration, and priority support.

• Unlimited personal websites
• Track 1,000 Keywords
• Powerful Schema Generator
• Free Content AI Trial (5.0k Credits)
• 24/7 Support

Business – $251.88

• Supports 200 client websites
• Track 20,000 Keywords
• Powerful Schema Generator
• Free Content AI Trial (12.0k Credits)
• 24/7 Priority Support

Agency $599.88

• Supports 750 client websites
• Track 75,000 Keywords
• Powerful Schema Generator
• Free Content AI Trial (30.0k Credits)
• 24/7 Priority Support

Additional Business and Agency Plans

For larger teams, the business and agency plans provide features like white-label reports, multisite management, and branded plugins for clients.

Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Up Rank Math

Here is an easy walkthrough to start using Rank Math on your WordPress site:

1. Select your plan and Install Rank Math like any other plugin for WordPress.
2. Activate the plugin and run through the setup wizard.
3. The wizard will analyze your site and configure optimal SEO settings automatically.
4. Customize options like titles, meta, and rich snippets on posts and pages.
5. Add focus keywords to optimize content for ranking higher.
6. Review the analyzer suggestions and SEO score to improve pages.
7. Monitor your keyword rankings and traffic directly inside WordPress.

Installation takes just a few moments, and complete configuration takes less than an hour in most cases. Detailed documentation is also available on the Rank Math website for reference.

Is Rank Math the Right SEO Solution for You?

Rank Math is a top choice for WordPress users across the spectrum, including:

• Bloggers
• Small business owners
• Marketing agencies
• eCommerce site owners
• Enterprises

It's beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for SEO professionals. The solid features, performance, support, and pricing make it a wise investment for serious search optimization.

According to Search Engine Journal, "Search engine optimization (SEO) very much revolves around Google today. However, the practice we now know as SEO predates the world’s most popular search engine, which Larry Page and Sergey Brin co-founded."

Rank Math Review Conclusion

To wrap up this review, I can confidently recommend Rank Math as my #1 pick for a WordPress SEO plugin. The sheer value they pack into free and paid plans makes it an unbeatable option. The additional features in the Pro version are well worth the price if you are running a serious business. In addition to the additional features, the support is the value. Having a team of SEO experts available to answer any and all of the questions you will have along the way is far less expensive than paying for a consultant. Here's to your ranking higher and driving more organic traffic with Rank Math!

If you're ready to step up your SEO game, choose your Rank Math version and see the results yourself.

Review Ranking Updates

For a little fun, I will keep tracking the rankings for this post periodically with rankings as measured by Ahrefs. I used the Rank Math FAQ schema, review schema, table of contents block, article schema, and instant indexing functionality on this page to achieve these results:

12/27/2023 To my surprise, just six days after posting, we had already broken the top 100 results with 3 keywords (rank math review, seopress vs rank math, and rank math vs seopress) ranking in the top 60 SERP results.

01/26/2024 As we all know, SEO and rankings are a marathon, not a sprint, but a month later; it is an excellent time to check-in. I am happy to report that with a few tweaks to this post and some additional content added, we now have a ranking of 7 keywords. These results are just over double the three keywords ranking a month earlier. We now have three keywords approaching page one, with positions 37, 38, and 43 leading the charge.

04/02/24 Spring is here, so it's time to revisit our Rank Math review rankings. Earlier, our 7 target keywords averaged around position 51 in search results. But after some tweaks and our site's authority, the average ranking jumped to position 41 – much better! Now we'll try to reach the top spots. I'll add a video review answering user questions and a detailed comparison chart. I'll also add more content covering details we missed before and update all of the details in the article including price changes.

RankMath FAQ