You’ve set up your blog on Bluehost, installed WordPress, and you’re ready to share your ideas with the world. You write a fantastic post, but you have a nagging feeling: how will anyone find it? This is where Yoast SEO, one of the most popular WordPress plugins, becomes your best friend. It gives you a roadmap to help your content get noticed by search engines like Google.

However, using it can feel like a puzzle. You’ve set your focus keyphrase, crafted a meta title, and written a description, but that little Yoast SEO light is still stubbornly red or orange. You’re left wondering, “What am I missing?”

This guide will walk you through exactly what you should do in Yoast SEO for every blog post on your Bluehost site. We’ll cover the basics and reveal the other essential steps needed to turn that analysis light to a satisfying green.

The Three Must-Dos for Every Post

Before you even think about the green light, there are three foundational steps in the Yoast SEO box below your WordPress editor. Getting these right sets the stage for everything else.

1. Focus Keyphrase: This is the primary search term you want your post to rank for. Think like your reader: what phrase would they type into Google to find your article? It could be “beginner sourdough recipe” or “best indoor plants for low light.” Choose one specific phrase for each post.
2. Meta Title: This is the clickable headline that appears in search results. Yoast shows you a preview of how it will look. Your goal is to create a title that includes your focus keyphrase, is under 60 characters, and grabs the reader’s attention.
3. Meta Description: This is the short summary that appears under your title on Google. It doesn’t directly impact your ranking, but it’s your sales pitch. A good description convinces users to click on your link. Make sure it’s compelling, uses your keyphrase, and is under 155 characters.

Completing these three tasks is a great start, but it’s often not enough to get the green light. Yoast’s analysis goes much deeper.

Beyond the Basics: How to Get the Yoast Green Light

If your SEO analysis is still red or orange, it means Yoast has identified several areas for improvement. Let’s look at the most common issues and how to fix them. Yoast provides this feedback in its “SEO analysis” tab—let’s decode what it wants from you.

1. Improve Your Keyphrase Density

Yoast checks how many times your focus keyphrase appears in your text. If it’s too low, Google might not understand what your article is about. If it’s too high (keyword stuffing), Google might see it as spammy.

• How to fix it: Naturally weave your keyphrase into your introduction, a few of your headings, and throughout your body paragraphs. Don’t force it. Read your sentences aloud. If they sound awkward, rewrite them.

2. Add Internal and Outbound Links

Links are crucial for SEO. They help Google understand how your content is connected and establish its authority.

• Internal Links: These are links to other pages or posts on your own website. They keep readers on your site longer and help spread “link equity” (ranking power) throughout your blog. For example, in a post about baking bread, link to your other post about essential baking tools.
• Outbound Links: These are links to other, external websites. Linking to high-authority sources (like a research study or a well-known industry blog) shows Google that you’ve done your research and are providing valuable, trustworthy information.

3. Optimize Your Headings and Title

Your post’s structure matters. Proper headings (H2, H3, etc.) break up your text and help search engines quickly scan and understand your content hierarchy.

• Keyphrase in Subheadings: Yoast wants to see your focus keyphrase in some of your subheadings (H2s or H3s). This reinforces the topic of your post.
• Keyphrase at the Beginning of Title: Try to place your focus keyphrase at the beginning of your SEO title. For example, instead of “My Guide to Making the Best Sourdough,” use “Sourdough for Beginners: My Easy Step-by-Step Guide.”

4. Perfect Your Image Alt Attributes

Every image you upload provides another opportunity for SEO. The “alt attribute” or “alt text” is a short description of an image.

• How to fix it: When you add an image in WordPress, fill out the “Alt Text” field. Describe the image clearly and, if it feels natural, include your focus keyphrase. This helps search engines understand the image and makes your site more accessible for visually impaired users.

5. Check Your Text Length

Search engines tend to favor comprehensive, in-depth content. While there’s no magic number, short posts (under 300 words) often struggle to rank. Yoast checks this and will recommend a longer text if your post is too brief. Aim for quality and depth on your chosen topic.

Don’t Forget the “Readability” Tab!

Yoast provides two analysis tabs: “SEO” and “Readability.” Many beginners ignore the readability score, but it’s incredibly important. If your content is hard to read, people will leave, and Google notices. A high bounce rate can hurt your rankings.

Here’s how to get a green light for readability:

• Use Shorter Sentences: Avoid long, complex sentences. Break them up.
• Write Shorter Paragraphs: Big walls of text are intimidating. Keep paragraphs to 3-4 sentences.
• Use Transition Words: Words like “however,” “for example,” and “in addition” help your writing flow smoothly.
• Use Active Voice: Write “You can bake bread” instead of “Bread can be baked by you.” Active voice is more direct and engaging.
• Distribute Subheadings: Use H2s and H3s to break up long sections of text and guide the reader through the article.

Your Step-by-Step Yoast Checklist for Every Post

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Here is a simple checklist to follow for every blog post you write on your Bluehost site.

1. Choose a Focus Keyphrase before you start writing.
2. Write your content, keeping the keyphrase and readability in mind.
3. In the Yoast SEO box:
   • Confirm your Focus Keyphrase.
   • Write a compelling Meta Title (with keyphrase at the front).
   • Write an engaging Meta Description.
4. Review the “SEO analysis” feedback:
   • Check Keyphrase Density.
   • Add 1-2 Outbound Links to reputable sites.
   • Add 2-3 Internal Links to your other posts.
   • Ensure your keyphrase is in some Subheadings.
   • Add Alt Text to all images (include keyphrase in at least one).
5. Review the “Readability analysis” feedback:
   • Shorten long sentences and paragraphs.
   • Add transition words and subheadings.
   • Use active voice where possible.

Chasing the green light in Yoast isn’t just about pleasing a plugin; it’s about building good habits. By following these steps, you’re not just optimizing for search engines—you’re creating better, more accessible, and more engaging content for your human readers. Keep practicing, and soon enough, getting the green light will become second nature.