From the guy who doesn’t use SEO plugins…comes a list of his supposedly “best” SEO plugins.
Read this for what it’s worth. Just a mixed bunch of passing first hand experiences, along with second hand engagements on client sites.
I am far from an “expert” SEO plugin user. But you guys keep asking for my opinion so here goes!
1. The SEO Framework
I like their features, UI, and overall vibe the best. Just the right amount features for devs and none of the newbie stuff for people with crap sites and crap themes.
2. All-in-One SEO
I loved what this plugin used to be…before Syed Balkhi touched it. AIO SEO is now acquired under his umbrella companies and everything he touches loses its soul. I’m sure it’s worth it but no thanks.
3. All the others
Here goes more stuff I don’t use personally, and only deal with occasionally on client sites.
- SEOPress – seems like a nice brand. I haven’t tried it much. I did hear some people complaining about it making a mess out of the database and lots of unnecessary entries in there (even for small sites).
- Slim SEO – super lean one with a good community vibe. But not many users like the others
- RankMath – wildly popular and many people like it. I do like its modular approach, but I feel it’s kinda bloated (high autoloads). Also kind of buggy sometimes or has random issues that break a site.
- YOAST – the biggest SEO plugin out there in terms of user base (resulting from their heavy marketing and backroom partnerships). I think it’s a safe bet if you don’t know what you’re doing. But its vibe feels like a dinosaur to me. They were one of the most hated WP brands in the past many years. Their blogs can be helpful for newbies learning about SEO.
Ultimately…what makes a good SEO plugin for me is that it has only the features you need and nothing else.
- Newbies need more features and handholding descriptions. It’s easier for them to handle all SEO from one plugin.
- Devs need a cleaner/clutter-free SEO plugin that doesn’t conflict with their custom-designed site handling SEO functions in several places (whether in theme or other task-specific plugins).
Well Johnny, nothing beat The Seo Framework…. I ve tested all major plugins, for one and half year.. NO.1 is the seo framework, and stilts one my websites for 2 and half year, and client website from one year and goes one.
Sybre did a great job, and it’s a brilliant developer
Oh yeah, this one is solid solid. Ever since it came out and still now. It only doesn’t have the hype like others but many respected developers I know recommend it.
Well Johnny, in online i dont think the hype it what we have to consider.. but the quality and security of plugins.. this world is full of developers, and there are few good developers. For money, lack of patience, they make “prostitution” from they’re jobs!
I ve spoke alot with Sybre.. this man is dreaming php 24/7, he’s also very active on wp development part, telling developers that is not ok, and with the solution. I trust him ( this is not marketing for him or plugin – just a review for a wonderfull developer).
Hehe, I meant it in a good way that it’s not hyped. 🙂
Oh man you are so spot on with Syed Balkhi. His motto seems to be to raise everything to such insane prices, promote a “introductory price” and in fine print have * Special introductory pricing, all renewals are at full price.
The moment I see any plugin having that I go a mile away. No thanks. Considering there are always very good plugins available as alternative. (Case in point WPForms vs Fluent Forms)…
Hahaha, yes! He’s the Martin Shkreli of WordPress plugins. All legal but not in good community spirit. Luckily, some original community versions were still maintained…. like GAinWP.
SEOPress is best.
I started using The SEO Framework about 1 year ago and am very happy with it. I was using Yoast Premium and got tired of their cost and bloat and constant up-selling.
I’ve been using Yoast premium plugin for years. He is good. I switched to The SEO Framework Premimu for about three months. My results are almost 30% better than earlier with Yoast.
Oh wow, that’s a huge difference!!
Following this article, I deleted Yoast from my website and installed The SEO Framework, which I’ve never heard of before… Indeed no babying there, just the necessary logical settings. I like that!
Am I imagining things, or does The SEO Framework allow your website to run faster than it would with Yoast?
Frontend speed should be the same. But I imagine backend would be much lighter with SEO-F than YOAST.
Hi, Johnny. Last update of SEO Framework was 5 months ago. Do you believe it is still worth installed it?
You’re asking a guy who doesn’t use SEO plugins. But yes, if you like SEO plugins I don’t see why SEOF would suddenly not be worth it.
see answer 😉 https://wordpress.org/support/topic/when-is-next-update-3/
Hello
Om all my project I use seopress, now PRO price very well – 39$ for unlim sites…
thanks for The SEO Framework, want to try.
2023 update? Thanks 👏