How to Optimize Rank Math Settings for a Faster WordPress Website

At Asheville Web Design, we constantly seek ways to improve website performance while keeping SEO efforts strong. Rank Math is a fantastic SEO plugin for WordPress, but its default settings can sometimes add unnecessary bloat. Optimizing Rank Math’s modules can make your website faster and more efficient.

Here’s a breakdown of how we optimize Rank Math and which Rank Math modules to turn off and on, along with some tips to streamline your workflow and improve website speed.

Modules to Turn Off

1. Content AI:
   Even when it works, it often generates subpar suggestions and adds unnecessary weight to your website. Focus on creating quality content yourself.
2. Analytics:
   Instead of adding analytics bloat through Rank Math, learn how to use Google Analytics (GA) directly. It’s faster and more reliable.
3. Link Counter:
   If your site has fewer than 15 pages, skip this. Manage internal links with a spreadsheet—it’s simpler and won’t slow down your site.
4. SEO Analyzer:
   You’ll still receive SEO suggestions without this module. There are faster, more effective tools available that don’t weigh down your website.

Modules to Turn On

1. Instant Indexing:
   Save time by enabling instant indexing, which spares you from installing additional plugins like IndexNow.
2. Local SEO:
   Essential for businesses targeting local searches. Make sure this is always activated.
3. Redirections:
   Manage redirects without another plugin, reducing overall plugin bloat.
4. Schema:
   Rank Math’s Schema builder is one of its best features. Properly structured data improves your search visibility.
5. Sitemap:
   While not perfect, Rank Math’s sitemap module works well enough. Tip: Submit each parent sitemap (Posts, Pages, etc.) individually to Google Search Console for best results.

Optional Modules to Consider

• 404 Monitor:
  Activate it temporarily when taking over a website to catch broken links, then disable it once the issues are fixed.
• Image SEO:
  Use this to add missing alt attributes, but don’t keep it running indefinitely. It’s better to adopt proper image practices from the start.

Bonus: Add Custom Schema with a Simple Code Snippet

Rank Math’s Schema builder is solid, but sometimes you need to inject custom data quickly. Here’s a snippet you can add to your theme’s functions.php file:

add_filter( 'rank_math/json_ld', function( $data, $jsonld ) {
    if ( isset( $data['publisher'] ) ) {
        $data['publisher']['knowsAbout'] = [
            "Web Design", "Web Hosting", "SEO", "Online Marketing", 
            "WordPress", "Facebook Ads", "Google Ads", "Local SEO", "Baltimore"
        ];
        
        $data['publisher']['aggregateRating'] = [
            "@type" => "AggregateRating",
            "ratingValue" => "4.9",
            "reviewCount" => "37"
        ];

        $data['publisher']['hasOfferCatalog'] = [
            "@type" => "OfferCatalog",
            "name" => "Our Services",
            "itemListElement" => [
                [
                    "@type" => "Offer",
                    "itemOffered" => [
                        "@type" => "Service",
                        "name" => "Web Design",
                        "url" => "https://ashevillewebdesign.com/web-design"
                    ]
                ],
                [
                    "@type" => "Offer",
                    "itemOffered" => [
                        "@type" => "Service",
                        "name" => "SEO",
                        "url" => "https://ashevillewebdesign.com/seo-services"
                    ]
                ],
                [
                    "@type" => "Offer",
                    "itemOffered" => [
                        "@type" => "Service",
                        "name" => "Google Ads Management",
                        "url" => "https://ashevillewebdesign.com/google-ads-management"
                    ]
                ]
            ]
        ];
    }
    return $data;
}, 99, 2);

What this code does:

• Adds the knowsAbout attribute for extra keyword context.
• Injects an aggregateRating to highlight your positive reviews.
• Creates an OfferCatalog with your services to enrich your schema markup.

Final Thoughts

Making these adjustments to Rank Math not only improves your website’s speed but also reduces plugin bloat—without sacrificing essential SEO functions. Remember, SEO tools should enhance your site, not weigh it down.

Need help configuring Rank Math or improving your site’s SEO? Contact Asheville Web Design for professional assistance. We’ll ensure your website runs smoothly while ranking higher in search results.